TNI Denies Involvement in Shooting of Child in Jigiunggi, Central Papua

JAKARTA - The Head of Information for the TNI Habema Operational Command, Lieutenant Colonel Infantry Wirya Arthadiguna, stated that TNI personnel were not involved in the shooting that killed a child in Jigiunggi village, Central Papua. “There was no activity by TNI soldiers in Jigiunggi village at the time of the shooting incident involving the child,” Wirya said in an official press release from Koops Habema, as reported by ANTARA on Monday (20/4/2026). According to Wirya, two separate shooting incidents occurred on the same day, Tuesday (14/4). “The first incident took place on 14 April 2026 in Kembru village, Papua, where based on community reports, the presence of the OPM armed group was detected in the area,” the official press release stated. When security forces arrived at the location, they came under gunfire from the OPM group, resulting in an exchange of fire. Four OPM members were recorded as killed in the firefight. Following that, the authorities seized several pieces of evidence from the perpetrators. “The authorities secured several pieces of evidence indicating the activities of the armed group, including two homemade firearms, one air rifle, 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm ammunition, one spent cartridge, a bow and arrows, as well as various sharp weapons such as machetes, axes, swords, and knives,” he said. On the same day, TNI received a report from village head Venius Walia stating that one of his villagers, a child, had been killed by gunfire. “TNI immediately conducted checks and confirmed the presence of the victim. However, investigations and inquiries are still ongoing to determine the exact cause of the incident,” he said. Thus, Wirya emphasised that the shooting incident did not involve TNI members. Wirya assured that the examination of these findings would be conducted transparently to uphold justice. “TNI is committed to acting professionally, transparently, and accountably in every execution of duties,” he stated.