Three OPM Members Killed in Shootout with Indonesian Military in Papua, Weapons Seized
Three people described by the TNI as members of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) were killed in a firefight with Indonesian soldiers in a forested area of Eral Makawia District, Puncak Regency, Central Papua, on Sunday, 16 August 2026.
Commander of Joint Regional Defence Command (Pangkogabwilhan) III, Lieutenant General Lucky Avianto, said in Timika that the firefight occurred when a TNI task force was pursuing the group and located their hiding place in the forest.
According to Lucky, the soldiers had asked the group to surrender before the firefight broke out.
“The incident happened while we were on patrol. We approached them, saw them, and urged them to surrender, but they ended up shooting at us instead. We then took firm, measured action in accordance with existing regulations and succeeded in killing three OPM members,” he said.
Lucky said the bodies of the three dead were carried away by other group members who fled into the forest.
During a sweep after the firefight, the TNI task force also secured eight firearms along with ammunition.
According to Lucky, the weapons were suspected to have been intended for use by the OPM group to carry out security disturbances ahead of the 81st anniversary of Indonesia’s independence.
He said TNI personnel under the control of Kogabwilhan III carried out the operation based on provisions and rules of engagement to ensure that soldiers acted professionally while upholding the law and human rights.
Lucky stressed that the TNI would take firm and measured action against armed activities deemed to threaten the safety of the public and security forces.
“The safety of the people is the highest law, Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto. Therefore, I ask all OPM members, wherever you are, to immediately lay down your weapons, surrender and rejoin the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. Let us build Papua to realise a safe, peaceful and prosperous Papua,” he said.
Lucky said the TNI would continue its efforts to maintain security in the Papua region with the support and coordination of government elements and the community.