TNI Identifies OPM Figure Jeki Murib as Mastermind Behind Burning of Houses, Churches, and Schools

JAKARTA - Commander of the Joint Regional Defence Command (Pangkogabwilhan) III Lieutenant General TNI Lucky Avianto has revealed that Jeki Murib, a figure from the Free Papua Organisation (OPM), is the main culprit behind OPM actions in the Ilaga area, Puncak Regency, Central Papua.

“Jeki Murib is a wanted suspect and he is the mastermind in the Ilaga region, including the Freeport area,” said Lucky in a video statement, quoted on Tuesday (28/4/2026).

“He is the one who shot dead a Freeport employee in Grasberg, then attacked security personnel at Mile 50 Freeport, burned houses, churches, schools, intimidated the public, children, and mothers,” he continued.

The pursuit of Jeki ended with a shooting that resulted in his death.

Lucky emphasised that the operation was conducted professionally, distinguishing between combatants and non-combatants while upholding human rights.

“Therefore, we must be able to select who can be shot and who cannot. I emphasise to the troops to always adhere firmly to the role of judgement,” said Lucky.

Lucky stressed that the safety of the public must be the top priority in every operation, in line with the principle that the safety of the people is the highest law.

Head of Information (Kapen) for the TNI Habema Operational Command, Lieutenant Colonel Infantry Wirya Arthadiguna, stated that Jeki Murib was a figure from an armed separatist group who frequently carried out violent actions in the Puncak and Mimika regions, as well as disrupting the national vital object of PT Freeport Indonesia.

Wirya recounted that Jeki Murib was suspected of being involved in several violent acts, including the burning of a tower complex in Kago Village, Ilaga District, on 15 August 2023, as well as the murder and assault on construction workers for a community health centre in Eromaga Village, Omukia District, on 19 October 2023.

He added that Jeki Murib was suspected of involvement in several violent acts, including the hostage-taking of 18 PT Freeport Indonesia employees at Tower 270, Tembagapura District, on 8 January 2026.

Additionally, he was also suspected of involvement in the attack and seizure of weapons from two members of the Tembagapura Koramil who injured civilians on 11 February 2026, as well as the shooting of two PT Freeport Indonesia employees in the Grasberg area and the attack on police personnel during the evacuation of victims on 11 March 2026.

“Those OPM actions have caused fear and disrupted the lives of the community, including hindering the wheels of the economy and community activities,” said Wirya.