TNI and Armed Group Exchange Fire in Nduga, Authorities Push Group Away from Settlements

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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 attempting to move the armed group farther away from areas where civilians live and conduct daily activities. Authorities described this as part of the security effort to prevent armed threats from reaching civilian areas.

Authorities Focus on Keeping the Armed Group Away from Settlements

One of the main concerns during the operation was maintaining distance between the armed group and civilian communities. Lucky said TNI personnel succeeded in pushing the group farther away from residential areas as well as social and economic activity centers.

Keeping armed groups away from populated areas can help reduce the immediate security risks faced by civilians who continue to live and work in the region.

No TNI Casualties Reported

Lucky said there were no deaths or injuries among TNI personnel during the exchange of fire.

The incident occurred in a challenging mountainous environment, where extensive forest areas can provide locations for armed groups to move or seek shelter. Security operations in such terrain therefore require continued monitoring and coordination.

Forest Areas Used as Possible Escape Routes

According to the TNI commander, forest areas are frequently used as escape routes or hiding locations following violent incidents around residential areas.

For this reason, forest searches form part of the broader security operation. Authorities say the objective is not only to locate armed group members but also to prevent them from returning to areas where civilians carry out their daily activities.

Civilian Safety Remains a Key Concern

Security conditions are closely connected to daily life in Nduga. Residential areas serve as places where communities work, trade, attend school, access health services and carry out social activities.

Keeping armed confrontations away from populated areas is therefore important for reducing risks to civilians. The operation also reflects the security challenge of preventing armed groups from operating close to civilian centers.

TNI Continues Security Operations in Nduga

The exchange of fire highlights the continuing security challenges faced in parts of Highland Papua. TNI personnel are conducting searches in difficult forest terrain while attempting to prevent armed groups from approaching populated areas.

According to the TNI, its personnel pushed the armed group farther away from residential and socioeconomic centers following the exchange of fire.

Security Stability Supports Community Activities

A stable security environment is important for communities in Nduga to continue their daily activities. Reducing the presence of armed groups near settlements can help preserve space for economic, educational and social activities.

In Highland Papua, security conditions are also connected to community mobility and access to basic services. Protecting civilian areas therefore remains an important element of maintaining everyday life.

Law Enforcement and Security Measures Continue

The exchange of fire took place as part of an ongoing operation to locate the armed group. Based on the statement from the Kogabwilhan III commander, the TNI's response was aimed at pushing the group away from settlements and centers of social and economic activity.

The security operation consequently involves both efforts to locate armed group members and measures intended to prevent civilians from being exposed to direct risks associated with armed violence.

Conclusion

TNI personnel exchanged fire with an armed group identified by authorities as the Ndugama Derakma Kodap III group in Nduga while conducting a forest search operation involving a group linked by authorities to Egianus Kogoya. After the armed group reportedly opened fire, TNI personnel responded and pushed the group farther away from residential areas and social and economic centers.

The TNI reported no deaths or injuries among its personnel. The continued monitoring of forest areas and efforts to keep armed groups away from civilian spaces remain part of the security measures being carried out in Nduga.

Location: Australia

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