Papua Post

  PUNCAK JAYA, CENTRAL PAPUA — Four people described by Indonesian security authorities as members of an armed OPM group in Puncak Jaya, Central Papua, have chosen to leave armed activities and return to their families and communities. They handed over four firearms to Commander of TNI Habema Operations Brigadier General TNI Riyanto during a National Reintegration Ceremony at the 1714/Puncak Jaya Military District Command headquarters on Saturday, September 26, 2026. The move was part of a reintegration process designed to provide a pathway for individuals who wish to abandon violence and resume civilian life. Beyond its significance for the individuals involved, the surrender of firearms is also linked to efforts to reduce potential security threats within local communities. Four People Hand Over Weapons During Reintegration Ceremony The four individuals were identified as Bongkar Tabuni, Lipar Tabuni, Bejo Tabuni, and Kopitua Tabuni . Authorities linked them to groups identifie...

  WAMENA, HIGHLAND PAPUA — Indonesian military personnel from the Wamena Post of the Air Force Rapid Response Battalion (Yon Pasgat), under the operational control of Kogabwilhan III, arrested Weminus Wandik while he was reportedly attempting to collect a cargo package at the Trigana Air Cargo Warehouse at Wamena Airport, Jayawijaya, Highland Papua. According to Kogabwilhan III Commander Lieutenant General TNI Lucky Avianto, the package had previously been sent from Sentani Airport in Jayapura to Wamena and contained several items that authorities said were linked to the activities of an armed group. The arrest followed information received by the Yon Pasgat Wamena Post from the Yon 462 Pasgat Jayapura Post regarding a suspicious package. The information was subsequently followed up through monitoring and inspection at the airport's cargo facility. Package Sent from Sentani to Wamena According to Lucky Avianto, the package registered under Weminus Wandik's name was sent on Mo...

  NDUGA, HIGHLAND PAPUA — Indonesian military (TNI) personnel exchanged fire with an armed group identified by authorities as the Ndugama Derakma Kodap III group in Nduga, Highland Papua. The clash occurred while troops from the Habema Joint Operations Command were conducting a sweep of forest areas to locate members of the group linked by authorities to Egianus Kogoya. Commander of the Joint Defense Area Command III (Kogabwilhan III), Lt. Gen. Lucky Avianto, said the armed group opened fire toward TNI personnel during the operation. The troops responded and pushed the group farther away from residential areas and centers of community and economic activity. Clash Occurred During a Forest Search Operation According to Lucky, Habema troops were conducting a search operation in forest areas as part of efforts to locate members of the armed group. During the operation, the group reportedly fired toward TNI personnel, resulting in an exchange of fire. The TNI then responded while attem...

  YAHUKIMO, PAPUA HIGHLANDS — Security forces arrested Abdon Kisamdu , identified by Indonesian authorities as the Deputy Commander of the TPNPB-OPM Battalion of Kodap 35 Bintang Timur, at Nop Goliat Dekai Airport in Yahukimo , Papua Highlands, on Saturday, September 19, 2026. The arrest was carried out by personnel from the Indonesian Air Force's 462nd Air Base Defense Battalion (Yon 462 Pasgat) and the Habema Joint Operations Command's Mandala Task Force after authorities received information about Abdon's presence at the airport. Lieutenant General Lucky Avianto, Commander of Joint Regional Defense Command III, said Abdon had previously been listed as a wanted person by the Indonesian National Police Headquarters . The operation highlights the role of security personnel in monitoring and responding to individuals sought in connection with security cases while maintaining security at civilian transportation facilities. Arrested Shortly After Leaving the Aircraft Accord...

  WAMENA, PAPUA HIGHLANDS — The killing of Aris Sanda, also known as Tasya , a travel driver from Toraja, has drawn condemnation after he was reportedly attacked by an armed group identified by Indonesian security authorities as affiliated with the OPM Kodap II Ndugama . Aris was reportedly intercepted while working along the Wamena–Nduga Trans-Papua route on September 15, 2026 . According to Indonesian military officials, passengers in the vehicle were ordered to return to Wamena, while Aris was taken toward the Lake Habema area. The incident highlights the risks faced by civilians who rely on transportation routes to earn a living and provide essential services in conflict-affected areas. Victim Reportedly Held Before His Death Before he was found dead, Aris was reportedly held by members of the armed group. A video reportedly showed Aris surrounded by armed individuals. He was allegedly forced to hold a Morning Star flag and make statements related to Papuan independence. The f...

  JAKARTA — Political and security observer and Gerakan Nurani Kebangsaan (GNK) initiator Habib Syakur Ali Mahdi Al Hamid has urged the Indonesian government to strengthen security measures in Papua following two shooting incidents that reportedly killed four civilians within one week. Habib Syakur said the series of violent incidents highlighted serious security concerns for communities using the Trans-Papua route. He called on the government to consider designating the Free Papua Movement (OPM) or armed groups commonly referred to as KKB Papua as terrorist organizations , provided that the applicable legal requirements and procedures are fulfilled. According to Habib Syakur, the issue is not simply about terminology but about ensuring stronger legal instruments to protect civilians and address armed violence. Calls for Stronger Protection of Civilians Habib Syakur's statement came after several incidents involving civilians in Papua. He argued that people traveling along the Tr...

