The evacuation was carried out by the Habema Joint Regional Defense\nCommand after the miners escaped from Kawe village in Awimbon\nSubdistrict, Pegunungan Bintang District, on May 24.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis evacuation reflects the state\u2019s presence in protecting\ncivilians affected by security disturbances in the Papua Highlands\ninterior,\u201d Habema spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel M. Wirya Arthadiguna\nsaid in a statement received in Jakarta on Monday.<\/p>\n
Wirya did not provide details on the circumstances surrounding the\nminers\u2019 escape or whether any direct confrontation with separatist\nfighters had occurred before the evacuation.<\/p>\n
He said the operation began after the 44 residents arrived at Tanah\nMerah Port in Boven Digoel District aboard three longboats from Kawe\nVillage.<\/p>\n
Upon arriving at the port, the evacuees received security protection\nand assistance from Habema personnel and other security officers for\nregistration, medical checks, and further safety procedures.<\/p>\n
Following the evacuation, military personnel increased security\nmeasures in several nearby areas to ensure residents remained safe amid\ncontinuing concerns over armed separatist activity.<\/p>\n
\u201cHabema and related security agencies continue efforts to maintain a\nconducive security situation and strengthen preventive measures against\nfurther disturbances,\u201d Wirya said.<\/p>\n
He added that all 44 evacuees were receiving support and assistance\nfrom military personnel following their arrival in the safer area.<\/p>\n
Authorities said they were strengthening coordination among security\nagencies to ensure the wider region remained secure from OPM activity\nand potential future threats.<\/p>\n
The Papua Highlands region has experienced sporadic violence\ninvolving Indonesian security forces and armed groups linked to OPM.<\/p>\n
Papuan separatists have intensified attacks across Indonesia\u2019s\neasternmost provinces in recent years, targeting civilians, workers, and\nsecurity forces in a campaign aimed at spreading fear and undermining\nstate authority.<\/p>\n
The armed groups have frequently used hit-and-run tactics against\nIndonesian troops and staged assaults on civilians in districts\nincluding Intan Jaya, Nduga, Yahukimo, and Puncak.<\/p>\n
Targets have included construction workers, motorcycle taxi drivers,\nteachers, students, food vendors, and civilian aircraft crews.<\/p>\n
Notable incidents include December 2, 2018: Rebels killed 31 workers\nfrom PT Istaka Karya building the Trans Papua highway in Kali Yigi and\nKali Aurak, Yigi Subdistrict, Nduga District.<\/p>\n
February 7, 2023: New Zealand pilot Phillip Mark Mehrtens was taken\nhostage by an armed group led by Egianus Kogoya after landing a Susi Air\nflight in Nduga District. His aircraft was then set on fire.<\/p>\n
April 2025: Sixteen illegal gold miners were shot dead by an armed\ngroup in Yahukimo District, Highland Papua.<\/p>\n
Related news: West Papua Police arrest 31 in illegal gold mining\ncrackdown<\/p>\n
Related news: New West Papua police chief urged to crack down on\nillegal miners<\/p>\n
Related news: Unidentified group kills five gold miners in\nYahukimo<\/p>\n
Translator: Walda M, Rahmad Nasution<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/indonesian-military-evacuates-44-gold-miners-in-papua-1779933031", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }