TNI Issues Ultimatum to TPNPB-OPM to Lay Down Arms, Separatists Refuse

Lieutenant General Lucky Avianto, Commander of the Joint Regional Defence Command III (Kogabwilhan III), has called on the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB-OPM) to stop their violent actions, lay down their arms, and pledge allegiance to the Republic of Indonesia. He stressed that the TNI has a legal basis to take firm action under the rules of engagement (ROE) against the armed group. Lucky stated that the group’s actions, including intimidation, arson, and murder of civilians, are intolerable and violate both the law and human rights. “The TNI will never hesitate to take decisive action in urgent situations,” he said. The ultimatum follows an incident on Thursday where the TPNPB claimed responsibility for shooting a US pilot and setting fire to a Pilatus Porter aircraft in Yahukimo Regency. TPNPB spokesperson Sebby Sambom declared the area a war zone and warned civilian aircraft not to enter. Responding to the ultimatum, Sambom rejected the demand, asserting that it is the Indonesian military and police who must leave Papua. “You are the colonisers, so you must be the ones to realise you should leave land that is not yours. Papua belongs to the Papuan people, not Indonesia,” Sambom said via WhatsApp.