3) TNI Denies OPM Claim of Helicopter Downing in Papua
4) Indonesia's minister inspects nickel mine In Raja Ampat after protests
6) Papua: Ministers review state of soldiers in conflict-prone area
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Papua students in Denpasar, Bali, received two packages containing rotting pig heads on Friday, June 6, 2025. The incident was confirmed by Jeeno Alfred Dogomo, Chairman of the Papua Student Alliance, on Saturday, June 7.
Jeeno said the first package arrived at 03:00 PM local time at a house rented by Papua students. Delivered by a Grab driver, the box was addressed to Wemison Enembe and Yuberthinus Gobay, and included a contact number and a note referencing the book Papua Bergerak (Moving Papua).
Upon opening the package, students discovered it contained not a book, but the decaying head of a pig and soil.
"It turned out to contain the carcass of a rotting pig's head along with soil. Friends were immediately shocked and covered their noses because of the smell," Jeeno told Tempovia WhatsApp.
Using the GetContact app, the students traced the number written on the package to an individual identified as Made Budawan. That name matched several WhatsApp profile photos and social media accounts, which showed the sender wearing clothing marked with the logo of a group known as Ksatria Dalem Tarukan Kampuh Poleng Tanpa Tepi.
Jeeno added that a second package was delivered at 07:00 PM to another student residence. "We are aware that this is an act of terror by reactionary groups and authorities to intimidate Papua students, so they are afraid to be involved in critical organizational activities," he said.
Wemison, who received one of the packages, is the chair of the Papua Student Alliance in Bali. Yuberthinus, according to Jeeno, is a national executive member of the organization.
Tempo has not been able to reach the Bali Regional Police for comment. Jeeno said the incident has not yet been reported to the police.
Amnesty International Indonesia’s Executive Director, Usman Hamid, called on authorities to identify and prosecute the perpetrators.
"So that they receive a punishment that is commensurate with their actions that disrupt the peace and tranquility of the community," Usman said in a written message to Tempo.
He added that such incidents reflect a failure of law enforcement and protections for civil society. "Cases like this arise when there are parties in power who are uncomfortable with the dynamics of a critical society," he said.
A similar incident occurred earlier on May 30, 2025, when environmental activist Delima Silalahi received a package containing a dead, bloodied bird at her home in Toba Regency, North Sumatra.
The Indonesian government is ensuring proper support for refugees displaced by conflict in Central Papua while also promoting reconciliation to achieve lasting peace in the region.
During a meeting held in Bali on Friday with the province's governor, district heads, and legislators, Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai stated that his ministry had received a comprehensive report on the situation.
“We will serve as a bridge to other ministries so they can collaborate with regional governments to meet the needs of displaced persons—both in the short and long term,” Pigai said in a written statement issued on Saturday.
He explained that around 60,000 residents from Intan Jaya and Puncak districts have fled to urban areas such as Nabire and Timika.
Pigai also noted that two sub-districts—Sinak in Puncak and Hitadipa in Intan Jaya—are now completely abandoned due to ongoing conflict.
“These two districts are now entirely empty. There are no remaining residents, as all have evacuated,” he stated.
Alongside local leaders, Pigai discussed the continuing violence in Intan Jaya and Puncak, which has resulted in casualties, injuries, missing persons, and large-scale displacement.
He emphasized the ministry’s commitment to addressing the crisis and promoting peace in Papua through reconciliation efforts.
During the meeting, regional leaders also presented plans to build new security posts, aiming to end the use of churches and traditional homes as military outposts.
Related news: Military program builds hopes of progress in Central Papua
Related news: Two logistics warehouses in C Papua to address extreme weather hunger
Translator: Agatha, Kenzu
Editor: Anton Santoso
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3) TNI Denies OPM Claim of Helicopter Downing in Papua
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Military (TNI) has denied claims by the armed group West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) that they shot down a TNI helicopter during a recent exchange of fire in Nduga Regency, Papua Highlands, at the end of May 2025.
Head of the TNI Information Center, Major General Kristomei Sianturi, confirmed that thorough checks had been conducted across all TNI units stationed in Papua. He emphatically stated that no TNI helicopter had been brought down as asserted by the TPNPB-OPM.
"We have conducted checks on all TNI units in Papua. Until now, no TNI helicopter has been shot down by the rebels," Kristomei stated in a written statement on Saturday, June 7, 2025.
This official statement was issued in direct response to the TPNPB-OPM's statement on Thursday, June 5, 2025. In their statement, their spokesperson, Sebby Sambom, alleged that they had successfully shot down an Indonesian military helicopter, resulting in damage and its subsequent crash. Sebby further claimed that the helicopter had been evacuated from the combat zone in Nduga using a Russian helicopter on May 31, 2025.
According to Sebby, this attack was reportedly executed by TPNPB Kodap III Ndugama-Derakma forces, under the leadership of Major Perek Jelas Kogeya, as an act of resistance against the TNI's ongoing military operations in Papua. The statement did not provide details regarding the number of casualties or the condition of the helicopter crew.
The TPNPB's press release was also endorsed by several high-ranking officials, including High Commander General Goliath Tabuni and General Operations Commander Major General Lekagak Telenggen. In the same release, the TPNPB reiterated their declaration of nine areas in Papua, including Nduga, as active war zones.
