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

VIVA – The TNI Habema Operational Command has affirmed that TNI personnel were not involved in the incident resulting in the death of a child from gunshot wounds in Jigiunggi Village, Papua. The statement refutes reports that the child was a victim of a firefight between TNI and the Free Papua Organisation (OPM).

“There was no activity by TNI soldiers in Jigiunggi Village at the time of the shooting of the child,” said the Head of Information for the TNI Habema Operational Command, Lieutenant Colonel Infantry Wirya Arthadiguna, in an official press release from Koops Habema received on Monday, 20 April 2026.

According to Wirya, two separate shooting incidents occurred on the same day, Tuesday, 14 April 2026. “The first incident took place on 14 April 2026 in Kembru Village, Papua, where based on reports from the public, there was a presence of an armed OPM group in the area,” Wirya stated.

Wirya continued that security forces immediately proceeded to the location to conduct an inspection. Upon arrival, the forces received gunfire from the OPM group, leading to an exchange of fire.

Four OPM members were recorded as having been killed in the firefight. Afterwards, the security forces seized several pieces of evidence belonging to the perpetrators.

“The security forces 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 revealed.

On the same day, TNI received a report from village head Venius Walia stating that one of his villagers, a child, had died from a gunshot wound.

“TNI immediately conducted a check and confirmed the presence of the victim. However, to date, an in-depth investigation and probe are still being carried out to ascertain 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 the findings would be conducted transparently to uphold justice.

“TNI is committed to acting professionally, transparently, and accountably in every execution of duties,” he stated.