TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM) has denied a statement by the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) claiming that four of its members pledged allegiance to the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.
TPNPB-OPM spokesperson Sebby Sambom said the four individuals in question are not part of their group but are junior high school students at Sinak Public Middle School in Puncak Regency, Papua.
"The truth is that the four youths are students at SMP Negeri 1 Sinak. They are not our members," he said in a statement issued Saturday, July 12, 2025.
The denial was issued after TPNPB received a report from Deputy Commander of Defense Regional Command (Kodap) XXVII Sinak, Major General Teni Kulua, regarding the incident.
According to the report, four youths were detained by Koramil 1717-02/Sinak personnel and later said to have pledged loyalty to Republic of Indonesia.
The individuals named were Yopi Tabuni, Erenus Tabuni, Kilistus Murib, and Endan Tabuni. They were reportedly associated with the group led by Tenius Kulua and Kalenak Murib.
The oath-taking ceremony took place in the courtyard of the Koramil 1717-02/Sinak office on Wednesday, July 9. During the event, the four individuals took an oath, signed documents, and saluted the Indonesian flag as a symbol of rejoining the nation.
However, Sebby Sambom presented a different account, including names and ages. According to him, the individuals are Eden Tabuni (17), a third-year student; Eranus Tabuni (18), in second year; Yopi Tabuni (17), also in second year; and Kilitus Murib (12), in first year at SMPN 1 Sinak.
He stated that none of them appear in the membership records of Kodap XXVII Sinak, whether at the post, battalion, company, or headquarters level.
TPNPB accused the TNI of fabricating the incident to maintain a favorable image in Papua and justify operational funding. They urged military personnel stationed in the region to stop spreading misinformation.
"Stop deceiving the public, even deceiving the President and the TNI Commander," Sebby said.
Tempo reached out to TNI Chief of Information Major General Kristomei Sianturi and Head of Information for the Cenderawasih Regional Military Command Infantry Colonel Candra Kurniawan, but had not received a response at the time of publication.
Previously, Kristomei confirmed that the four individuals were members of TPNPB-OPM. "Yes, they are," he said in a statement on Thursday night.
Kristomei described the event as part of a humanistic and dialog-based effort to resolve conflict in Papua. "The TNI carries out its duties by upholding the principles of legality, caution, and protection of civilians," he said.
He also emphasized that anyone who abandons violence deserves support to build a peaceful and dignified future in Papua. "We always welcome anyone who wants to return to the embrace of the motherland," he added.
Separately, Chief of the Cartenz Peace Operation, Brigadier General Police Faizal Ramadhani, said the return of former OPM members to NKRI was the result of collective efforts.
"The return to the embrace of NKRI is not a stand-alone process, but the result of synergy from all elements – security forces, government, and local figures. We believe that a safe and prosperous Papua can be realized through an approach that touches the heart," Faizal said in an official statement on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.
2) Peace task force distributes staple goods in C Papua
July 13, 2025 00:24 GMT+700
Jayapura (ANTARA) - Members of the Cartenz Peace Task Force 2025 distributed staple necessities to residents during a patrol in Omukia, Puncak district, Central Papua province.
“The packages we delivered contain basic goods such as rice, sugar, instant noodles, coffee, cooking oil, and tea. We hope these items will benefit the residents,” head of operations for the task force, Police Brigadier General Faizal Rahmadani, informed in Jayapura, Papua, on Saturday.
He added that the activity was conducted by the task force members to build rapport with locals, while carrying out their primary duty of ensuring security and maintaining order in the region.
The goods delivered, he said, are proof that the state genuinely cares for the people.
He also highlighted that the patrol in Omukia went smoothly, and the locals enthusiastically welcomed the personnel and received the assistance.
“Hopefully, our intensive patrols and dialogues with locals will lead to lasting security and order in the region,” Rahmadani added.
1) Indonesian VP Gibran prepares for Papua role as pressure grows for peace talks
The law tasks the Vice President with overseeing the coordination, evaluation and harmonisation of autonomy and development programs in the country’s easternmost province.
The Jakarta Post
uly 11, 2025
JAKARTA – Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has affirmed his readiness to oversee development and address ongoing human rights issues in Papua, as he prepares to lead the Special Autonomy Acceleration Board in accordance with existing legal mandates.
