TNI Explains Operations in Papua Resulting in Civilian Death as Separate Incidents
The Head of Public Relations of the TNI’s Information Centre, Colonel (Navy) Agung Saptoadi, has spoken out regarding circulating information about the shooting of a child in Papua. Agung stated that two separate incidents occurred on 14 April 2026.
He explained that the first incident took place in Kampung Kembru, Papua, where TNI troops engaged in a firefight with an OPM armed group. Based on reports from locals, the presence of the group was detected in the area, prompting a patrol by TNI soldiers.
“Upon arriving at the location, the team came under fire from the armed group, leading to a shootout. In this incident, four individuals from the OPM armed group were neutralised,” Agung said in his statement on Saturday (18/4/2026).
His side also secured several pieces of evidence indicating the armed group’s activities. These included homemade weapons, air rifles, 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm ammunition, as well as various sharp weapons such as machetes and knives.
“Communication equipment was also found, including several mobile phones and handy talkies (HTs), OPM flags, identity documents, and other personal items,” he explained.
Meanwhile, he said the second incident occurred in Kampung Jigiunggi, nearly 7 kilometres from Kampung Kembru. In this case, they received a report from the local village head about a child who died from gunshot wounds.
“TNI immediately conducted checks and confirmed the presence of the victim. However, investigations and further inquiries are still ongoing to determine the exact cause of the incident,” he stated.
He emphasised that no TNI personnel were involved in the shooting of the child. He stressed that the two incidents occurred at different times and locations.
“TNI asserts that no TNI soldiers were involved in the shooting of the child; the two incidents took place at distant locations, at different times, are unrelated, and there were no TNI patrol activities in Kampung Jigiunggi at the time of the incident,” he added.