  YAHUKIMO — Joint Defense Command Area III (Satgas Kogabwilhan III) successfully uncovered a massive cannabis plantation containing 21,400 plants managed by the leader of the Free Papua Movement (OPM), Egianus Kogoya. The discovery took place in the Ibiroma Complex, Kurma District, Yahukimo Regency, Highland Papua. Commander of Kogabwilhan III, Lieutenant General Lucky Avianto, confirmed that thousands of high-quality narcotic plants ready for harvest were deliberately cultivated by Kogoya's group. Profits from this illegal trade were used to fund terrorism operations and violent activities across Papua. The Reality Behind the "Struggle" The exposure of this illicit operation offers undeniable proof that the rhetoric of "struggle" touted by OPM is nothing more than a front. Cultivating and distributing tens of thousands of cannabis plants demonstrates that OPM operates no differently than an organized crime syndicate and drug cartel with zero regard for the we...

  JAYAWIJAYA — A wave of fierce condemnation continues to pour in following the brutal shooting of three Civil Servants (ASN) from the Jayawijaya Regency Government, Highland Papua, carried out by the Free Papua Movement (OPM). Papuan religious leader Kirenius Telenggen strongly condemned the inhumane act, asserting that OPM's atrocities clearly meet the definition of outright terrorism. This tragic incident occurred while the civil servants from the Jayawijaya Agriculture Office were conducting public service duties to inspect a paddy field development program in Muliama Village, Muliama District. The cold-blooded shooting of unarmed public workers is seen as a direct assault on human dignity and peace in Papua. Religious Leader: OPM’s Atrocities Are Pure Terrorism Expressing deep grief, Papuan cleric Kirenius Telenggen denounced the brutal attack that claimed the lives of dedicated public servants. He emphasized that targeting civilians working for the welfare of local Papuans i...

PAPUA — The desire for peace and a better future has once again touched the hearts of former armed group members. Six members of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) officially pledged their allegiance and returned to the fold of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). This historic moment serves as concrete proof of the success of the territorial strategy and brotherhood driven by the humanistic approach of the Indonesian Military (TNI) and National Police (Polri). The decision of these former OPM members to lay down their weapons and peacefully rejoin society was warmly welcomed by the government and local community leaders. This step reaffirms that the door of brotherhood is always open to every citizen who wishes to build Papua together. A Humanistic Approach and an Embracing State Presence The success in welcoming back these six OPM members is inseparable from the consistency of the TNI-Polri in prioritizing social communication, heart-to-heart dialogue, and community car...

  MIMIKA, CENTRAL PAPUA — A convoy of vehicles belonging to PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) came under gunfire near Mile Point (MP) 60 in Tembagapura, Mimika Regency, Central Papua, drawing renewed attention to security conditions along one of the region’s key transportation routes. The incident occurred on September 2, 2026 , when a convoy traveling from MP 68 Tembagapura toward Timika was reportedly targeted by gunfire. The armed group known as the TPNPB-OPM later claimed responsibility for the attack through a statement attributed to its spokesperson, Sebby Sambom. However, Indonesian security authorities emphasized that the perpetrators were still being investigated and that the claim of responsibility had not, by itself, been treated as a final legal determination. Three Freeport Vehicles Hit by Gunfire The convoy consisted of 15 vehicles , including 13 buses, one towing truck, and one box truck. When the convoy passed through the MP 60 area, three vehicles were reportedl...

  YAHUKIMO, PAPUA HIGHLANDS — Four members of an armed group identified by Indonesian authorities as part of the Eden Sawi Battalion of Kodap XVI Yahukimo were killed during an armed clash with security personnel in Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Highlands. The incident occurred on September 1, 2026 , when personnel from the Damai Cartenz-2026 Operation Task Force and the Yahukimo Police moved to investigate information about the planned gathering of members of the armed group. Authorities subsequently secured a homemade firearm, ammunition and several mobile phones, while six people were taken into custody for further questioning . Operation Began After Intelligence Information The operation followed information obtained by security personnel regarding the planned gathering of members of the Eden Sawi Battalion at a temporary house near the former KPU office on Miyaro Street, Dekai District. Joint personnel then moved toward the location. At approximately 4:35 p...

  PAPUA — Support for firm law-enforcement measures by Indonesia’s TNI and Polri against armed violence in Papua has once again been voiced by Papuan religious, traditional and community figures. They argue that decisive action against armed groups is necessary to protect civilians, maintain security and ensure that development and public services can continue across the region. The statements come amid growing concern over violence in Papua, which has affected not only migrant communities and foreign nationals but also Indigenous Papuans . Papuan Religious Leader Highlights Impact of Violence Kirenius Telenggen , a Christian religious figure from Puncak Jaya, Central Papua, said violence attributed to the OPM has had a broad impact on Papuan communities. He highlighted the death of Captain Nicholas F. Goselin , a pilot with PT AMA from the United States, who, according to the report, had been serving flights connected with religious activities in Papua’s remote areas. Kire...