Police Say Nine Papuan Teenagers Kidnapped by Papuan Separatists, Here is OPM Spokesperson's Response

The armed Free Papua Movement has denied kidnapping or holding hostage nine civilians in Mimika, Central Papua.

Spokesperson for the West Papua National Liberation Army – Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM), Sebby Sambom, said the Indonesian National Police’s accusation was a provocation and propaganda aimed at spreading negative sentiment about the pro-independence group. “That is just propaganda fabricated by the Indonesian military,” Sebby said when contacted by Republika from Jakarta on Thursday (20/8/2026).

He said TPNPB-OPM forces spread across Papua do not target ordinary people in their armed resistance against Indonesian security forces. “TPNPB forces do not target civilians,” he added.

It was previously reported that attacks by armed separatists in several areas of Bumi Cenderawasih remain widespread. In Mimika, local police reported that the armed group’s separatist actions have not only targeted Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and National Police (Polri) security personnel, but also local civilians and migrants.

Mimika Police even reported that the separatist group has begun kidnapping and taking a number of residents hostage.