OPM Leader Jeki Murib Killed in Shootout

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), through Koops Habema, successfully neutralised Jeki Murib, the Operations Commander of OPM Kodap 18 Ilaga in Kampung Pinapa, Omukia District, on 20 April 2026. In an official press release from Koops Habema, confirmed by Antara in Jakarta on Tuesday, it was explained that Jeki was killed following a firefight with TNI soldiers. “Indeed (the firefight) resulted in the neutralisation of Jeki Murib,” said the Head of Information for Koops TNI Habema, Lieutenant Colonel Infantry Wirya Arthadiguna. Wirya explained that Jeki Murib was responsible for several criminal acts in Papua, including attacks on airports, communities, and employees of PT Freeport Indonesia. Due to this series of criminal actions, Wirya said, Jeki Murib’s presence made the people in the Papua region feel threatened and uneasy. “Those OPM actions caused fear and disrupted community life, including hindering the wheels of the economy and community activities,” said Wirya. Therefore, Wirya continued, Koops Habema is present among the people to stop the terror attacks created by Jeki Murib. He stated that the enforcement carried out by Koops Habema is part of Military Operations Other Than War (OMSP) as regulated in Law Number 3 of 2025, specifically Article 7 paragraph (2) Letter B Points 1 and 2, which affirm the main duties of the TNI to counter armed separatist movements and address armed rebellions. “In addition, this step is in line with Presidential Instruction Number 9 of 2020, which emphasises an integrated approach between security and welfare, with the primary priority on protecting the community and accelerating development in Papua,” he said. With this enforcement, Wirya hopes that the Papua region can return to being conducive.