Navy Chief Awards Marine Task Forces for Capturing 56 OPM Bases

The Navy Chief of Staff (KSAL), Admiral Muhammad Ali, has awarded the highest honours to two Marine Corps Task Forces that achieved brilliant feats in Papua. The appreciation was given for the success of the Purple Beret soldiers in border security operations. The Marines not only neutralised members of the Free Papua Organisation (OPM) but also captured dozens of armed group bases. One of the units receiving the award is the RI–PNG Border Security Task Force Mobile Infantry Battalion (Yonif) 10 Marine Gobang IV, under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Marine Aris Moko. In a press release from the Navy Information Centre in Jakarta on Thursday (7/5/2026), the Yonif 10 Marine Gobang IV Task Force, deployed in Southwest Papua Province, recorded significant achievements. They succeeded in controlling 56 OPM bases scattered across several strategic points, including Maybrat Regency and Bintuni Regency, as part of a series of operations. The Marine soldiers also neutralised 10 members of the armed separatist group, and secured 4 firearms, 13 rifles, ammunition, 146 traditional weapons, 11 mobile phones, 2 Motorola HT units, 2 OPM organisation notebooks, 24 power systems, Morning Star accessories, and other logistical equipment,” stated the Navy Information Centre. This success demonstrates high combat capabilities and the effectiveness of operations carried out by the Marine Corps in facing complex and high-risk operational environments. In addition to combat operation successes, the Gobang IV Task Force also excelled in a humane territorial approach. Various social activities were consistently carried out, such as free health services, blessed Fridays, communal meals, construction of worship facilities, and installation of solar-powered lights in remote areas. This approach was effective in building public trust and strengthening the state’s presence in conflict-prone regions. This was evidenced by the task force commander being awarded the title “Apan Mana (Head of Snake/War Commander)” by the Aifat Raya Customary Chiefs. “These achievements are a tangible manifestation of the professionalism of soldiers who can combine military strength and a balanced social approach,” said the Marine Corps Commander, Lieutenant General Marine Endi Supardi.