Monday, April 14, 2025

1) TPNPB-OPM Claims It Has an Intelligence Service Called PIS



2) Papua: TPNPB Confirms Additional Troops Joining Forces in Intan Jaya Region  

3) Illegal mining operations threaten ecosystems in Papua Tengah Province


4) Structural impunity and authoritarianism in Indonesia cause shrinking space for accountability




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1) TPNPB-OPM Claims It Has an Intelligence Service Called PIS 
 Reporter Dani Aswara April 14, 2025 | 07:21 am

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta -- The West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM) claims to have an intelligence body called the Papua Intelligence Service (PIS). The TPNPB spokesperson, Sebby Sambom, stated that PIS plays a crucial role in providing on-ground information faster than Indonesian security forces. "The PIS network is extensive and secretive," said Sebby on Sunday, April 13, 2025.

He explained that their intelligence consistently provides reports that are often received by them before the Indonesian National Armed Forces-Police (TNI-Polri). According to Sebby, these reports contain specific details, such as the number of TNI-Polri ships entering an area. "That's why we can know first. PIS is everywhere, Indonesia won't find out," Sebby stated.

Sebby refused to provide detailed identities of PIS leaders, emphasizing the importance of secrecy within their intelligence structure. "That is our secret, because only PIS will ensure the independence of Papua," he said.

Prior to this, six teachers in the Anggruk District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Mountains, were killed on Friday, March 21, 2025. Sebby admitted that their group was behind the attack. He stated that the attack in the district was carried out after receiving information from the intelligence team. "We had detected early on who the teachers in Anggruk were," he said.

Sebby mentioned that the six teacher victims were part of the intelligence deployed by the security forces in Yahukimo. "We are responsible for this attack, and we have killed six teachers and medical personnel and burned the houses of intelligence agents," Sebby said in a press release on Saturday, March 22, 2025.

The Chief of Information for the XVII Cenderawasih Military Command, Colonel Infantry Candra Kurniawan, stated that the victims were burned while inside the school building. "Six teachers died in a barbaric and inhumane attack. In this attack, they burned down the school and teachers' houses," Kurniawan said when contacted on Sunday, March 23, 2025.

The Head of Information at the TNI Headquarters, Major General Kristomei Sianturi, condemned the actions of TPNPB-OPM. "The OPM guerrillas speak about humanitarian law, but on the other hand, they cruelly kill civilian workers," he said.


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2) Papua: TPNPB Confirms Additional Troops Joining Forces in Intan Jaya Region  
Reporter Dani Aswara April 13, 2025 | 01:08 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The management of the National Liberation Army of West Papua (TPNPB) headquarters has confirmed the addition of troops from the Meepago region, Central Highlands, Central Papua, who have now joined the forces of TPNPB Kodap VIII Intan Jaya, Central Papua, to fight against the Indonesian military. An official report received from the Commander of the TPNPB Kodap XIII Operation Kegepa Nipouda Paniai, Major Hosea Satu Boma, revealed the readiness of the troops to engage in battle.

Hosea stated that, according to the report, the TPNPB forces are currently in the city center of Sugapa, Intan Jaya Regency. "We are ready to engage in battle together with the TPNPB Kodap VIII Intan Jaya forces on the battlefield in Intan Jaya," said Mayor Hosea Satu Boma in his official statement, quoted on Saturday, April 12, 2025.


He mentioned the addition of troops following bomb attacks, which he claimed were carried out by the Indonesian military against civilian settlements from April 7 to 9, 2025. However, the statement was denied by the Head of Information Center of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, Brigadier General Kristomei Sianturi. "There is none. They are usually the ones who intimidate the public," said Kristomei when confirmed on Saturday, April 12, 2025.

Furthermore, Hosea urged the residents of Intan Jaya to temporarily cease their activities. "Our snipers are on alert and ready to execute. Therefore, once again, civilians should immediately halt their activities before an attack occurs on the Indonesian military posts and their targets in Intan Jaya," he said.

The TPNPB forces are reported to be positioned along the city center from Sugapa to Hitadipa. In addition, additional forces from the entire Meepago region, led by the Commander of the TPNPB Kodap XI Operation Kegepa Nipouda Paniai, Hosea Satu Boma, have already entered the conflict areas alongside the TPNPB Kodap VIII Intan Jaya forces.