Coordinating Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Correctional Services Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra revealed recently that President Prabowo Subianto is finalizing Gibran’s assignment to lead a special body mandated by the 2021 Papua Special Autonomy Law.
The law tasks the Vice President with overseeing the coordination, evaluation and harmonization of autonomy and development programs in the country’s easternmost province.
“As the President’s aide, I am ready to serve anywhere, anytime,” Gibran told reporters during a visit to Klaten Regency, Central Java, on Wednesday, adding that the same assignment was previously held by his predecessor, Ma’ruf Amin.
While President Prabowo has yet to issue a formal decree, Gibran said his office has already taken initiative by dispatching teams to Sorong in West Papua and Merauke in South Papua to assess local needs, deliver school supplies and laptops as well as evaluate the implementation of the government’s free meal program.
When asked whether he would establish an office in Papua, Gibran said he was open to working from any location, be it Jakarta, Papua, or Nusantara in East Kalimantan, the country’s future capital where the Vice Presidential Palace is currently under construction.
“It’s important for me to regularly visit the regions, engage with business actors, listen to input, accept criticism and conduct evaluations. Being able to work from anywhere and connect with the people, that’s what truly matters,” the 37-year-old added.
Presidential spokesperson and State Secretary Hadi Prasetyo emphasized on Wednesday that Gibran’s assignment to Papua stems from a legal mandate, not a new initiative.
“We want to clarify that it is not accurate to say the President has [personally] assigned the task to Gibran, as the law clearly mandates that the Vice President is responsible for coordinating Papua’s development,” Prasetyo said.
He further explained that while Gibran will not be permanently based in Papua, the Special Autonomy Acceleration Board’s secretariat and operational staff will be stationed there. However, the Vice President may frequently visit or temporarily take up office in Papua as needed.
“It will not be a problem [for the Vice President] to occasionally visit, lead coordinating meetings or even temporarily work from Papua,” Prasetyo added.
Soldiers from the Indonesian Army’s 112th Raider Infantry Battalion secure a ceremony at a military base in Japakeh, Aceh, on June 25, 2024, ahead of their deployment to Papua. (AFP/Chaideer Mahyuddin)
Papua, rich in natural resources, has experienced conflict between separatist groups and security forces since the 1970s, with tensions escalating sharply since 2018 as pro-independence armed groups increased attacks.
Many critics argue that the Indonesian Military’s (TNI) heavy presence in the region has further deepened the crisis.
While the Vice President’s presence in Papua may lend symbolic weight to government efforts to maintain stability, human rights groups emphasize that real progress requires a shift from security-focused policies to inclusive, rights-based governance.
Amnesty International Indonesia has urged the government to prioritize peaceful dialogue and ensure that Papuan voices are central to developing solutions.
“Dialogue is the most rational and humane path forward,” said Amnesty’s Executive Director Usman Hamid on Wednesday, stressing that as long as the government continues a militaristic approach and fails to uphold human rights, the conflict will persist.
This view is echoed by the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM), which demands that the President “form a negotiation team to sit at the table with us.”
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Humanitarian activist from Wamena, Papua, Yefta Lengka, has questioned Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka's ability to resolve the ongoing violent conflict in Papua.
Yefta, who assists refugees in Nduga, said Gibran lacks the necessary experience to mediate the protracted violence between the Indonesian military and pro-independence groups.
"Gibran is still young and needs a lot of conflict resolution experience," said Yefta, a staff member of the Papua Justice and Integrity Foundation, when contacted on Friday, July 11, 2025.
Yefta also voiced skepticism over Gibran's ability to address human rights issues, particularly the displacement caused by clashes between security forces and separatist groups.
He expressed concern over whether Gibran is equipped to deal with the root causes of the Papua conflict as outlined by the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), now integrated into the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).
Those four root issues include the historical and political debate over Papua’s integration with Indonesia, the prevalence of violence and human rights abuses, systemic discrimination against Papuans, and the persistent failure of development efforts in the region.
"The resolution of Papua's problems will not be effective and will not be resolved when Gibran leads," Yefta said.
According to him, the responsibility should not fall solely on the vice president. Yefta believes President Prabowo Subianto should personally take charge of resolving the conflict and end military operations in Papua. He also called for the government to prioritize peaceful dialogue with pro-independence factions.
