Indonesian Military Denies Rebel Claims of Soldier Deaths in Papua, Condemns Violence Against Civilians
JAKARTA – The Indonesian Ministry of Defense has vehemently denied claims by the West Papua National Liberation Army – Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM) that its fighters killed Indonesian Military (TNI) soldiers in Yahukimo regency, Papua Highlands. The ministry has labeled the rebel claims as "systematic disinformation" intended to mislead the public and incite unrest. Ministry spokesman Brigadier General Frega Wenas Inkiriwang categorically stated that no TNI soldiers were involved in illegal gold mining activities in Papua, emphasizing that their presence in the region is solely to fulfill their constitutional duty of maintaining national security and protecting all Indonesian citizens.
The ministry strongly condemned the OPM’s attempts to equate civilians, including teachers, healthcare workers, and construction personnel, with security forces. This dangerous rhetoric, according to the ministry, is used to justify attacks on innocent individuals. The OPM’s claim of killing "intelligence agents" is seen by the Indonesian government as an admission of extrajudicial killings, potentially constituting crimes against humanity. The ministry reiterated its commitment to pursuing peaceful and legal avenues to resolve the conflict in Papua, refusing to be provoked by the armed group’s violent propaganda.
The Indonesian government has confirmed the tragic deaths of eleven civilians working as gold prospectors in Yahukimo at the hands of the OPM. Police forces have been deployed to recover the victims’ bodies and ensure an objective investigation. The ministry believes that these acts of violence are designed to instill terror, particularly among non-Papuan individuals engaged in economic activities within the region. The OPM, however, maintains its narrative, alleging that those killed were military personnel disguised as miners.
The OPM spokesperson, Sebby Sambom, claimed responsibility for the deaths of more than seventeen individuals since April 6th, including five on Wednesday. Sambom challenged the Indonesian government and military to confront them directly in Dekai town, the administrative center of Yahukimo regency, where the latest incident occurred. This defiant statement follows a series of violent attacks by the rebel group, including the killing of six female teachers and medical workers on March 21st. The OPM has also issued an ultimatum to all teachers and medical personnel to leave the region, threatening further attacks against perceived "Indonesian intelligence agents.”
This escalating violence underscores the complex and volatile situation in Papua. The Indonesian government continues to face the challenge of balancing its commitment to national security with its pursuit of peaceful resolutions. The OPM’s continued attacks on civilians and their efforts to disrupt essential services like education and healthcare exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the region. The international community is watching closely as the situation unfolds, urging all parties to prioritize the safety and well-being of civilians caught in the crossfire.
The conflicting narratives presented by the Indonesian government and the OPM highlight the difficulty in obtaining accurate and unbiased information from the region. The Indonesian government’s insistence on peaceful solutions is juxtaposed against the OPM’s escalating violence, creating a challenging environment for any meaningful dialogue. The future of Papua remains uncertain, with the need for a sustainable and peaceful resolution becoming increasingly urgent. The safety and security of all civilians in the region, regardless of their background or occupation, must be paramount in any efforts to address this complex conflict.