Papuaaround.com – The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), an armed separatist group, has claimed responsibility for a deadly assault in Papua’s Yahukimo regency. In an official statement released on Tuesday (April 8, 2025), the group alleged it had carried out a military operation that resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals.
According to the TPNPB spokesperson, the victims were members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) disguised as gold miners. The attacks reportedly took place over three consecutive days, from Sunday (April 6) to Tuesday (April 8), and were carried out by armed factions led by Dejen Heluka and Karis Giban, affiliated with the group’s Kodap III Nduga-Derakma command.
“These killings targeted military personnel masquerading as civilians within our operational area,” the spokesperson stated in a written release received in Jakarta.
The group further claimed that three others were injured during the operation. As of this report, no official confirmation has been issued by the Indonesian Armed Forces or the National Police regarding the alleged deaths.
Violence involving armed separatist factions continues to erupt across various regions in Papua. On Monday (April 7), in a separate incident in Puncak Jaya, Central Papua, former Mulia Police Chief Inspector Djamal Renhoat was fatally shot.
Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, Head of Public Relations for Operation Peace Cartenz, confirmed the incident. He reported that two suspects on a motorcycle carried out the shooting.
The armed separatist group also claimed responsibility for Renhoat’s assassination. The group stated that the former police official had been under surveillance due to his status as a non-native Papuan.
“He was not targeted solely for his police background, but also because he was a non-indigenous resident in a conflict zone,” the group explained.
In their statement, the separatists issued a warning to all Indonesian migrants to immediately leave areas designated as armed conflict zones. They stressed that any civilians who remain would be viewed as government intelligence agents.
This is not the first time the group has issued such threats. Earlier this week, the TPNPB-OPM announced plans for large-scale operations in Puncak Jaya, following a strategic meeting between two senior commanders: Lekagak Telenggen and Yuniro Enumbi. The leaders agreed to oppose the Indonesian military’s establishment of new posts in the region.
“If the establishment of these military posts continues, our forces are ready to launch attacks. Armed conflict between our fighters and the Indonesian military will be inevitable,” said the TPNPB spokesperson.
The ongoing instability in Papua continues to draw national concern. Indonesian authorities have yet to respond to the latest claims from the separatist group. Meanwhile, the safety of civilians and security personnel in these high-risk areas remains precarious amid escalating tensions.
