TNI: Eight gold miners killed in Papua in OPM attack

Eight gold miners were reported killed after being attacked by members of the Organisation for Papua Independence (OPM) in Korowai, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Province Highlands, on Wednesday, 20 May.

The assault is suspected to have been carried out by the TPNPB-OPM Kodap XVI Yahukimo group, led by Major Kopitua Heluka, together with fighters from the Yamue Battalion led by Major Dejang Heluka.

‘The group accuses the victims of being security forces in disguise,’ said M. Wirya Arthadiguna, the Head of Information for Koops TNI Habema, in a written statement on Thursday, 21 May.

He stressed that all the victims were civilians engaged in gold mining.

Wirya said Koops TNI Habema had mobilised personnel and helicopter support to accelerate the evacuation of the victims from the scene.

Security personnel will also pursue the perpetrators.

‘Eight people were not security personnel as claimed by the OPM Kodap XVI Yahukimo group; they were civilians carrying out gold mining in the area,’ he said.

He noted that the killing of civilians is a violation of the law and of human rights.

‘The Koops TNI Habema strongly condemns the violence and the killing of civilians carried out by the OPM group. The TNI will pursue the perpetrators and will continue to enhance security in Yahukimo,’ he added.

Wirya noted that the security situation in Yahukimo remains precarious but under control.

‘The Koops TNI Habema is also increasing security patrols to provide protection to civilians in the affected area,’ he added.