TNI says three OPM members killed in firefight in Puncak

Three people described by the TNI as members of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) were killed in a firefight with Indonesian soldiers in a forested area of Eral Makawia District, Puncak Regency, Central Papua, on Sunday.

Commander of Joint Regional Defence Command III Lieutenant General Lucky Avianto said in Timika that the firefight occurred when a TNI task force was pursuing the group and located their hiding place in the forest.

According to Lucky, the soldiers had asked the group to surrender before the firefight broke out.

“It happened while we were on patrol. We approached them, saw them and urged them to surrender, but they ended up shooting at us instead. We then took firm, measured action in accordance with existing regulations and succeeded in killing three OPM members,” he said.

During a sweep after the firefight, the TNI task force also seized eight firearms along with ammunition.

According to Lucky, the weapons were suspected to have been intended for use by the OPM group to carry out security disturbances ahead of the 81st anniversary of Indonesia’s independence.

He said TNI personnel under the control of Joint Regional Defence Command III were conducting operations based on provisions and rules of engagement to ensure that soldiers’ actions were carried out professionally while upholding the law and human rights.

“The safety of the people is the supreme law, Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto. For that reason, I ask all OPM members wherever you are to immediately lay down your weapons, surrender and rejoin the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. Let us build Papua to realise a safe, peaceful and prosperous Papua,” he said.

Lucky said the TNI would continue efforts to maintain security in the Papua region with the support and coordination of government elements and the community.