Eight OPM Members Pledge Loyalty to Indonesia, Surrender Weapons and Morning Star Flag

Eight members of the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organisation (TPNPB-OPM) from Kodap XV/NK in Kiwirok, Pegunungan Bintang Regency, Papua Pegunungan, have declared their return to the fold of the Republic of Indonesia. They also surrendered firearms and the Morning Star flag to the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI).

The surrender, which included the commander of TPNPB-OPM Kodap XV/NK Kupel Ngalum Oksibil, took place at Kiwirok District Field on Wednesday (10/6/2026). The event was attended by TNI personnel, district government officials, village heads, community and traditional leaders, clergy, and hundreds of Kiwirok residents.

‘Residents from twelve villages across Kiwirok welcomed this moment with great hope. A solemn atmosphere was felt as the national anthem Indonesia Raya was sung together, serving as a reminder that unity and togetherness are the main foundations for building a more prosperous Papua,’ said Brigadier General TNI Riyanto, Deputy Commander of the TNI Habema Operations Command, in a statement on Saturday (11/6/2026).

Riyanto urged other OPM members still in the forest not to hesitate to return to their families and communities. He stressed that the door to peace is always open for anyone wishing to leave the conflict. ‘Let us join hands to build Papua together. The TNI is ready to assist the community in realising a peaceful and prosperous Papua,’ he said.

The highlight of the activity saw the eight TPNPB-OPM members voluntarily hand over the Morning Star flag, sign a pledge of allegiance, read out a statement of loyalty to the Republic of Indonesia, kiss the Red and White flag, and surrender their weapons. ‘This act symbolises the courage to close an old chapter and choose a peaceful path towards a more dignified future,’ he stated.