Yahukimo – Two members of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) led by Egianus Kogoya were killed in a measured operation carried out by the TNI in Aleleng Village, Tangma District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan. This operation was a response to the OPM group’s attack on church construction workers in Wamena some time ago.
Dansatgas Media Koops Habema, Lt. Col. Inf. Iwan Dwi Prihartono, said the ambush was carried out after the TNI received information about the presence of an OPM group in one of the honai in Ligima Village. When they were about to be arrested, they resisted, triggering a gunfight for about 10 minutes.
“Because they resisted when they were about to be arrested, Koops Habema troops were forced to take firm, measured action in which 2 OPM members were killed, while 2 others fled,” said Iwan.
There were no casualties on the TNI or the community in the incident. From the scene, officers secured a number of pieces of evidence: 1 revolver pistol, 1 assembled pistol, 5 rounds of 9 mm caliber ammunition, 1 HT, 1 cellphone, 1 optical telescope, and 1 Leica 1000 YDSAT unit.
The Commander of Koops Habema, Major General Lucky Avianto, emphasized that this action was part of the TNI’s duty to maintain regional conduciveness and protect the Papuan people from armed terror. He added that this operation was also related to efforts to stop forest destruction by the OPM group which is suspected of converting the area into a marijuana plantation.
“Egianus Kogoya’s marijuana plantation could damage the young generation of Papua and tarnish Indonesia’s good name,” he said.
Lucky also reminded the importance of forests for the Papuan people who are spiritually considered as “mama” or the source of life.
“Destroying the forest is the same as hurting mama, ancestors, and the order of Papuan life. The TNI will protect mama Papua,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Head of the TNI Information Center, Major General Kristomei Sianturi, stated that the operation was carried out professionally, proportionally, and measuredly.
“We invite all parties who still carry weapons to return to the bosom of Mother Earth and build Papua within the framework of the Republic of Indonesia,” he said.
The TNI will also continue to prioritize a dialogical approach, law enforcement, and territorial development, while opening up space for reconciliation for anyone willing to contribute to a peaceful and prosperous Papua.
This operation is a continuation of the TNI’s systematic efforts to restore a sense of security in the Papua Mountains while taking action against separatist groups proven to have committed violence against civilians and damaged the ecosystem of customary forests.
