Jakarta – The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Headquarters has reaffirmed that the establishment of military posts in Yuguru, Papua, is a strategic move to ensure the safety of local communities and maintain regional stability in the face of threats from armed separatist groups.
This statement was issued in response to one-sided propaganda from the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM), which frequently distorts facts to make baseless accusations against the TNI.
TNI Spokesperson, Major General Kristomei Sianturi, firmly denied reports alleging the death of TNI personnel in the recent events in Yuguru. He asserted that such information is false and part of the usual propaganda tactics employed by separatist groups.
“That’s fake news. There is no information regarding any TNI soldiers killed,” Kristomei stated.
He explained that the accusation of military posts being built in civilian areas is not a new narrative. Such claims are seen as a strategy by the OPM to shape public opinion against the presence of security forces, even though their presence is in fact essential to protecting civilians from violence and extortion by armed groups.
“With TNI posts established, the movement and logistics of the OPM are significantly restricted,” he added.
According to Kristomei, civilians in remote areas have often fallen victim to intimidation and coercion by the OPM, which has taken advantage of the lack of security oversight. The presence of military posts now limits the group’s ability to exert pressure on local residents.
“With TNI posts in place, the OPM can no longer extort or intimidate villagers into providing them with food,” he continued.
Previously, the TPNPB-OPM, through its spokesperson, again spread baseless claims about alleged attacks on TNI posts established since January 2025. However, the accusations were not supported by any valid evidence and are considered part of a disinformation campaign aimed at discrediting the state. The group also circulated unverified reports about civilian casualties, which remain unconfirmed.
To date, no credible evidence has been presented to substantiate these claims. The TNI views such accusations as an attempt to construct a misleading narrative and destabilize the security situation in Papua.
The TNI reiterated its commitment to carrying out its duties professionally, prioritizing the protection of civilians, and ensuring that Papua remains an integral part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