The spokesperson for TPNPB OPM, Sebby Sambom, stated that their troops are only on alert. They will only launch an attack if there is a deployment of forces entering the previously designated war zones. "Just on alert. If the military or police enter our operational areas, they are ready to fight," said Sebby, April 11, 2025.

Prior to the period from April 6 to 9, 2025, the TPNPB OPM had executed 17 illegal gold miners in the Yahukimo Regency of Papua's Central Highlands. Sebby claimed that the individuals attacked by their group were part of the Indonesian military, who were also disguised as gold miners.

Regarding the addition of TPNPB forces in the Intan Jaya region, Brigadier General Kristomei Sianturi stated that there is no anticipation from the Indonesian National Armed Forces. "Activities are as usual, there is no troop addition," he said.

Vedro Imanuel Girsang contributed to the writing of this article.


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3) Illegal mining operations threaten ecosystems in Papua Tengah Province

Cases, Human Rights News / Indonesia, West Papua / 14 April 2025 
Illegal mining operations have been discovered in Ajuda Village at the border of Intan Jaya Regency in Central Papua Province (Papua Tengah) with Waropen Regency, raising significant environmental and social concerns among residents and environmental activists.
According to reports from Papua Tribunnews, unauthorised mining activities are taking place in several locations including Muara Walai, Sewa, and Ular Merah in the Ajuda Village area. These operations have reportedly been conducted without proper permits or governmental oversight.
Papua Tengah Member of Parliament Thobias Bagabau, has strongly condemned these practices, emphasising that mining without permits violates the law and poses significant threats to natural resources and the environment.
Information obtained reveals that the illegal company has allegedly paid local communities one billion rupiah (approximately £43,000) to gain access to the land. Within just two weeks, the company has been transporting logistics via helicopter to the mining sites, causing damage to surrounding areas.
Illegal mining operations are reportedly using environmentally harmful techniques, resulting in soil degradation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss. The use of mercury in mining processes has further exacerbated water contamination issues, posing serious health risks to residents.
According to Bagabau, “Based on information I’ve received, this illegal company has paid the local community 1 billion rupiah, and in just two weeks, they have been distributing logistics using helicopters to operate in Ajuda Village, Sewa, and Ular Merah, damaging the surrounding areas.”
The unlicensed mining activities are being conducted by individuals or illegal companies that are neither registered nor permitted by local authorities. These operations show little regard for environmental impacts or the rights of indigenous communities.
Beyond environmental degradation, the activities are also creating social and economic problems, offering unsustainable employment opportunities to local communities. No environmental impact assessment (Amdal) has been conducted prior to these operations.
Local human rights defenders reported on 15 March 2025 that the illegal company has been operating across several villages and has already exhausted resources in some areas. The report also indicates that local government authorities have yet to determine the origin of this company or take decisive action against these operations.
Concerned parties are urging relevant authorities to address this issue promptly and reject the presence of illegal mining companies in the region, highlighting the need for immediate government intervention to protect Central Papua’s vulnerable ecosystems.

Photos taken by HRDs

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4) Structural impunity and authoritarianism in Indonesia cause shrinking space for accountability

Human Rights News / Indonesia, West Papua / 14 April 2025 
During a visit to Indonesia in March 2025, Amnesty International Secretary General, Mrs Agnes Callamard, issued a stark warning regarding the global rise in authoritarian practices is increasingly evident in Indonesia. Her meetings with the Supreme Court, the Attorney General’s Office, and civil society revealed entrenched impunity, particularly in West Papua, where military and police actors routinely escape prosecution for extrajudicial killings, torture, and suppression of civil space, as law enforcement institutions fail to ensure accountability for human rights violations.
Mrs Callamard underscored the urgent need for the Indonesian state to address past and present human rights violations through an independent and credible justice mechanism. She called for an end to the criminalization of peaceful protest and human rights defenders, the establishment of an ad hoc human rights court for unresolved cases such as the 1998 student killings, and meaningful protection for vulnerable groups, particularly in West Papua.
Amnesty International documented multiple cases in West Papua involving arbitrary detention, torture, and extrajudicial killings by Indonesian security forces. Mrs Callamard emphasized that the pattern of abuse against indigenous Papuans and the impunity that follows has eroded public trust. She called for independent investigations and legal reform to ensure that the military and police are no longer shielded from accountability.

