TNI Issues Ultimatum to TPNPB-OPM to Lay Down Arms, Separatists Refuse
The Commander of the Joint Regional Defence Command III (Pangkogabwilhan III), Lieutenant General Lucky Avianto, has issued an ultimatum to the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) to cease acts of violence, lay down their weapons, and reaffirm their loyalty to the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
Lucky emphasised that the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) possess the legal basis to take decisive action against armed groups in accordance with the rules of engagement (ROE). However, he stressed that every action taken by soldiers must prioritise the law and respect for human rights. “The TNI will never hesitate to take firm action when faced with urgent situations,” Lucky stated in a written statement on Friday, 3 July 2026.
Joint Regional Defence Command III (Kogabwilhan III) oversees Indonesia’s eastern defence region, with its headquarters located in Timika, Central Papua. He explained that the ROE provisions for TNI operations are regulated through TNI Commander Regulations Number Perpang/32/IV/2011 and Perpang/33/IV/2011.
According to Lucky, various actions carried out by the TPNPB-OPM—ranging from intimidation, robbery, and the burning of facilities to the murder of civilians—can no longer be tolerated. He assessed that these actions not only violate the law and human rights but also contradict the customary and religious values upheld by the Papuan people. “The TPNPB-OPM is essentially a common enemy that must be fought and stopped,” he said.
Lucky’s statement follows the TPNPB’s claim of responsibility for the shooting of an American pilot and the burning of an aircraft at Ipdeheik Balinggama Airport, Sobaham District, Yahukuma Regency, on Thursday, 2 July 2026.
Sebby Sambom, Spokesperson for the TPNPB Central Headquarters, stated that the action was carried out by the TPNPB Regional Defence Command (Kodap) XVI Yahukimo, under the leadership of Elkius Kobak. “We shot as an ultimatum so that no more Indonesian airlines will fly in Papuan territory,” Sambom said in a written statement on Friday, 3 July 2026.
Sambom argued that aircraft operating in Papua, including the Pilatus Porter flown by American pilot Nicholas F. Goselin, are frequently used to transport TNI personnel and logistics.
He also mentioned that the TPNPB has long designated Yahukimo as a war zone that must not be entered by civilians, particularly non-Papuan civilians. “Indonesia must take responsibility for allowing civilians to enter a forbidden zone,” he added.
Responding to the ultimatum from Pangkogabwilhan III to surrender weapons and return loyalty to the Red and White (the Indonesian flag), Sambom asserted that his group rejects the demand. He argued instead that the TNI and the National Police (Polri) should leave Papua. “You are the colonisers, so you must realise you must leave the land that is not yours. Papuan land belongs to the Papuan people, not Indonesia,” Sambom said when asked for confirmation via WhatsApp.