Papuaaround.com – Armed members of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) reportedly set fire to two homes belonging to Puncak Regent Elvis Tabuni on Sunday, July 6, 2025. A local government building located in Omukia District was also destroyed during the arson attack.
The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), the armed wing of OPM, claimed responsibility for the incident. In an official statement, TPNPB spokesperson Sebby Sambom stated the arson was in direct response to ongoing military operations conducted by the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) in the central highlands region.
According to Sebby, TNI forces, in coordination with Indonesian police special units, have been occupying civilian homes and public facilities in the district. These buildings, including the regent’s homes and several government offices, were allegedly used as strategic military posts.
“The Indonesian government deployed military troops to civilian residences, the regent’s homes, and public offices in Omukia District. This has caused panic among local Papuans and triggered a mass displacement of residents,” Sebby said in a press release issued on Monday, July 7, 2025.
Sebby explained that the presence of military personnel in residential areas has escalated tensions in the district. He emphasized that the continued use of civilian infrastructure for combat purposes had forced the TPNPB to respond by burning down the regent’s properties and the government office.
He further stated that Omukia District has become one of the active conflict zones between TPNPB-OPM and Indonesian security forces. Sebby accused the TNI and police of seizing civilian property with the consent of Regent Elvis Tabuni.
According to the TPNPB, Regent Tabuni’s alleged cooperation with the Indonesian military contributed to growing unrest in the community. The group urged the regent to withdraw his support and refuse collaboration with national security forces.
“TPNPB urges Elvis Tabuni to stop allowing the Indonesian military’s presence in Omukia District,” Sebby declared, warning that their presence continues to terrify the indigenous population.
As of this report, there has been no official statement from the Indonesian military or the Puncak Regency government regarding the incident.
The recent developments have further highlighted the fragile security situation in several parts of Central Papua, where armed conflict between separatist groups and Indonesian forces has persisted for years. Tensions have risen in the region as both sides accuse each other of provoking unrest and endangering civilian lives.
Efforts to obtain clarity and de-escalation remain uncertain, as no independent verification of the current situation in Omukia has been made available. The lack of response from local authorities also raises concerns about the safety of civilians who may be caught in the conflict.
As of this report, there has been no official statement from the Indonesian military or the Puncak Regency government regarding the incident.
The recent developments have once again underscored the fragile security conditions in Central Papua, where armed conflict between separatist groups and national forces continues to displace civilians and disrupt governance.
In a direct response to ongoing military operations in the region, the Free Papua Movement (OPM) set fire to two homes belonging to Puncak Regent Elvis Tabuni and a government office in Omukia District.
