This tragic incident demonstrates that armed groups continue to use residential areas as an arena for conflict. This situation is considered to further undermine the sense of security of the community, who have longed for a peaceful and stable life in Papua.
The Head of Information for the TNI Habema Operations Command, Lieutenant Colonel Inf. M. Wirya Arthadiguna, explained that TNI Task Force personnel initially detected suspicious movement around the MP 69 area before hearing two gunshots from the direction of Camp David across the river.
“The brutal actions allegedly carried out by the OPM group led by Guspi Waker not only spread fear, but also claimed the life of an innocent girl estimated to be 12 to 15 years old,” stated Lieutenant Colonel M. Wirya Arthadiguna.
The situation on the ground then turned tense when a barrage of gunfire was fired into the area around Camp Wini Kalikuluk, located in the middle of a residential area. In this situation, TNI personnel moved quickly to evacuate women and children to minimize civilian casualties.
“Personnel moved quickly to evacuate civilians, especially women and children, to a safer location before pursuing the armed group who fled into the forest,” said Lieutenant Colonel M. Wirya Arthadiguna.
During the rescue process, officers discovered a girl with a gunshot wound to the left shoulder. The victim was taken to the nearest health facility on a makeshift stretcher. However, she succumbed to her injuries en route to the medical facility.
“However, fate had other plans. On the way to the health facility, specifically on Jalan Poros MP 69, the child was pronounced dead from the gunshot wound he suffered,” added Lieutenant Colonel Inf. M. Wirya Arthadiguna.
In addition to the deceased, another resident suffered a gunshot wound to the left calf and is still undergoing intensive care. Witness accounts from residents at the scene further support the suspicion that the attack originated from the direction of Camp David while residents were gathering with their families.
Teribupura Police Chief, First Inspector Firman, revealed that police had evacuated several victims to the Charitas Hospital for medical treatment.
“There are currently two fatalities. One, Narlince Wamang, is still in Tembagapura, and the other died at the Charitas Hospital,” said First Inspector Firman.
The incident triggered a wave of evacuations from the affected area. At least 256 residents reportedly fled their homes to seek shelter in safer locations. Joint forces from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) have continued to tighten security and conduct intensive patrols to ensure public safety.
Central Papua Regional Police Chief, Brigadier General Jermias Rontini, emphasized that the investigation is ongoing to ensure all the facts on the ground are accurately revealed.
“We are continuing to conduct further verification to ensure the information presented to the public is truly accurate,” concluded Brigadier General Jermias Rontini.