Three Residents Shot in Puncak, Papua; DPD Member Urges TNI and OPM to Exercise Restraint
JAKARTA - A member of the Regional Representative Council (DPD) from Papua, Lamek Dowansiba, has urged the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Free Papua Organisation (OPM) to exercise mutual restraint following the shooting incident targeting civilians in Sinak District, Puncak Regency, Central Papua.
He stressed the importance of prioritising the handling of victims in the current non-conducive field situation.
“For the time being, we hope that each side must exercise restraint so that these victims can be tended to first. That is certainly our collective hope. Because up to now, the situation is not yet conducive,” Lamek stated in a written statement on Saturday (18/4/2026).
“Each side can exercise restraint so that these residents are properly cared for first. Among them is a young child who also became a victim of this incident,” he added.
Furthermore, Lamek reminded the importance of complying with international rules regarding the protection of civilians in armed conflict situations.
“In accordance with Article 3 of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, there are several specific points regulating internal conflicts occurring domestically. Today, we see the situation between OPM and TNI; I think this must also be heeded by all parties, especially the OPM group and TNI,” he said.
“We hope that troop deployments to Papua should be reduced. A humane approach is needed there, not a military one,” he concluded.
The Chief of Information for the XVII/Cenderawasih Military Regional Command, Colonel Inf Tri Purwanto, stated that the shooting report was received from the Head of Tirineri Village Tribe, Dianus Enumbi, on Wednesday morning (15/4/2026).
According to him, the three victims consisted of one woman and two children. They were immediately evacuated by TNI Task Force personnel along with the 1714/Puncak Jaya District Military Command and the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) of Puncak Jaya Regency to Mulia Regional General Hospital.
“From that report, TNI Task Force personnel along with the 1714/Puncak Jaya District Military Command and the Indonesian Red Cross of Puncak Jaya Regency immediately headed to the location to evacuate the victims to Mulia Regional General Hospital,” Tri said.
“The three victims have arrived at Mulia Regional General Hospital and are receiving medical treatment. Their condition is conscious,” he added.
The TNI also expressed regret over the incident of violence against civilians.
“Civilians should be protected, not made targets of violence,” he said.
Following the incident, the TNI advised the public to remain vigilant and to immediately report to security apparatus if they find any information or similar incidents.