Delayed justice in Puncak Torture Case: Thirteen soldiers named suspects, no trial in sight

On 3 February 2024, three indigenous Papuans were arbitrarily arrested and tortured by members of Satgas Yonif 300/Braja Wijaya of Kodam III/Siliwangi in Omukia District, Puncak Regency. The victims—Warinus Murib (who later died), Alianus Murib, and Delfius Kogoya—were taken to the Gome military post, where they were tortured, and eventually transferred to the local hospital after police refused to accept custody due to their severe condition. The incident gained national attention after a viral video circulated online on 21 March 2024, prompting public and international outcry.
Following public pressure, the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) admitted to the abuse and announced on 25 March 2024 that thirteen soldiers had been named as suspects. However, since the announcement, the Military Police Center (PUSPOM TNI) has failed to provide any updates on the legal process. Despite substantial documentation, the absence of legal consequences reflects a systemic failure to investigate and prosecute perpetrators.
As of March 2025, the victims’ families have not been informed about the identities of the suspects, the chain of command involved, or the timeline for prosecution. This silence follows a troubling pattern seen in earlier cases such as the murders of Luther and Apinus Zanambani, and Pastor Yeremia Zanambani in Intan Jaya, where military suspects were named but never publicly tried. Human rights organisations have urged the Indonesian President, the TNI, and the National Human Rights Commisission (Komnas HAM) to ensure accountability and transparency in military abuse cases across Tanah Papua. Without transparent legal proceedings, and public pressure, there is a growing risk that the perpetrators will once again not be held accountable.

Jayapura court acquits police officer in child sexual abuse case

One of the most troubling recent examples of impunity occurred in January 2025, when the Jayapura District Court acquitted a police officer, AF, accused of sexually abusing a five-year-old child in the Keerom regency, Papua province. The verdict ignored critical evidence, including medical records, witness testimonies, and a signed agreement between the accused and the victim’s family that included financial compensation.
The acquittal sparked public outrage, with the victim’s legal counsel, LBH APIK Papua, and child protection advocates accusing the judges of violating the principles of justice and child protection laws. The case has been reported to the Judicial Commission, and a cassation appeal as filed. However, the fact that the accused police officer, was released and reportedly resumed duties near the victim’s residence raises serious concerns about victim protection and judicial independence.

Assault of human rights defender Mr Sulfianto Alias

On 20 December 2024, Mr Sulfianto Alias, director of Panah Papua, an environmental and human rights NGO, was assaulted in the Teluk Bintuni Regency, Papua Barat Province. According tp Mr Alisa, the attack was carried out by members of the Brimob and intelligence units of the local police. Yet, these allegations have reportedly not been thoroughly investigated.
Despite a witness testimony implicating specific police officers, no action has been taken by the Papua Barat Regeional Police (Polda Papua Barat) or the national police oversight bodies. Legal counsel, Mr Yan Christian Warinussi, has called on the police to immediately investigate and prosecute those responsible, citing violations of the Indonesian Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) and the ethical standards governing law enforcement. The case underscores the dangers faced by local activists and the state’s failure to protect human rights and environmental defenders.

Molotov attack on Papuan media outlet Jubi: No progress in investigation

In October 2024, unknown perpetrators threw Molotov cocktails at the editorial office of Jubi, an independent media outlet in Jayapura City, Papua Province. The attack caused significant damage. Multiple vehicles were set on fire, yet six months later, no suspects have been arrested. The Papua Regional Police (Polda Papua) transferred the case to the Military Police of Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih due to suspected involvement of military personnel. However, the investigation has since stagnated.
Multiple witnesses identified two TNI members as perpetrators, but both the military and police now deny receiving case files from each other. Human rights lawyer, Mr Gustaf Kawer, and the Komnas HAM Papuan Representative Office have criticized the lack of transparency and seriousness in handling the case, calling for a joint public case review and accountability for attacks against press freedom.

