Habema Operations Command denies involvement in church explosion incident

The TNI Habema Operations Command has asserted that it was not involved in the explosion incident that occurred outside the St. Paul Nabuni Station Church, Mbamogo, Agisiga District, Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua, on Sunday (17/5).

“We regret the news and narratives on social media that immediately accuse the TNI/Polri as the perpetrators. We emphasise here that the TNI is not the perpetrator of this bombing,” stated the Head of Information for the TNI Habema Operations Command, Lt Col (Inf) Wirya Arthadiguna, in a press release received in Jakarta on Monday.

According to Wirya, the command possesses several pieces of evidence indicating that the TNI did not carry out the explosion. The first piece of evidence is that the grenade found at the location differs in standard from the grenades utilised by the TNI. Furthermore, he stated that the TNI never uses explosive drones to attack civilians, let alone at places of worship.

Additionally, Wirya continued, it would be impossible for the military to carry out such an act because the TNI’s mission in Papua from the outset has been to ensure security and protect local residents. “The TNI always prioritises a humanistic security approach and the protection of the Papuan people,” he said.

To date, the Habema Operations Command continues to investigate the masterminds behind this act of terror. While the investigation is ongoing, Wirya urged the public not to spread unverified information that could mislead citizens by accusing the TNI of involvement in the explosion.

“We urge all parties not to spread unverified information that has the potential to provoke and worsen the security situation in Intan Jaya,” said Wirya. He suspected that the incident is highly likely to be a provocation by parties seeking to divide the TNI from the Papuan people.

The explosion occurred at approximately 17:51 WITA on Sunday (17/5). Based on gathered information, the explosion resulted in four people sustaining injuries.