TNI Commander Emphasises Unity to Resolve Papua Conflict
The Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), General Agus Subiyando, believes that handling the conflict in Papua requires the involvement of various parties. He stated that the TNI cannot work alone in facing the complexity of the issues in the region.
Agus emphasised the importance of collaboration between the TNI, ministries, agencies, and local governments in managing the Papua conflict. “I believe resolving the Papua issue cannot be done by the TNI alone; everyone must collaborate, including local governments and various ministries,” Agus said when met in the Monas area, Central Jakarta, on Sunday, 20 September 2026.
According to Agus, such joint efforts are necessary to strengthen the various operations already conducted by the TNI. The vast geographical landscape of Papua, dominated by mountainous terrain, remains one of the primary challenges in maintaining security.
Agus’s remarks come amidst a resurgence of conflicts in Papua. One notable recent case involves the death of Aris Sanda, a travel driver from Toraja. Aris was found dead alongside his vehicle, which had been burnt, in the Lake Habema area of Highland Papua.
The TNI’s Habema Operations Command identified the armed group from the OPM (Free Papua Movement) Kodap III Ndugama as the party responsible for the violence against Aris Sanda.
The Head of Information for Koops TNI Habema, Lieutenant Colonel Wirya Arthadiguna, previously explained that Aris was transporting several passengers in an open-top vehicle when the vehicle was intercepted by the armed group. The group conducted an inspection of the driver and passengers; following the check, the passengers were ordered to return to Wamena, while Aris was detained and forced to walk towards Lake Habema.
Reports of the incident were subsequently followed up by Koops TNI Habema personnel, who conducted search and sweep operations around the location on Wednesday, 16 September 2026. The team eventually discovered a burnt vehicle and the body of Aris at the same site.
Koops TNI Habema stated that they will pursue the armed group suspected of involvement in the incident while simultaneously strengthening security across the Papua region. “Koops TNI Habema will continue its efforts to handle the armed groups involved, including conducting pursuits and supporting the law enforcement process in accordance with applicable regulations, to prevent further casualties and ensure public safety,” he said.