TPNPB Claims Responsibility for Attack on Four People in Dekai, Authorities Say Victims Were Civilians

 

YAHUKIMO, PAPUA HIGHLANDS — The security situation in Dekai, Yahukimo Regency, has drawn attention after the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), through its Yahukimo Regional Defense Command XVI (Kodap XVI), claimed responsibility for a series of attacks reportedly beginning on October 12, 2026. However, the group’s claims differ from statements by the Damai Cartenz-2026 Task Force, which said that victims in two separate incidents in Dekai were civilians, rather than security personnel as alleged by TPNPB. These conflicting accounts highlight the importance of further investigation and verification to establish the facts.

TPNPB Claims Responsibility for a Series of Attacks

In a report published by Fajar Papua on October 14, 2026, TPNPB spokesperson Sebby Sambom said Kodap XVI Yahukimo was responsible for attacks targeting four people whom the group accused of being security personnel and Indonesian military intelligence agents. According to the group’s statement, the incidents occurred at several locations in Dekai on Monday, October 12, at around 7 a.m. Eastern Indonesia Time (WIT), including the Eselon IV area and the Sekla Bend on Airport Road.

TPNPB described the attacks as retaliation for the death of Tirinus Keroman, whom the group identified as a member of the Yallenang Battalion. However, the group’s claims do not independently establish the identities or affiliations of the victims.

Damai Cartenz Task Force Says the Victims Were Civilians

Kombes Pol Yusuf Sutejo, spokesperson for the Damai Cartenz-2026 Operation Task Force, provided a different account. He said that authorities and the Yahukimo Police were handling two separate acts of violence, reported to have occurred on October 11 and 12, 2026.

The two incidents reportedly resulted in the death of a 46-year-old civilian identified by the initial A and serious injuries to a 51-year-old civil servant identified as ET. Yusuf also stated that no police personnel were victims in either incident and rejected information identifying A as an intelligence agent.

The discrepancy between TPNPB’s claims and the authorities’ statements makes independent verification essential. The identities of the victims, the chronology of each incident, and the responsibility for the attacks must be established through an investigation rather than relying solely on statements from either side.

Ultimatum Against Migrant Residents Raises Concerns

In addition to claiming responsibility for the attacks, Sebby Sambom reportedly issued an ultimatum calling on migrants living in Yahukimo to leave the area with their families. The reported threat also targeted people based on their occupations, including traders, drivers, civil servants, teachers, and healthcare workers.

TPNPB accused these groups of being intelligence agents, but the allegations were not accompanied by independently verified evidence establishing those claims.

Threats targeting residents because of their origins or professions risk increasing fear and disrupting community life. Traders, teachers, healthcare workers, civil servants, and transport workers provide essential services that communities depend on every day. Their safety must be protected without discrimination, while any allegations of criminal involvement must be examined through evidence and due process.

Civilian Protection Remains a Priority in Security Operations

The conflicting information surrounding the Dekai incidents underscores the need for a measured security response, an accountable investigation, and clear public communication. Authorities need to ensure that victims receive medical treatment, gather evidence, identify those responsible, and take appropriate steps to prevent further threats to the community.

Residents are also encouraged to avoid believing or sharing unverified information. This is important to prevent inaccurate reports from causing panic, worsening tensions, or directing accusations at individuals whose involvement has not been established.

Security and Public Services Must Continue

Stability in Yahukimo involves more than responding to violent incidents. It also requires maintaining public services and economic activity. Residents need a safe environment in which they can work, attend school, conduct business, and access healthcare without threats.

Coordination among the police, Indonesian military (TNI), local government, religious leaders, and community representatives can help identify residents’ needs and prevent further escalation. These efforts should respect the rights of civilians and ensure that law enforcement actions are based on evidence.

Verification and Law Enforcement Are Essential to Prevent Escalation

TPNPB’s claims about the attacks in Dekai should not be treated as a complete account of the incidents. The Damai Cartenz Task Force reported two civilian victims across two separate cases, while TPNPB claimed that four people had been targeted. Further investigation is therefore needed to clarify the chronology, the victims’ identities, and the responsibility for the attacks.

Civilian protection must remain the central benchmark in addressing the security situation in Yahukimo. Professional law enforcement, accurate public information, and cooperation with local communities are essential to protecting residents and preventing further escalation.