Just two days earlier, John Bunay, coordinator of the Papuan Pastors, also expressed doubts about Gibran’s capability to handle the Papua issue.
He noted that even President Joko Widodo, despite multiple visits to the region and his appointment of former Vice President Ma’ruf Amin as head of the Papua Special Autonomy Acceleration Steering Committee (BP3OKP), failed to deliver a lasting solution.
In response, Vice President Gibran stated that he is ready to carry out the mandate given by President Prabowo and remains open to input from the Papuan community.
"As an assistant to the president, I am ready to be assigned wherever and whenever," Gibran said during a working visit to Klaten Regency, Central Java, on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.
3) Indonesia nabs eight Papuan KKB members linked to teacher’s killing
July 12, 2025 00:18 GMT+700
Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA) - Eight suspected members of a Papuan armed criminal group (KKB) have been arrested by Indonesia's Cartenz Peace Task Force in connection with a deadly attack on civilians earlier this year.
The March 21 attack, which occurred in the Anggruk region of Yahukimo district, Highland Papua, targeted teachers and health workers, killing one teacher and injuring six others.
The arrests took place in Dekai, also in Yahukimo district, on Friday, according to Brigadier General Faizal Rahmadani, chief of operations at the Cartenz Task Force. He said the suspects are now undergoing intensive questioning.
Rahmadani said the eight suspects are believed to be members of the “Eden Sawi Yali” Battalion, led by Ohion Helembo, also known as Bapa Simpan. The battalion is reportedly affiliated with a larger insurgent network headed by Elkius Kobak.
Three of the suspects, identified by the initials AP, DH, and NS, have been formally named in the case. The remaining five are still under investigation.
"The Cartenz Peace Task Force will continue to take firm action and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice," Rahmadani stated.
In recent years, armed separatist groups in Papua have stepped up their use of hit-and-run tactics against security forces and carried out violent attacks on civilians to instill fear among local communities.
Their targets have included construction workers, teachers, motorcycle taxi drivers, vendors, and even civilian aircraft.
In one high-profile case, New Zealand pilot Phillip Mark Mehrtens was taken hostage by the Egianus Kogoya-led armed group after landing his Susi Air plane in Papua’s Nduga district on February 7, 2023. He was held captive for over a year before being released in September 2024.
4) YKKMP Accompanies the Repatriation of Tangma Refugees, Residents Hold Prayer and Stone Burning
Author : AdminEditor : Angela Flassy
Jayapura, Jubi – A team from the Papuan Justice and Human Integrity Foundation (YKKMP) arrived at the refugee camp in the courtyard of Kingmi Yeriko Halihalo Church, Yeleas Village, Tangma District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Mountains Province, on Thursday (July 10, 2025) at 1:30 PM. They facilitated the repatriation procession of hundreds of refugees to their respective villages, which began with a communal prayer and concluded with a traditional stone burning as a form of gratitude and reconciliation between residents and local community leaders.
"We held the stone burning so they could return to their respective villages, cultivate their gardens, and resume their normal activities," said Hesegem in a press release received by Jubi on Friday (July 11, 2025).
This traditional ceremony was held to mark the end of any exchange of fire between the TNI and the TPNPB within the village.
"Therefore, in the future, no community should accept the TPNPB-OPM and TNI groups in the Tangma area. If you want to fight, do it in the forests! Not in the village, where the community will become victims," he said.
Furthermore, the YKKMP will advocate and engage with policymakers, particularly regarding the withdrawal of non-organic troops from Mount Ongolo, Tangma District, Yahukimo Regency.
The Head of the Tangma Classis, Rev. Yanius Hesegem S.Th., also provided encouragement to the evacuees.
"Our last bastion of safety is the Church. Therefore, we must all be in church. Both the TPNPB-OPM and the TNI. Especially the civilian population in Tangma. If armed conflict occurs, God's people must be in the Church. And pastors must protect the congregation in critical situations," said the Head of the Tangma Classis.
He expressed his gratitude to God's people who have persevered and are willing to persevere in difficult times.
"We as a church also remind and urge God's people to continue growing marijuana, as marijuana is destroying the future of generations in Papua," he said.
