OPM Commander Jeki Murib's Trail of Violence: Holding 18 Freeport Employees Hostage to Burning Schools
The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Habema Operational Command has killed Jeki Murib, the Operational Commander of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) Kodap 18 Ilaga, in Pinapa Village, Omukia District, Puncak Regency, Central Papua.
Commander of the Joint Defence Area Command (Pangkogabwilhan) III Lieutenant General TNI Lucky Avianto revealed that the operation occurred after Jeki Murib fired wildly at TNI troops.
“We carried out tactical activities in the field. Our troops were shot at brutally and indiscriminately. And there, we conducted engagement,” Lucky said in a video statement, quoted on Tuesday (28/4/2026).
Jeki Murib is suspected of involvement in several violent acts, including the burning of a tower complex in Kago Village, Ilaga District, on 15 August 2023.
He is also suspected of involvement in the murder and assault of healthcare centre construction workers in Eromaga Village, Omukia District, on 19 October 2023.
His name is also suspected to be involved in a shooting at Aminggaru Airport on 18 June 2025. Additionally, he is suspected of involvement in several violent acts, including the hostage-taking of 18 PT Freeport Indonesia employees at Tower 270, Tembagapura District, on 8 January 2026.
Subsequently, the shooting of two PT Freeport Indonesia employees in the Grasberg area and the attack on police officers during the evacuation of victims on 11 March 2026.
“Jeki Murib was a most-wanted suspect and the mastermind in the Ilaga area, including the Freeport region,” Lucky said.
“He is the one who shot dead Freeport employees in Grasberg, then attacked security personnel at Mile 50 Freeport, burned houses, churches, schools, intimidated the public, children, and women,” he added.
Lucky stated that the operation was conducted professionally, strictly distinguishing between combatants and non-combatants, while upholding human rights principles.
“Thus, we must be able to choose who can be shot and who cannot. I emphasise to the troops to always adhere to the role of judgement,” Lucky said.
Lucky emphasised that the safety of the public must be the top priority in every operation, in line with the principle that the safety of the people is the highest law.