Relatives and solidarity groups demand justice in the killings of Mr Tobias Silak and Tarin Murib

Following the extrajudicial killing of Mr. Tobias Silak by security forces in Dekai, Yahukimo Regency, on 20 August 2024, relatives and solidarity groups have actively pursued justice. They organized peaceful protests, engaged with media, and collaborated with human rights organizations to demand accountability. The Justice Front for Tobias Silak (FJFTS) has been at the forefront of these efforts, advocating for the prosecution of the perpetrators in a civil court and rejecting claims that Mr. Silak was affiliated with the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB). These advocacy activities have led to escalating intimidation and violent attacks against human rights defenders involved, notably Mr. Marcho Pahabol, a member of FJFTS, who has faced assaults and harassment. Mr Pahabol understood these acts as an attempt to prevent him from his advocacy efforts. Despite these challenges, the community continues to demand justice, highlighting broader issues of impunity and the vulnerability of human rights defenders in the region.
On 3 March 2023, Mrs. Tarina Murib was reportedly killed and mutilated during a military operation in Yugumuak District, Puncak Regency, West Papua. The operation, targeting the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), allegedly resulted in injuries to at least eight other civilians and led to the displacement of indigenous villagers from Yugumuak and Mageabume districts. The Legal Aid Agency Talenta Keadilan Papua (LBH TKP) filed a complaint with the Indonesian National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM), urging a thorough investigation into the incident. Amnesty International Indonesia also called for accountability and adherence to procedures that protect civilian rights.
Attempts to demand accountability for Mrs Murib’s death have been suppressed. Authorities thwarted a peaceful demonstration on 12 February 2025, with police officers blocking the road using armored crowd control vehicles, and police trucks. On 10 April 2025, the Puncak Students Alliance across Indonesia held a peaceful demonstration in front of the Papua Tengah Regional Parliament (DPRP Papua Tengah) in Nabire. They urged the parliament to establish a special committee (Pansus) to investigate the alleged extrajudicial killing of Mrs. Tarina Murib and to fulfill prior promises to demilitarize the region.

Conclusion and recommendations

Amnesty International’s findings, as highlighted by Mr Agnes Callamard, demonstrate that impunity in Indonesia is not an exception but a structural issue, particularly in West Papua. From the judiciary’s failure to deliver justice in child abuse cases to the military’s evasion of accountability for cases of torture and extrajudicial executions, these cases reflect the urgent need for systemic reform.
Human Rights Monitor urges the Government of Indonesia to:
  • Establish independent, civilian-led investigations into allegations of abuse by military and police officers;
  • Prosecute perpetrators in accordance with international human rights law and Indonesia’s obligations under the ICCPR, CAT, and CRC;
  • Empower and protect human rights activsts, environmental defenders, survivors and whistleblowers, especially women and children;
  • Strengthen the role of the judiciary and judicial oversight bodies to prevent politicized decisions and lack of transparency;
  • Vehemently protect press freedom by safeguarding journalists.
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Sunday, April 13, 2025

1) TPNPB-OPM: Thousands of Military Personnel Deployed to Papua Since January 2025


2) TPNPB-OPM Calls for Non-Papuans to Leave Gold Mines in Yahukimo

3) Free education in SW Papua covers public, private schools: governor  

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https://en.tempo.co/read/1996327/tpnpb-opm-thousands-of-military-personnel-deployed-to-papua-since-january-2025

1) TPNPB-OPM: Thousands of Military Personnel Deployed to Papua Since January 2025

Reporter Dani Aswara April 13, 2025 | 05:37 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) claimed that a total of 6,100 joint personnel of the Indonesian military forces have been deployed to the Papua region from January to April 13, 2025. 

"A total of 6,100 joint military personnel of the Indonesian government have entered the war zone in Papua," said TPNPB-OPM Spokesperson Sebby Sambom through a press release on Sunday, April 13. 

According to Sebby, the forces’ deployment was covert, through civilian vessels, civilian aircraft, and intelligence officers clad in civilian clothing. The deployment, TPNPB mentioned, was coordinated with the Timika-based regional command.