On that occasion, a representative of the Student Solidarity Group for Humanity stated that they would also advocate to all parties, both through the media and during demonstrations, to ensure that no more Tangma residents fall victim to armed conflict.
"We also urge the younger generation to refrain from consuming marijuana, including alcohol, drugs, free sex, and narcotics. Our hope is that we will all fight together for health, education, and the economy for a sustainable life," he said.
The head of Yeleas Village, Emmaus Asipalek, expressed his gratitude to God for preventing harm during the operation in his village.
"I also express my gratitude to Theo Hesegem, a human rights defender and team leader, for negotiating and securing the situation. I also express my gratitude to the students and journalists who were always present to ensure and cover the news and ensure our safety," he said.
The YKKMP team officially escorted the evacuees back to their homes. They then erected billboards prohibiting bloodshed and armed clashes in the area.
Previously, a gun battle between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) occurred on June 15, 2025, in Aruli Hamlet, Yeleas Village, Tangma District, Yahukimo Regency, resulting in two fatalities and triggering a wave of evacuation of approximately 600 residents to the Yeriko Church in Halihalo.
The gun battle, which occurred from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. local time, killed Mesak Asipalek (45), a civilian, due to a gunshot wound to the head, and Prek Sarera, a TPNPB member. The incident sparked fear among residents, causing a quarter of the Tangma District population to seek refuge inside the church complex.
The YKKMP team, led by Theo Hesegem, formed an investigation team and conducted field monitoring since June 17. Hesegem's group traveled to the refugee camps and the conflict site to gather information and assess the condition of the civilian population. (*)
1) Ready to lead development push in Papua: VP Gibran
July 9, 2025 22:46 GMT+700
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has affirmed his readiness to lead the central government’s efforts to accelerate regional development in Papua.
“As an aide to Mr. President, I am ready to be assigned anywhere, anytime, and this is the continuation of 13th Vice President Ma’ruf Amin’s hard work in Papua,” he said on the sidelines of his visit to Mleset village in Klaten district, Central Java, on Wednesday.
He said that his assignment to spearhead the government’s endeavors to expedite development in Papua is a continuation of the work done by his predecessor.
He added that Papua’s issues are not new to him, since the Vice Presidential Secretariat has carried out several programs in the easternmost region of Indonesia under his command.
The secretariat, for instance, has delivered school supplies and laptops to Papua, as well as checked the preparations for the Free Nutritious Meals program in several districts, including Sorong and Merauke, he informed.
Therefore, as the aide to President Prabowo Subianto, Gibran reaffirmed his readiness to work anywhere and anytime based on Subianto’s executive order.
As reported earlier, during the leadership era of president Joko Widodo, vice president Amin had also spearheaded the government’s efforts to stimulate development in Papua.
Amin had highlighted three strategic measures to support efforts to expedite development and special autonomy in Papua.
First, strengthening sustainable welfare development planning in Papua with transparency and responsibility.
Second, increasing public trust in the government through a cultural and religious approach.
And third, accelerating endeavors to follow up the formation of new autonomous regions, he said.
Despite the central government’s ongoing efforts to accelerate development in Papua, the province’s human development index (HDI) is much lower than that of other Indonesian provinces.
As per data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS), the HDI of Highland Papua province in 2024, for instance, stood at 54.43 percent—the lowest in Indonesia.
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) has cast doubts on Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka's ability to resolve issues in the Papuan region.
TPNPB-OPM spokesperson Sebby Sambom said the group has no business with Gibran's assignment in Papua, but he's dubious about whether the son of former President Joko Widodo could solve the issues in Papua.
"What are Gibran's qualifications to oversee problems in Papua? He's incapable, it's impossible (for him)," Sebby told Tempo on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.
"That inexperienced kid can not possibly solve the problems in Papua," he added.
President Prabowo, according to Sebby, should not have assigned Gibran if he wants to solve the Papuan issues but instead establish a team under his cabinet to negotiate with the groups in Papua.
Coordinating Minister of Legal, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra previously mentioned that Gibran Rakabuming had been tasked to tackle the issues in Papua by Prabowo.
"There is even a possibility of the vice president having an office to work from Papua to handle this issue," Yusril said, as quoted in the 2024 Annual Report of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), broadcast on YouTube on Wednesday, July 2, 2025.
