Indonesian military evacuates 44 gold miners in Papua
The evacuation was carried out by the Habema Joint Regional Defense Command after the miners escaped from Kawe village in Awimbon Subdistrict, Pegunungan Bintang District, on May 24.
“This evacuation reflects the state’s presence in protecting civilians affected by security disturbances in the Papua Highlands interior,” Habema spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel M. Wirya Arthadiguna said in a statement received in Jakarta on Monday.
Wirya did not provide details on the circumstances surrounding the miners’ escape or whether any direct confrontation with separatist fighters had occurred before the evacuation.
He said the operation began after the 44 residents arrived at Tanah Merah Port in Boven Digoel District aboard three longboats from Kawe Village.
Upon arriving at the port, the evacuees received security protection and assistance from Habema personnel and other security officers for registration, medical checks, and further safety procedures.
Following the evacuation, military personnel increased security measures in several nearby areas to ensure residents remained safe amid continuing concerns over armed separatist activity.
“Habema and related security agencies continue efforts to maintain a conducive security situation and strengthen preventive measures against further disturbances,” Wirya said.
He added that all 44 evacuees were receiving support and assistance from military personnel following their arrival in the safer area.
Authorities said they were strengthening coordination among security agencies to ensure the wider region remained secure from OPM activity and potential future threats.
The Papua Highlands region has experienced sporadic violence involving Indonesian security forces and armed groups linked to OPM.
Papuan separatists have intensified attacks across Indonesia’s easternmost provinces in recent years, targeting civilians, workers, and security forces in a campaign aimed at spreading fear and undermining state authority.
The armed groups have frequently used hit-and-run tactics against Indonesian troops and staged assaults on civilians in districts including Intan Jaya, Nduga, Yahukimo, and Puncak.
Targets have included construction workers, motorcycle taxi drivers, teachers, students, food vendors, and civilian aircraft crews.
Notable incidents include December 2, 2018: Rebels killed 31 workers from PT Istaka Karya building the Trans Papua highway in Kali Yigi and Kali Aurak, Yigi Subdistrict, Nduga District.
February 7, 2023: New Zealand pilot Phillip Mark Mehrtens was taken hostage by an armed group led by Egianus Kogoya after landing a Susi Air flight in Nduga District. His aircraft was then set on fire.
April 2025: Sixteen illegal gold miners were shot dead by an armed group in Yahukimo District, Highland Papua.
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Translator: Walda M, Rahmad Nasution