"The exact number is unknown, and is only known by the TNI Commander and the Indonesian National Defense Forces and the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) as part of the national defense policy," he said.

In the press release, TPNPB also released a video showing the arrival of a warship with the hull number 524 at the Poumako Port, Timika, on Saturday, April 12, which it said was disembarking military personnel.

In response to this military escalation, TPNPB urged the parliament, especially the commission overseeing law and security, to take immediate action. "We request DPR to officially declare the status of Papua to allow for civilians’ evacuation before more casualties occur, especially among children, women, and pregnant women," said Sebby Sambom.

The Head of the TNI Information Center, Brigadier General Kristomei Sianturi, denied TPNPB-OPM’s claim, saying, “there has been no additional forces. The forces currently in Papua are those routinely assigned to guard the Indonesian-Papua New Guinea border."

Nevertheless, Kristomei confirmed that the warship with the hull number 524 had indeed disembarked troops at the Poumako Port, Timika, on April 12, but reasoned that the troops were part of a scheduled rotation. "Indeed, on April 12, 2025, there was a troop disembarkation at the Timika port, which swaps the troops who have completed their duty as guards at the Indonesia-Papua New Guinea border," he said.

Previously, the Headquarters Management of the National Command of TPNPB-OPM confirmed the addition of troops from the Meepago region, which have now joined the forces of TPNPB Kodap VIII Intan Jaya, Central Papua, to fight against the Indonesian military. An official report received from the Commander of the TPNPB Kodap XIII Operation Kegepa Nipouda Paniai, Major Hosea Satu Boma, revealed the readiness of the troops to engage in battle.

Hosea stated that, according to the report, the TPNPB forces are currently in the city center of Sugapa, Intan Jaya Regency. "We are ready to engage in battle together with the TPNPB Kodap VIII Intan Jaya forces on the battlefield in Intan Jaya," said Mayor Hosea Satu Boma in his official statement, quoted on Saturday, April 12, 2025.

He mentioned the addition of troops following bomb attacks, which he claimed were carried out by the Indonesian military against civilian settlements from April 7 to 9, 2025. However, the statement was denied by the Head of Information Center of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, Brigadier General Kristomei Sianturi. "There is none. They are usually the ones who intimidate the public," said Kristomei when confirmed on Saturday, April 12, 2025.



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2) TPNPB-OPM Calls for Non-Papuans to Leave Gold Mines in Yahukimo

Reporter
April 13, 2025 | 12:30 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM) has urged people from outside Papua to refrain from engaging in mining activities in the Yahukimo region. TPNPB-OPM spokesman Sebby Sambom referred to the non-Papuan newcomers as 'immigrants' from Indonesia in the operational areas of Yahukimo Regency, Papua Highlands Province.

"TPNPB does not compromise with Indonesian immigrant residents in our operational areas throughout Yahukimo," Sebby said in a written statement on Saturday, April 12, 2025.


Sebby requested people engaged in gold mining, agarwood logging, and utilizing forest products to leave the Yahukimo region. He also urged the owners of customary mining rights in Yahukimo to adhere to the instructions from TPNPB-OPM.

According to him, small-scale mining in Papua is solely for the welfare of the indigenous people of the region. "Papuans are welcome to manage their natural resources to build places of worship. However, Indonesian immigrants must promptly exit the small-scale mines in Yahukimo," he stated.

Sebby referred to people from outside Papua as Indonesian government intelligence agents. Previously, the OPM suspected the involvement of the Indonesian National Army (TNI) and the National Police (Polri) in illegal mining activities in the Korowai District, Yahukimo Regency.

According to Sebby, illegal gold mining activities were first carried out in Papua in 2017. Two years later, in 2019, TPNPB-OPM launched an attack against these illegal gold miners.

Prior to this, between April 6-9, 2025, TPNPB-OPM had executed 17 illegal gold miners in the Yahukimo Regency of Papua Highlands Province. Sebby claimed that the group of people attacked by his forces were part of the Indonesian army, who were also disguised as gold miners.

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3) Free education in SW Papua covers public, private schools: governor  
April 13, 2025 14:30 GMT+700


Sorong, Southwest Papua (ANTARA) - The free education program in Indonesia's Southwest Papua will cover all educational institutions, both public and private, according to the province’s governor, Elisa Kambu.

