OPM Attacks Civilians Resulting in Death in Tembagapura, TNI Returns Fire

A shooting incident in the Camp Wini Kalikuluk area, Tembagapura MP 69, Mimika Regency, Central Papua Province, was carried out by the armed separatist group Free Papua Organisation (OPM) on Saturday (9/5/2026). They were identified as part of the OPM group led by Guspi Waker.

The incident resulted in the death of a female teenage civilian aged around 12-15 years from gunshot wounds. In addition, another resident was reported to have sustained a gunshot wound to the left calf, who is currently receiving medical treatment. Meanwhile, several other residents have evacuated to safer locations due to the OPM disturbance.

The Deputy Commander of the TNI Habema Regional Command, Lieutenant Colonel Infantry M Wirya Arthadiguna, stated that TNI Task Force personnel in the field continue to prioritise the safety of civilians in every security operation in Papua. “The actions taken by personnel are in accordance with procedures and emphasise measured steps to avoid civilian casualties,” he said in a press release.

According to Wirya, based on the account of one of the injured victims named Irince Wandikbo, the shots fired at the residents came from the direction of Camp David across the river. At that time, the residents were gathered with their families inside the camp.

To date, he said, TNI territorial task force units are still conducting security patrols and in-depth investigations into the shooting incident. “The TNI is also continuing to monitor the activities of the OPM group led by Guspi Waker, which is suspected of attempting to demonstrate its presence in the Kalikuluk area and surroundings,” Wirya stated.

Prior to the incident, personnel from the TNI Habema Regional Command team were conducting security patrol activities in the MP 69 area. They detected suspicious movements through drone surveillance.