TNI Command Clarifies Allegations of Intimidation Against Church Congregation in Puncak Jaya
The TNI Habema Operations Command (Koops) has denied allegations of intimidation by personnel at the Wuloni post against members of the Santa Sisilia Wuloni congregation, Santo Petrus Ilaga Parish, Moni-Puncak Jaya Deanery, Timika Diocese, Central Papua. Based on an internal investigation, Koops TNI Habema confirmed that there were no directives or actions by soldiers in the field aimed at pressuring the church or local congregation to express gratitude to the TNI and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia.
Head of Public Relations for Koops TNI Habema, Lieutenant Colonel Inf M. Wirya Arthadiguna, stressed that the military institution regards the church and religious leaders as important partners in maintaining peace in Papuan society.
“We respect the church, religious leaders, and all congregants. The presence of the TNI within the community must provide a sense of security, not fear. Therefore, we always emphasise to every soldier to build communication in a humane manner, respecting the community, customs, and religious life in Papua,” said Wirya in a statement on Wednesday (12/8/2026).
Wirya explained that the expressions of gratitude conveyed by residents stemmed from the participation of TNI personnel in helping renovate the Santa Sisilia Wuloni Church and repairing primary school facilities in the area. He stressed that the territorial assistance was purely a form of concern for public facilities and was never accompanied by demands for compensation in the form of political support or public statements from the community.
“For us, helping the church and school is part of our service. There is no obligation for the community to reciprocate with any statement. What matters most is that the place of worship can be used properly, children can learn adequately, and the relationship between the TNI and the community continues to be built on mutual trust and respect,” he continued.
Furthermore, Wirya affirmed that his office is open to various aspirations and input from the community as material for continuous evaluation so that territorial development duties in the interior of Papua become increasingly professional. According to Wirya, sustainable security stability does not rest solely on guarding territory, but on creating a sense of safety for residents in worship and daily activities.
“Public trust cannot be requested or forced, but must grow from the attitude, sincerity, and service that the community itself feels,” concluded Wirya.
Previously, the Catholic Youth Regional Commissariat (Komda) of Central Papua strongly protested the actions of security forces against the Catholic congregation of Santa Sisilia Wuloni, Santo Petrus Ilaga Parish, Moni-Puncak Jaya Deanery, Timika Diocese, Central Papua.
Chairman of the Central Papua Catholic Youth Komda, Tino Mote, claimed to have received information accompanied by a short video on Sunday (9/8). Armed security personnel entered the grounds of the Sisilia Wuloni Church. The officers forced the congregation to express ‘gratitude’ to the Wuloni post personnel for helping the church paint the church building and assisting the station congregation.
“Intimidating methods like this only add to the fear of the Catholic congregation in the Moni-Puncak Jaya Deanery, Timika Diocese. All this time, residents of Puncak Regency, including the Catholic congregation, have suffered and been traumatised by the unconducive security situation. If the security approach pattern experienced by the Wuloni station congregation continues, then the path to peace as envisioned by the President together with central and regional government officials will be further from expectations,” said Tino.