He emphasized that schools play a vital role in educating the nation's children, making it essential to include them in the program.

However, he clarified that the program will only apply to schools that are financially disadvantaged. As a result, elite schools will be excluded.

"This free school initiative will be implemented this year," Kambu said in Sorong City, the provincial capital, on Sunday.

Sorong City Mayor Septinus Lobat stated that the city government is working closely with the provincial government to ensure both public and private schools benefit from the initiative.

The program will cover essential components such as registration fees, textbooks, and uniforms, Lobat explained.

"However, non-essential components will not be included," he added.

A total of 49,800 students across public and private schools in Sorong are expected to benefit from the program. Lobat noted that budget capacity calculations are still ongoing.

"Certainly, elite schools will not be included in the free education program," he reiterated.

Governor Kambu confirmed on March 5 that the program will be rolled out across all levels of education in the province starting with the new academic year in 2025.

"Free education will be provided from early childhood education to elementary, junior high, high school, and vocational schools. This is our priority," he said.

Related news: Free education in Southwest Papua from new academic year
Related news: Govt pushes for building entrepreneurship education system in Papua

Translator: Yuvensius, Kenzu
Editor: Anton Santoso


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Saturday, April 12, 2025

 1) Reasons Why TPNPB-OPM Justifies Killing Gold Miners, Non-Papuans in Conflict Zones  Reporter Sapto Yunus 

2) OPM Justifies Killing of Gold Miners in Papua, Saying Victims Were Military in Disguise

3) TPNPB-OPM Accuses Gov't of Deploying Troops Disguised as Civilians in Papua  
4) Papua Police retrieve bodies of 11 miners killed in rebel attack 

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https://en.tempo.co/read/1995998/reasons-why-tpnpb-opm-justifies-killing-gold-miners-non-papuans-in-conflict-zones

1) Reasons Why TPNPB-OPM Justifies Killing Gold Miners, Non-Papuans in Conflict Zones  Reporter Sapto Yunus 

April 12, 2025 | 12:53 pm




TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB OPM) has provided several justifications for its recent attack that led to the deaths of illegal gold miners in Yahukimo Regency, Papua.

“We assert that gold miners, civil servants, teachers, and health workers in conflict zones across Papua are part of the Indonesian government’s military apparatus disguised as civilians,” said TPNPB OPM spokesperson Sebby Sambom.

He claimed that most of them are non-Indigenous Papuans (OAP) and therefore suspected of being government intelligence agents. “Yes, they are intels,” Sebby said in a voice recording sent to Tempo on Thursday, April 10, 2025.

Sebby stated that the TPNPB OPM Kodap XVI Yahukimo is ready to execute anyone who disguises themselves as a motorcycle taxi driver, gold miner, construction worker, and others in the conflict-affected areas. 

Therefore, he warned incoming residents in Papua to leave the locations designated as war zones by the TPNPB OPM or armed criminal groups (KKB) immediately. If not, he said they could be considered infiltrators and become targets of the TPNPB OPM.

The following are several reasons and claims by the TPNPB OPM to attack and kill the gold miners in the Yahukimo Regency.

Claims of TNI Intelligence Disguised as Civilians

The West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB OPM) has provided several justifications for its recent attack that led to the deaths of illegal gold miners in Yahukimo Regency, Papua.

“We assert that gold miners, civil servants, teachers, and health workers in conflict zones across Papua are part of the Indonesian government’s military apparatus disguised as civilians,” said TPNPB OPM spokesperson Sebby Sambom.

According to Sebby, the killing of dozens of individuals, whom the group identified as military intelligence agents, was intended as a warning to all illegal gold miners to immediately vacate Papua. “We believe they are part of the Indonesian military reserve forces deployed to the region,” he added.

Illegal Gold Miners Have Entered Papua Since 2017

Sebby stated that illegal gold miners have been operating in Papua since 2017, specifically in Korowai and Baya Biru Districts.

He claimed these miners are non-indigenous individuals from other parts of Indonesia and alleged they are part of the Indonesian military’s network.

