Papuaaround.com – The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) successfully carried out a rescue operation to save 18 employees of PT Freeport Indonesia who had been trapped at Tower Post 270 in the Tembagapura District, Timika Regency, Central Papua Province. The operation took place on Saturday, January 10, after the workers endured three days of isolation in a high-risk area.
The employees were stranded in the tower post amid security concerns following reports of the presence of members of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) in the surrounding area. The situation raised serious safety risks and required a carefully planned response to ensure the protection of civilians while maintaining stability in the region.
According to TNI’s public information division, the rescue mission began with a comprehensive operational assessment. Military planners evaluated terrain conditions, security threats, and weather factors before deploying personnel. The decision was made to move at night to reduce visibility and avoid unnecessary confrontation.
The troops advanced silently through mountainous terrain that posed significant challenges. The area is located at an altitude exceeding 2,500 meters above sea level, with steep slopes, narrow paths, and unpredictable weather conditions. These factors required the personnel to proceed with extreme caution while maintaining strict operational discipline.
Throughout the mission, time became a critical factor. The longer the workers remained trapped, the greater the potential risk to their safety. As a result, the TNI task force balanced speed with precision, ensuring that each movement aligned with the operational plan while minimizing exposure to threats.
During the early phase of the operation, the trapped employees required immediate logistical assistance. To address this need, TNI personnel delivered medical supplies and essential items using unmanned aerial vehicles. The use of drones allowed aid to reach the workers without revealing troop positions or escalating the security situation.
This remote assistance played a vital role in stabilizing the condition of the employees while ground forces continued their approach. It also demonstrated the integration of technology into modern military operations, particularly in hard-to-reach and high-risk environments.
After two days of sustained efforts, the TNI task force successfully secured Tower Post 270. The location is classified as a national vital object due to its strategic importance to mining operations in the region. Regaining control of the post marked a crucial turning point in the mission.
Once the area was declared secure, the evacuation process began. All 18 employees were escorted from the tower post to a safer location under controlled conditions. The evacuation proceeded without reported casualties, ensuring that both personnel and civilians were protected throughout the operation.
Following their extraction, the workers were transported to a secure area for further assessment and recovery. Authorities prioritized their physical and psychological well-being after several days in a tense and isolated situation.
The successful operation reinforced the TNI’s role in maintaining security in Papua, particularly in areas that combine challenging geography with complex security dynamics. The mission highlighted the importance of coordination, planning, and adaptability in responding to emergencies involving civilians.
Military officials emphasized that the operation reflected the readiness and professionalism of TNI personnel. Operating in extreme terrain while facing potential security threats required a high level of training and discipline. The outcome demonstrated the capacity of the armed forces to protect national interests while ensuring civilian safety.
At the same time, the rescue underscored the broader commitment to maintaining peace and stability in Papua. Security operations in the region often involve balancing enforcement measures with efforts to safeguard local communities and essential economic activities.
Observers note that incidents such as this illustrate the ongoing challenges faced in remote parts of Indonesia. Infrastructure limitations, difficult landscapes, and security concerns continue to test emergency response capabilities. However, the successful rescue suggests that coordinated planning and technological support can significantly improve outcomes.
As conditions in the region evolve, similar operations may require even greater collaboration between security forces, local authorities, and private sector stakeholders. Ensuring clear communication channels and preparedness remains essential to reducing risks for workers and residents alike.
Overall, the evacuation of the PT Freeport Indonesia employees stands as a significant operational achievement. It reflects the ability of the TNI to respond decisively under pressure while prioritizing human safety and national stability in one of Indonesia’s most challenging environments.