He added that the plan has already been discussed. Yusril said resolving the Papua issue is the first special assignment Prabowo has given to Gibran.
"Later, the assignment could be in the form of a presidential regulation or a presidential decision," he added.
Gibran’s responsibilities will include accelerating development in Papua and addressing human rights concerns. Yusril noted that Gibran will monitor how authorities are managing these issues. "And how the authorities handle issues in Papua," he said.
He emphasized that this assignment reflects the government's commitment to Papua.
"The government's concern in handling Papua has been under discussion for the past few days to give a special assignment from the President to the Vice President for accelerating the development in Papua," he said.
Yusril later clarified his statement, saying that the vice president's office in Papua will be given to the secretariat and personnel of the special body chaired by the vice president.
"The vice president is not moving his office to Papua," Yusril said in a written statement in Jakarta on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.
Yusril revealed that the Special Body for the Acceleration of Special Autonomy (Otsus) for Papua is formed based on Article 68 A of Law Number 2 of 2021 concerning the Second Amendment to Law Number 21 of 2001. This body is tasked with synchronizing, harmonizing, evaluating, and coordinating the implementation of special autonomy for Papua.
This body was formed by Joko Widodo through Presidential Regulation Number 121 of 2022 and is chaired by a vice president. Its members consist of the Minister of Home Affairs, the Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas, the Minister of Finance, and one representative from each province in Papua.
"The secretariat office of this body is located in Jayapura, Papua. This is the coordination and administrative center to ensure more effective communication between the central and regional governments," said Yusril.
Hendrik Yaputra and Dani Aswara contributed to the writing of this article.
3) Healthcare Workers in West Papua Give Malaria No Second Chances
Wulan’s Mission to End Malaria in the Arfak Mountains
Article UNICEF Indonesia
09 July 2025
Every morning, Wulan asks herself: “Who can I help today?” As a Malaria Officer at the Hingk District Community Health Centre in Arfak Mountains, West Papua, her mission is clear – to treat those suffering from the disease and to help eliminate malaria once and for all.
Wulan has been on the frontlines of this work for a decade. When she first arrived in the Arfak Mountains in 2015, she knew the challenge ahead was immense. Papua is Indonesia’s most malaria-endemic province, accounting for 93 per cent of the country’s cases.
The fight against malaria has been long and difficult, but 2024 brought a remarkable breakthrough – the Ministry of Health officially declared Arfak Mountains malaria-free. Yet, flanked by malaria-endemic regions, the area remains vulnerable to imported cases of malaria.
Thanks to dedicated health workers like Wulan, along with robust surveillance, early diagnostics and prompt treatment, there have been only five imported malaria cases in the Arfak Mountains since the 2024 declaration.
Treating malaria patients in this remote area is no easy feat. The landscape is breathtaking, but unforgiving. Towering mountain ranges, dense forests and long winding roads make it challenging for healthcare workers to make home visits.
Wulan remains undaunted. Armed with a backpack full of medicine and rapid diagnostic tests, she treks on foot through rugged terrain and scorching heat, determined to reach even the most isolated villages. “The people need medical support, and I have the drive,” she says.
Afrida, a mother in the Hingk District, was recently struck by malaria, leaving her weak and immobile. Her husband was away and she struggled to take care of her two-year-old son Nino. “I could not work,” she recalls. “I was thinking who will feed my child if I am this weak?”
Afrida thought about what she had learned from Wulan about the dangers of malaria. Gathering her strength, and with young Nino by her side, Afrida walked several miles to the nearest community health centre (Puskesmas), where she was diagnosed and treated.
This is not a common choice in Afrida’s village, where “suanggi” (witchcraft) is often blamed for illness, a deep-rooted belief that prevents people from seeking medical treatment. “Many villagers think that malaria is a simple illness, despite our efforts to educate them about its dangers if left untreated,” Wulan explains.
Beyond cultural beliefs, other challenges make efforts to eliminate malaria even harder. “There have been many difficulties along the way, including insufficient capacity [of health workers], a lack of understanding on how to eliminate malaria, and the logistics to ensure the movement of health supplies from provinces to regencies,” says Edi Sunandar, Head of the Disease Prevention and Control (P2P) Section at the Health Office of West Papua Province
To support Wulan and other health workers in tackling malaria, UNICEF has partnered with the Ministry of Health and provincial governments to implement tailored interventions. These include community engagement and education led by health care workers and local leaders, distribution of bed nets, provision of immediate treatment for malaria symptoms and setting up surveillance systems for early detection and tracking of cases.
