PNG investigates victims of armed conflict in the Bintang Mountains crossing to Tumolbil

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https://jubi.co.id/png-selidiki-korban-konflik-bersenjata-di-pegunungan-bintang-yang-menyeberang-ke-tumolbil/

PNG investigates victims of armed conflict in the Bintang Mountains crossing to Tumolbil

Reporter: Victor Mambor. November 5, 2021 5:50 am

                                            PNGDF Troops - PNG Fact

Papua No. 1 News Portal | Jubi Jayapura, Jubi – The Papua New Guinea Defense Forces (PNGDF) have dispatched troops to Tumolbil, an area bordering the Bintang Mountains Regency in Papua, Indonesia after reports of nearly 200 people crossing from Indonesia following the armed conflict in Kiwirok, the Bintang Mountains. Tensions have risen in Papua province over the past two weeks, including a shootout between the Indonesian military and a rebel group known as the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) that killed one child and injured another. PNGDF chief Gilbert Toropo told the ABC he would also seek answers on whether Indonesian troops crossed the border to pursue the rebels, who are fighting for West Papuan independence.

Human rights group Amnesty International estimates that around 180 people have fled to Tumolbil, right on the border. Armed conflict has intensified since West Papua was annexed by Indonesia in 1969. Clashes frequently occur between the Indonesian military and groups fighting for independence. Amnesty International researcher Ari Pramuditya said the recent conflict was the result of a TPNPB attack that injured an Indonesian soldier. "According to our observations, when a firefight between the military and Papuan armed groups results in military casualties, the security forces often look for members of armed groups in nearby settlements, which often results in the deaths of civilians," he said.

Pramuditya said more than 1000 people had fled their homes in the past two weeks, with many of them getting sick. Gilbert Toropo, told the ABC they had deployed 11 troops this week to assess the situation in Tumolbil. "Currently they are assessing the extent of the conflict in the Star Mountains," he said. Commander Toropo said, while he had not received a detailed report. But the PNGDF will find out how many people have crossed and whether the TPNPB or the Indonesian army also crossed into PNG. “We have to find out more about what other steps we need to take or other non-governmental organizations need to take to deal with the refugees in Tumolbil.” continued Toropo. He said he was concerned that the conflict in Indonesia could affect the people of PNG and wanted the two governments to sit down and discuss a solution. 

Canberra-based Indonesian researcher Hipolitus Wangge said border crossings between Indonesia and PNG are frequent. But he said groups of fighters pushing for West Papuan independence had grown in recent months and had increased tensions. “One explanation is that they have acquired more sophisticated weapons. Also, these types of armed resistance groups have found other, better places that make it easier for them to attack Indonesian security forces, and they can also have networks to get weapons and resources to launch their campaigns against the military,” he said. Hippolytus said people displaced by violence were often later recruited by pro-independence groups. "It's kind of a logical explanation, a logical story," he said. (*)

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