TPNPB-OPM Issues Threat in Tolikara, Government Strengthens Protection for Civil Servants and Civilians

 

TOLIKARA — The National Command of the West Papua National Liberation Army (KOMNAS TPNPB-OPM), through its spokesperson Sebby Sambom, issued a statement directed at civil servants (ASN) and migrant residents in Tolikara Regency. In a press statement dated October 2, 2026, the group called on civil servants and migrant residents to leave areas it claims as its operational territory before an armed operation takes place. Go Indonesia report

The statement has raised concerns about civilian safety and the continuity of public services in Tolikara. Threats of violence against people based on their place of origin, occupation, or perceived association with the government represent a serious concern requiring preventive measures and a response consistent with the law.

Threats Target Civil Servants and Migrant Residents

According to Go Indonesia, the TPNPB-OPM statement specifically mentioned several occupations commonly carried out by migrant residents, including taxi drivers, motorcycle-taxi drivers, food vendors, and street vendors. The group also expressed opposition to the Indonesian government system in Papua. Go Indonesia report

The statement concerns more than political disagreement because it could directly affect civilian life if threats of violence were carried out. Protecting civilians is therefore essential to maintaining security and preventing further escalation.

Government Must Ensure Public Safety

Threats against civilians can disrupt daily activities, including mobility, trade, transportation, and government services. Under such circumstances, the presence of the state through security forces and local government is important to ensure that communities receive adequate protection.

Security measures should also remain proportionate and consistent with the law while prioritizing civilian safety. Such an approach is important to prevent responses to threats from further increasing tensions within the community.

Security Supports Public Services

The presence of civil servants in Papua is directly connected to the delivery of public services. Local governments rely on their personnel to administer government affairs, education, healthcare, development programs, and other essential services.

If civil servants are unable to work because of security threats, communities may ultimately experience the consequences. Protecting government personnel therefore also helps ensure that public services can continue.

The same principle applies to residents working as traders, drivers, and small-business operators. Their activities are part of the local economic life of the region.

Threats of Violence Need Early Prevention

Go Indonesia reported that the statement included language threatening the use of violence against people located in areas claimed as the group's operational territory. The statement was issued in the name of Sebby Sambom as spokesperson for TPNPB-OPM. Go Indonesia report

Such threats require preventive measures so that they do not develop into actual violence. Security forces can monitor the situation and strengthen protection at locations considered vulnerable, particularly public facilities and areas where communities conduct daily activities.

At the same time, residents need clear and reliable information so they are not easily provoked by unverified reports.

Protecting Civilians Must Remain a Priority

Every resident, regardless of their place of origin or occupation, has the right to legal protection and security. Threats against civilians should therefore not become part of the way political or security issues in Papua are addressed.

An approach centered on civilian safety can help prevent panic while allowing social and economic activities to continue.

The government and security forces also need to ensure that law enforcement actions are based on evidence, established procedures, and principles of civilian protection.

Tolikara Needs Stability for Development

Security stability is an important prerequisite for regional development. Infrastructure, education, healthcare, trade, and government services require a safe environment to develop sustainably.

Tolikara, as part of Papua Pegunungan, needs a stable environment in which residents can work and conduct economic activities. Maintaining security is therefore not only about responding to armed groups, but also about ensuring that development and public services are not disrupted.

Government and Security Forces Need Stronger Coordination

Situations such as this require coordination between local government, security forces, community leaders, religious leaders, and local residents. Coordination is necessary to ensure that information about potential threats can be addressed quickly and does not develop into widespread panic.

Security measures should also be accompanied by transparent and responsible public communication. Communities need fact-based information so they can respond appropriately without worsening tensions.

Keeping Papua Safe and Stable

Threatening statements directed at civil servants and migrant residents demonstrate that protecting civilians remains an important challenge in maintaining stability in Papua.

The government has an interest in ensuring that people can work, trade, travel, and access public services without the threat of violence. Strengthening security therefore needs to go hand in hand with development, public services, and engagement with local communities.

These efforts are important to prevent the space for ordinary civilian life from becoming increasingly restricted by conflict and threats of violence.

Conclusion

The TPNPB-OPM statement directed at civil servants and migrant residents in Tolikara, as reported by Go Indonesia, called on them to leave areas claimed by the group as its operational territory and included language threatening violence. The statement should be taken seriously because it could affect civilian safety and the continuity of public services. Go Indonesia report

In responding to the situation, civilian protection should remain the priority. Stronger coordination between the government and security forces, efforts to prevent escalation, law enforcement conducted according to established procedures, and continued development are all important to keeping Tolikara safe and stable.