Conversely, Kristomei considered these claims as mere attempts by the OPM to maintain visibility and garner attention from various parties. "This is just propaganda and fake news from the OPM rebels to make themselves appear relevant," he remarked.
4) Indonesia's minister inspects nickel mine In Raja Ampat after protests
- June 7, 2025 18:46 GMT+700
"I came here to see firsthand what is actually happening," Lahadalia said during his visit. He added that the findings from the visit would be reported by his ministry.
The site is operated by GAG Nikel, a subsidiary of the state-owned mining company Antam. GAG Nikel’s mining activities have been temporarily suspended after Lahadalia issued an order on Thursday in response to growing public complaints.
Director General of Minerals and Coal, Tri Winarno, said the mining site is not especially large and highlighted the company’s land restoration efforts.
“Out of a total of 263 hectares cleared, 131 hectares have been reclaimed and 59 hectares have already been restored,” he explained.
Related news: Minister endorses halt to Raja Ampat mining
Winarno also said that aerial surveys showed no signs of sediment buildup in nearby coastal waters, suggesting that the mine has not caused major environmental damage—at least for now. However, he noted that the government has not yet completed its official evaluation of the site.
GAG Nikel is currently waiting for the final assessment, which will determine whether it can resume operations or remain shut down.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Environment reported on Friday that it had found serious violations related to environmental regulations and rules governing small island development in the area.
The company holds a Contract of Work (KK) and operates within a mining permit area of over 13,000 hectares. It began operations in 2018 after receiving environmental clearance the previous year.
“There are a few mining permits in Raja Ampat—probably five—but GAG Nikel is the only one currently operating, and it’s owned by Antam,” Lahadalia said.
Related news: RI halts new forest permits in Raja Ampat amid nickel mining concerns
Related news: Ministry uncovers violations in Raja Ampat nickel mines
Translator: Putu Indah Savitri, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Anton Santoso
The minister emphasized that the underwater beauty of Raja Ampat and the coastal ecosystem in Raja Ampat islands should not be harmed by mining activities.
"I agree with that. Do not let the mining activity ruin it," he stated on Friday, in response to journalists' questions regarding public pressure to protect Raja Ampat from the threat of nickel mining (#SaveRajaAmpat).
The minister noted that efforts to preserve Raja Ampat's natural environment is a shared responsibility.
He expressed hope for discussions on investment and future mining activities that would not damage the ecosystem, as well as historical or cultural sites that are often closely linked to the natural ecosystem.
Amid current mining concerns, Zon said his office is also examining historical sites and cultural heritage, including ancient caves whose preservation is currently threatened by mining activities.
"We are monitoring several locations in Sulawesi and Kalimantan where mining activities threaten ancient caves adorned with ancient paintings, aged tens of thousands of years old," he remarked.
He specifically cited Sangkurilang Cave, located in the Sangkurilang-Mangkalihat karst ecosystem in East Kutai, East Kalimantan, which is currently believed to be at risk from cement mining activities.
The hand paintings on the walls of Sangkurilang Cave are evidence of an ancient civilization that once inhabited the karst area in East Kutai, East Kalimantan, tens of thousands of years ago.
Experts estimate the hand paintings in Sangkurilang Cave to be between 10 thousand to 40 thousand years old, making them among the oldest rock art in the world. In fact, the ancient art in Sangkurilang is believed to predate similar ancient paintings in Spain's El Castillo Cave.
Related news: Minister joins community push to keep Raja Ampat free from mining
Related news: Ministry uncovers violations in Raja Ampat nickel mines
Related news: Energy minister to inspect Raja Ampat nickel mining
Translator: Genta Tenri M, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
6) Papua: Ministers review state of soldiers in conflict-prone area
- June 7, 2025 20:22 GMT+700
Their visit to Kenyam, Nduga district, aimed to strengthen coordination between the defense sector and government budgeting in support of national security and stability, according to Brigadier General Frega Ferdinand Wenas Inkiriwang, head of the Defense Ministry's information bureau.
“So that the Ministry of Finance can better understand the challenges faced by TNI personnel stationed in Papua’s high-risk border areas,” he said.
The ministers first landed at Timika Airport in Central Papua before flying to Kenyam. They then proceeded to the Tactical Command Post of Infantry Battalion 733/Masariku to inspect field conditions and operations.
According to Inkiriwang, this marked the first time a finance minister had visited a high-risk conflict zone in Nduga.
Wearing bulletproof vests, the ministers reviewed the soldiers’ equipment and assessed their combat readiness.
“The visit was a safety-sensitive mission, so all delegates, including those from the finance and defense ministries, wore bulletproof vests,” he explained.
The trip also aimed to ensure accountability in defense spending, which is funded and monitored by the Finance Ministry.
Inkiriwang said that the visit reflected the commitment of both ministries to work in synergy toward achieving national security and stability, especially in regions vulnerable to conflicts.
“National defense requires financial support—and in return, a strong defense contributes to economic resilience, which ultimately strengthens the country’s fiscal capacity,” he added.
Related news: Indonesian govt supports refugees, peace talks in C Papua conflict
Related news: Minister Sjamsoeddin seeks to boost defense in Papua
Translator: Bagus, Kenzu
Editor: Anton Santoso
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