TNI-Police in Cahoots in Illegal Gold Mining in Papua

The TPNPB OPM further accused members of the TNI and Police of being complicit in illegal mining operations in Korowai

“They’ve deployed excavators and bulldozers with the support of Indonesian military and police forces,” Sebby said in an audio recording shared with Tempo on April 11, 2025.

Sebby claimed to possess strong evidence of this collusion and expressed willingness to present it in international court. He said illegal mining began in 2017, and in 2019 the TPNPB OPM carried out an attack on miners for allegedly causing environmental destruction. Despite that, the operations reportedly resumed, prompting renewed attacks.

Responding to these claims, Brigadier General Kristomei Sianturi, Head of the TNI Information Center, dismissed the statements as disinformation. He accused the armed group (referred to as KKB by the government) of fabricating military affiliations to deflect from accusations of human rights violations.

“They pretend the victims are military personnel to avoid being labeled human rights violators,” Kristomei said at TNI Headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, on April 9, 2025, as quoted by Antara.

Kristomei added that the hoaxes are meant to mask the group’s violent actions toward civilians and spread fear among local communities. He urged the public not to fall for this propaganda.

Armed Gold Miners

TPNPB OPM also claimed that some of the illegal gold miners in Yahukimo carried firearms. According to Sebby, the group confiscated a pistol from miners in 2019 and accused them of killing seven Papuan residents, including one who was allegedly beheaded.

He alleged the miners’ actions were backed by security forces, which, he said, prompted the TPNPB OPM to launch retaliatory attacks.

Ready to Kill Every Newcomer Living in War Zones

The TPNPB OPM stated that they are ready to attack and kill any newcomer living in Papua. Especially for newcomers who reside in areas designated as war zones by the TPNPB OPM.

"Immigrants are not our people, so we are ready to kill them at any time," said Sebby, Friday.

According to Sebby, the incoming residents are the same as the Indonesian government who came only to oppress the people of Papua. One of them is illegal gold miners who steal natural resources and damage the forest ecosystem in Papua.

"We don't need you, we don't care. Wipe them all out. We've said it, kill them," he said.

The Indonesian government, Sebby said, has never acknowledged the independence of the Papuan people for the past 60 years. Instead of opening a dialogue, the government continues to increase military personnel to serve in Papua.

"So now we will play rough to drive out Indonesia. We have to play rough to succeed," he said.

Sebby explained that the TPNPB OPM has followed the rules of international warfare by giving civilians time to leave the war zones. The areas designated as war zones have also been officially announced to the public.

"Secure the civilians first, then war can take place in those areas," said Sebby.

Vedro Imanuel Girsang, Amelia Rahima Sari, Novali Panji Nugroho, and Antaracontributed to the writing of this article.


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https://en.tempo.co/read/1995667/opm-justifies-killing-of-gold-miners-in-papua-saying-victims-were-military-in-disguise

2) OPM Justifies Killing of Gold Miners in Papua, Saying Victims Were Military in Disguise


Reporter Novali Panji Nugroho April 11, 2025 | 01:52 pm  

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Sebby Sambom, spokesperson for the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM), stated the group’s reasons for targeting civilians working as gold miners in Yahukimo, Papua.

He claimed that the dozens of people attacked by their group were actually part of the Indonesian national armed force (TNI), disguised as gold miners.

"Illegal mining in Kali Kabur, Yahukimo, is often conducted by the Indonesian government's military," he said on Friday, April 11, 2025.

According to Sebby, the military forces in disguise were also caught spying on their group's headquarters using a drone camera. "So, we immediately carried out the operation and executed them," he said.

The Head of the TNI Information Center, Brigadier General Kristomei Sianturi, has denied allegations that Indonesian soldiers were among the victims. He clarified that the civilians killed by the armed criminal group were not members of the TNI.

“No TNI soldier was killed,” he stated in a written release on Thursday, April 10, 2025.

Previously, 17 civilians working as gold miners in Papua Mountains' Yahukimo Regency were reported killed by the Free Papua Movement (OPM). The attacks began on April 6, 2025.

OPM attacked and killed 11 individuals working as gold miners on April 6, 2025. Two days later, they killed another six people. These attacks by OPM took place in the Yahukimo Regency of Papua Mountains.

