TNI Shoots Dead OPM Member in Pegunungan Bintang

Joint Regional Defence Command III (Kogabwilhan III) has stated that a member of the separatist group Free Papua Organisation (OPM) was shot dead during an operation in Kalo Fis village, Awingbon district, Pegunungan Bintang regency, Highland Papua.

Kogabwilhan III Commander Lieutenant General Lucky Avianto, in a statement in Timika on Friday, said the OPM member was allegedly involved in the murder of three civilians in Yahukimo regency on Monday (20 July).

“The OPM group suddenly opened fire on TNI personnel, so the task force took firm action in accordance with the law, applicable regulations and the rules of engagement (ROE) to ensure that the actions we took continued to uphold law and human rights,” said Lucky.

According to him, when about to be arrested, the OPM group member resisted by firing shots at TNI personnel, prompting the task force to take firm action.

Lucky added that other OPM members fled into the forest after one of their colleagues was killed in the operation.

He stressed that the TNI would take firm action in situations that threaten the safety of personnel and the public, while remaining guided by prevailing legal provisions.

The Kogabwilhan III commander also called on OPM members to stop acts of violence and surrender their weapons.

“Come back to the embrace of the motherland, the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, before the TNI takes firm action against you,” he said.

During an operational evaluation meeting of Kogabwilhan III, Lucky also commended the TNI task force that successfully evacuated the bodies of a married couple, Yantinus, alias Kumis Tua Kogoya, and his wife, who according to the TNI were victims of a shooting by the OPM.