The training of health care workers in prevention strategies is another essential intervention. Through UNICEF-supported workshops, Wulan learned how to educate villagers more effectively. “When we treat patients in the villages, we also teach them [about malaria],” she explains. “We persuade them to go to the health centre as soon as they feel symptoms.”
Religious leaders have also played an important role. “Church cadres and missionaries have been very helpful,” explains Dominggus Saeba, the Regent of Arfak Mountains. “They are always ready to support whenever there are no health workers available.”
Progress is unfolding across the country, bringing Indonesia closer to its goal of eliminating malaria nationwide by 2030. With UNICEF’s support, 15 of 75 malaria-endemic districts achieved elimination status by mid-2025, including two in Tanah Papua—South Sorong and Maybrat Districts in Southwest Papua Province.
Nationally, 407 out of 514 endemic districts have now achieved malaria elimination status – a testament to the dedication of health workers, government-led initiatives, and community-driven efforts.
Wulan knows the journey isn’t over in the villages she serves. “If people do not go to the Puskesmas immediately, death is imminent,” she says. Her message to households remains simple yet urgent: malaria is preventable, curable, and must never be taken lightly.
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Cartenz Peace Task Force has handed over two members of the Indonesian National Police (Polri) as suspects of illegal ammunition trading to the Wamena District Attorney. The two individuals are La Ode Sultan Zaldi Saim and Praedy Wanimbo alias Kenyam.
"Previously, the two suspects were detained at the Papua Regional Police Detention Center," said the Head of the Peace Cartenz Operation, Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani in a written statement on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.
The Public Relations Chief of the Cartenz Peace Task Force, Kombes Yusuf Sutejo, stated that they were involved in a case of illegal ammunition transactions in the Wamena area of Jayawijaya Regency, Papua Province.
"The perpetrators are members of the Indonesian National Police who were involved in activities contrary to the principles and integrity of the institution," said Yusuf.
Using a commercial aircraft, the suspects were transported from Sentani Airport to Wamena Airport along with a police team. The entourage arrived in Wamena at 14:57 WIT (Eastern Indonesian Time).
Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani stated that the entire process of handing over the suspects and evidence to the Wamena District Attorney proceeded smoothly and safely.
Subsequently, the two suspects were detained at the Jayawijaya Class IIB Correctional Institution to undergo further legal proceedings. "The Indonesian National Police will carry out legal proceedings in accordance with applicable regulations. There is no tolerance for anyone, including its own members, if proven to have violated the law," stated Faizal.
1) Kapendam: It is Not True that the TNI Used the Puncak Regent's House as a TNI Post
Author: Larius Kogoya
Editor: Alberth Yomo
Published July 8, 2025
Last updated: July 8, 2025 4:21 pm
The burning of the house of Puncak Regent, Elvis Tabuni, and the Omukia District Office, Puncak Regency, Central Papua, is seen. IST
Jayapura, Jubi – The Head of Information for the XVII/Cenderawasih Military Command (Kapendam), Colonel Inf Candra Kurniawan, stated that the TPNPB and its sympathizers always seek justification and spread hoax issues when carrying out their actions. This is in response to the TPNPB's statement about the Puncak Regent's house, which they say was used as a TNI Post.
"It is not true that the TNI used the Puncak Regent's house and the District Office as a TNI headquarters or post," said Kapendam Candra Kurniawan to Jubi via text message when asked for confirmation, Tuesday (8/7/2025).
According to Candra, on July 6, 2025, the TPNPB carried out a house burning action in the Omukia District area, Ondugura Village, and one of the buildings that was burned was allegedly a house that was once occupied by the Puncak Regent.
"Security forces took action against the OPM who carried out the burning action, as a firm step by the TNI to protect the community," he said.
Previously, the management of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) National Commission Headquarters stated that the TPNPB Regional Defense Command (Kodap) XVIII Puncak Ilaga was responsible for burning two houses belonging to the Puncak Regent, Elvis Tabuni, and the Omukia District Office, Puncak Regency, Central Papua, on Sunday (6/7/2025).
