Papuan Figures Support TNI-Polri in Taking Decisive Action Against OPM and KNPB
Religious, customary, and community leaders in Papua have expressed their full support for the decisive steps taken by the TNI and Polri in tackling the Free Papua Organisation (OPages). The escalation of violence by separatist groups is considered increasingly disturbing, as it targets not only migrant residents or foreign nationals but also threatens the safety of Indigenous Papuans (OAP).
Kirenius Telenggen, a Christian religious leader from Puncak Jaya, Central Papua, highlighted the brutal actions of the OPM, which recently resulted in the killing of Captain Nicholas F. Goselin, an American pilot from PT AMA. The pilot was reportedly conducting religious service flights in remote areas of Papua when the incident occurred. According to Kirenius, such actions severely damage the image of Papua’s Christian community in the eyes of the international community.
“Various forms of terror, rape, and the murder of indigenous Papuans who refuse to join have caused the OPM to lose sympathy. We believe the status of the OPM is very appropriate to be designated as a terrorist group because its actions threaten national sovereignty and the safety of the people,” Kirenius stated on Saturday.
Kirenius added that the Papuan community is now urging the government and law enforcement agencies to take firm action against the OPM’s political front, such as the West Papua National Committee (KNPB), which frequently organises actions aimed at treason. He also called on the government to curb propaganda and hate speech on social media that incites Papuan youth.
“The community is becoming smarter. Prosperity is achieved through education and development, not through acts of terror. We urge our brothers and sisters who are still part of the OPM to immediately return to the embrace of the Republic of Indonesia and work together to build Papua,” he urged.
Separately, firm law enforcement efforts continue to be carried out by security forces on the ground. The Damai Cartenz-2026 Operation Task Force reported that it has neutralised four members of the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) during an operation in Yahukimo Regency, Highland Papua.
Head of Public Relations for the Damai Cartenz-2026 Operation, Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, explained that this operation is part of the state’s commitment to protecting civilians from the disturbances caused by armed groups. “This enforcement is part of the efforts to uphold the law against parties suspected of involvement in several criminal acts in the Yahukimos region,” concluded Yusuf.
From the traditional noken bag belonging to the deceased perpetrators, officers seized evidence including 11 live bullets, mobile communication devices, and several other personal items.
The TNI Task Force of the Habema Operational Command (Koops) successfully completed a rescue operation for 18 employees of PT Freeport Indonesia who had been isolated for three days at Tower 270 Post, Tembagapura District.
The Media Task Force Commander of Koops Habema, Lieutenant Colonel Iwan D. Prihartono, stated that his unit successfully neutralised an OPM base in Intan Jaya.
TNI soldiers successfully neutralised one of the main figures of the OPM, Mayer Wenda, also known as Kuloi Wonda, who serves as the Deputy Commander of Kodap XII/Lanny Jaya.
Additionally, the Directorate General of Immigration has deported AP, a Russian national, who misused a tourist visa to document KNPB demonstrations in Wamena, Papua.