Yahukimo Regency is one of the nine areas designated by TPNPB OPM as war zones. The other areas include Pegunungan Bintang, Nduga, Puncak Jaya, Intan Jaya, Maybrat, Dogiyai, Paniai, and Deiyai.


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3) TPNPB-OPM Accuses Gov't of Deploying Troops Disguised as Civilians in Papua  
Reporter Novali Panji Nugroho April 11, 2025 | 03:32 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Sebby Sambom, spokesperson for the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM), accused the Indonesian government of deliberately deploying military personnel to conflict zones in Papua.

He alleged that some reserve forces are operating under the guise of gold miners.

ebby further claimed that not only miners, but also civil servants such as teachers and healthcare workers sent to Papua’s conflict areas are actually affiliated with the government’s intelligence agency.

"They disguise themselves as civilian workers to infiltrate," he said in a statement on Friday, April 11, 2025.

Sebby claimed to have evidence to support his allegations, pointing to a past statement made by the Chief of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), General Agus Subiyanto, as the only proof his group considers credible.

The four-star general previously stated that his troops in Papua also serve as educators and healthcare workers.

"The statement confirms that all newcomers in conflict areas, regardless of their profession, are members of the military. Period," he stated.

According to him, the statement could legitimize attacks carried out by his group against military forces disguised as civilians in Papua.

"We are ready to execute anyone who disguises themselves as motorcycle taxi drivers, gold miners, construction workers in conflict areas," he said.

Most recently, this armed group attacked and killed 17 civilians who worked as gold miners in Yahukimo, Papua Highlands. The OPM claimed that the deceased victims were military personnel in disguise. The attack took place from April 6 to 8, 2025.

OPM also previously attacked educators and healthcare workers in Anggruk District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Highlands, at the end of March. A teacher was reported to have been killed and several others were injured.

The Head of the TNI Information Center, Brigadier General Kristomei Sianturi, rejected the claims made by OPM, calling them propaganda aimed at legitimizing the group’s attacks on civilians.

"The propaganda constitutes manipulation of information to seek justification for their brutal actions. OPM has blatantly committed crimes against innocent civilians," he said in a written statement on Thursday, April 10, 2025.


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4) Papua Police retrieve bodies of 11 miners killed in rebel attack  
April 12, 2025 22:06 GMT+700


Jayapura (ANTARA) - Chief of the Papua Regional Police, Inspector General Patrige Renwarin, confirmed that the bodies of 11 illegal gold miners slain by a separatist group in Highland Papua province on April 6, 2025, have been retrieved.

"It is true that the 11 miners, who fell victim to the massacre, have been evacuated," he informed after presiding over the inauguration of eight resort police chiefs in Jayapura, Papua province, on Saturday.

Providing further details, he told the media that 10 bodies were recovered from four different illegal mines in Yahukimo district, while one body was retrieved from Pegunungan Bintang district.

He said that the bodies found in Yahukimo were taken to a public hospital in Dekai sub-district for identification, adding that only two of them have been identified so far.

The body of the illegal miner killed in Pegunungan Bintang was brought to Boven Digoel district, South Papua province, he informed.

"Once identified, the bodies will be returned to their families for burial," he said.

While the 11 bodies have been recovered, Renwarin informed that the Papua Regional Police have yet to conclude the evacuation operation as they are awaiting confirmation whether the actual number of victims is higher than initially reported.

Earlier, the Defense Ministry firmly denied the armed group's claim of eliminating military intelligence agents disguised as civilians in Highland Papua, affirming that the 11 victims were confirmed to be civilians.

Head of the ministry's Information Bureau, Brig. General Frega Wenas Inkiriwang, emphasized on Thursday that Indonesia remains steadfast in its commitment to prioritizing legal and peaceful means to address separatist movements in the Papua region.

Indonesian military personnel stationed in the region are tasked solely with ensuring security and protecting civilians, he added.

Therefore, Inkiriwang stressed that the group's allegation that the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) were involved in illegal mining activities in Papua is false.

Related news: Armed Papuan insurgent shot in thigh in Central Papua: Police

Related news: Police, army deployed at Papua hospital after rebel threat: official


Translator: Evarukdijati, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala

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