Navy Chief Praises Marines for Killing OPM Members
Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali has praised Marines serving with the TNI’s Habema Corps for their performance in killing members of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) in Maybrat, Southwest Papua, several days ago.
An official Marine Corps press release received in Jakarta on Tuesday said Ali conveyed his appreciation during an internal Navy meeting held by video conference on Monday (12 October). Marine Corps Commander Major General Endi Supari and senior Marine Corps officials also attended the meeting from the headquarters of the 4th Marine Combat Training Centre in Purboyo, South Malang.
Ali said the personnel had performed exceptionally and deserved rewards, including promotions and opportunities to pursue military education.
“These rewards recognise the courage, dedication and professionalism of personnel in carrying out operational duties to maintain security and safeguard the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia,” Ali said, according to the press release.
Ali did not say when the promotions and education opportunities would be granted.
TNI Habema operational personnel shot and killed three members of the OPM’s Kodap IV/Sorong Raya during an exchange of fire near the Frambu River in Maybrat regency, Southwest Papua, on Friday (9 October).
An official press release from TNI Habema Operations Command, received in Jakarta on Friday, said the troops involved in the clash were members of the 9th Marine Infantry Battalion task force.
The exchange of fire occurred while the troops were conducting Operation Badai Kasuari 3.10, part of efforts to secure the area and address disturbances by armed groups. The troops came under attack during the operation, leading to a firefight at about 9.01am local time.
Three OPM armed-group members were reported to have been shot. One body was found at the scene, while the other two were reportedly swept away by the river and remained missing.
Initial identification suggested the body found was that of Manfred Fatem, operations commander of OPM Kodap IV/Sorong Raya. The two missing men were believed to be Anton Fatem and Yesias Fatem.
The task force also found an AK-101 assault rifle.
Habema Operations Commander Brigadier General Riyanto said the measures were necessary to protect the public from separatist and armed groups in Papua.
“Every armed threat endangering the safety of the public and security personnel must be dealt with firmly and professionally. But our main aim is to create a safe environment where people can live peacefully, public services can operate and social life can flourish again,” Riyanto said.
Riyanto said Habema Operations Command would take various measures to ensure the safety of people in Papua. He also urged OPM members to surrender and return peacefully to the fold of the motherland.
“To our brothers still in the forests, the path of peace remains open,” he said.