Since the gunfight took place on May 13-14, 2025 in 5 villages in Intan Jaya Regency, namely Titigi, Ndugusiga, Jaindapa, Sugapa Lama, and Zanamba. The TNI through the Koops Habema Media Task Force revealed data that 18 OPM members were killed and dozens of pieces of evidence were successfully secured, ranging from organic AK-47s, homemade weapons, dozens of rounds of ammunition, bows and arrows, to the “Morning Star” flag. Lieutenant Colonel Inf Iwan Dwi Prihartono even emphasized that the operation was not an arbitrary action, but a professional effort to sterilize the area and ensure the safety of the Papuan people.
However, in another part of the information field, the party claiming to be the TPNPB-OPM spokesperson, Sebby Sambom, again showed his crimes as a counter-propaganda “director”. In his press release, he emphasized that only 3 members were killed, then labeled the rest as civilians who were “sleeping when shot” an extraordinary claim that to this day has never been supported by evidence of recordings of the evacuation of bodies or independent verification. Ironically, the emotional narrative was repeated in a dramatic style, even though not a single photo or authentic data was published by the TPNPB-OPM headquarters. They are again seeking validation in order to lead opinion to strengthen their group’s influence.
Sebby Sambom’s prowess in twisting numbers is actually nothing new. Traces of fact manipulation were once recorded when he accused eight Telkomsel workers in Beoga of being TNI/Polri officers, even though the officers had denied it and when he spread a hoax photo of the Kopassus massacre in Mugi-Mam without valid evidence. This time, the number “3 dead” became the umpteenth episode of Sebby Sambom’s almost predictable propaganda soap opera that was always accompanied by accusations of “civilian massacre” and dramatic international calls.
In order for this falsehood of numbers to fail, the public must demand 3 simple but fundamental things: field verification, data transparency, and third-party supervision. Unlike claims without evidence, complete TNI field documentation is available, evidence of confiscated goods, a chronology of the two-day firefight, and an official report from the Intan Jaya Regional Government Team that was not shown at all by Sebby Sambom. In this information drama stage, the public is like a materialistic audience fixated on dramatic numbers, but forgetting accuracy and context. Sebby Sambom may play the role of ‘director’ of propaganda, staging episodes one by one with bombastic narratives. However, satellite cameras cannot be fooled, eyewitnesses cannot be silenced, and field data cannot be simply erased. When the number “18” is lined up firmly in the official report, the number “3” is just a myth.
Finally, we are reminded that in this era of disinformation, the real battle is not about who is the most emotional, but who is the most ethical in presenting the facts. Sebby Sambom may continue to promote the drama of the number “three dead,” but the truth that stands on evidence and verification will always be the supreme commander in cutting down myths, upholding accuracy, and ensuring that no lies win on the public stage.