The statement was conveyed by the TPNPB Spokesperson, Sebby Sambom, through a press release received by Jubi some time ago.
Sebby Sambom said that the TPNPB troops burned the house and office because they were suspected of having been used as military posts by Indonesian authorities to launch operations in the Omukia District area.
"The reason we burned them was because the Indonesian military always used village halls, school buildings, hospitals, churches, and district offices and then turned them into military posts at will. So we burned down the houses and the Omukia District Office," he said.
The TPNPB spokesperson appealed to the Puncak Regent, TNI Commander, Pangdam XVII/Cenderawasih, Koops Habema, Ops Damai Cartenz, and all elements of the Indonesian Government military who are carrying out special operations in Papua, to immediately stop using civilian buildings in conflict areas.
"All civilian buildings that were once occupied by Indonesian military personnel in war zones, TPNPB is ready to execute all of them. Because President Prabowo Subianto and TNI Commander Agus Subiyanto have deployed military troops and taken over the function of civilian buildings as state defense posts. For us, this has violated international humanitarian law," he said.
Regarding the TPNPB's claim of burning the regent's house and district office, which are referred to as TNI headquarters,
TPNPB Affirms Burning of Puncak Regent's House Was Not Due to Political Opponents
TPNPB Spokesperson, Sebby Sambom, said that the information circulating among the Puncak community, that the burning of the regent's house and district office was carried out by political opponents, is not true. He emphasized that the action was purely carried out by the TPNPB Kodap XVIII Ilaga, and his party is fully responsible for the incident.
"We, the TPNPB troops, are the ones who burned it. So the burning of the Puncak Regent's house, Elvis Tabuni, and the Omukia District Office is our responsibility, not political opponents," he said.
Several field leaders said that among the Puncak community there is a growing issue that those responsible for the burning are the Regional Commander of Kodap XVIII Ilaga, Brigadier General Peni Murib, and the field command troops from Kepalah Air to Muarah.
Sebby Sambom stated that according to the report from the war field command, Lesmin Waker, which was conveyed via a voice recording clip in the Intelektual Puncak group, it was very clear that the burning of the house of Regent Elvis Tabuni and the district office was an order from the TPNPB leadership, namely General Goliat Tabuni, Major General Titus Murib, and Brigadier General Peni Murib.
"Our reason is clear, on the orders of the leadership because the TNI/Polri used the house and district office as a military post. So, there is no connection with practical politics," he said. (*)
2) Indonesia, Papua New Guinea eye stronger defense ties
July 8, 2025 22:56 GMT+700
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The governments of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) are exploring ways to strengthen and expand their cooperation in security and defense.
According to a press release issued by the Indonesian Defense Ministry here on Tuesday, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and his PNG counterpart Billy M. Joseph exchanged views on bolstering bilateral defense ties during a meeting in Port Moresby, PNG, on Monday.
“This visit affirms both countries’ commitment to enhancing non-pact defense cooperation based on equality and mutual respect,” head of the ministry’s information bureau, Brigadier General Frega Ferdinand Wenas Inkiriwang, said.
He said that Sjamsoeddin and Joseph discussed concrete steps to accelerate the implementation of the mutually ratified Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA), including through the establishment of a joint working group.
According to Inkiriwang, the agreement could translate into initiatives such as joint military exercises, soldier exchange programs for educational purposes, and technology exchange.
He expressed confidence that the DCA will further strengthen the harmonious ties between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea and contribute to Indonesia’s efforts to enhance its defense posture and protect national sovereignty.
According to the Papua New Guinean National Information Center, the DCA was signed on March 12, 2010, by then-defense minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro and then-PNG defense minister Bob Dadae.
While Indonesia ratified the DCA in 2012, the implementation of the agreement stalled for a long time, partly due to the pending ratification by PNG, whose National Parliament eventually endorsed it on February 14 last year.
Despite the delay, the Indonesian government is continuing to lend concrete support to the PNG Defense Force.
“The assistance rendered includes provision of military band, training of PNG Defense Force personnel at the Indonesian military staff college, and providing assistance to the PNG Defence Force CASA rehabilitation program,” the information center said.
