Papuaaround.com – A deadly attack by the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB OPM) has left one teacher dead and six others injured in Anggruk District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Highlands. The assault, which occurred on March 21, 2025, was confirmed by Brigadier General Kristomei Sianturi, Head of the Indonesian Military (TNI) Information Center, on March 23.
The victim, identified as Rosalina Rerek Sogen, was a teacher in the district, according to the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM). The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, with security officials labeling it a deliberate attack on civilians.
TPNPB OPM Claims Responsibility
TPNPB OPM spokesperson Sebby Sambom claimed responsibility for the attack, alleging that the deceased teacher was an intelligence agent for the Indonesian government. “We are prepared to take responsibility for the killing of an Indonesian intelligence agent who posed as a teacher,” said Sambom in a statement on March 22.
However, Colonel Candra Kurniawan, Head of Information for the XVII/Cenderawasih Military Command, refuted the claim, stating that all victims were civilians. “These were teachers, not military personnel or intelligence agents,” he emphasized on March 23.
Uncovering Arms Supplies to TPNPB OPM
The attack comes amid heightened scrutiny of TPNPB OPM’s arms supply chain. Recently, Operation Peace Cartenz 2025 Task Force, in coordination with the Papua Regional Police, uncovered a major weapons smuggling network linked to the separatist group. Authorities seized six firearms and 882 rounds of ammunition produced by PT Pindad in Bandung.
According to Task Force Commander Commissioner Faisal Ramdhani, intelligence coordination with the East Java and Yogyakarta Regional Police led to the discovery of this illicit supply route. The investigation also exposed the involvement of a former TNI soldier, Yuni Enumbi, who was arrested for attempting to smuggle firearms and ammunition to TPNPB OPM.
Former Military Personnel Implicated in Weapons Smuggling
Papua Police Chief Inspector General Patrige Renwarin revealed that Yuni Enumbi had purchased weapons from a supplier in Jakarta for approximately IDR 1.3 billion. The arms were then shipped to Surabaya, repackaged, and transported to Jayapura via sea cargo services.
Further arrests were made, including Eko Sugiyono, another former soldier, who was detained in Manokwari, West Papua, on March 9, 2025. Sugiyono, who was dismissed from the military in 2022 due to arms trafficking, was reportedly responsible for connecting illegal weapons manufacturers with Yuni Enumbi.
Sebby Sambom claimed that TPNPB-OPM has been acquiring weapons from military personnel since 2008. “This black-market trade has been ongoing for years,” he stated in an interview on March 10. However, the TNI firmly denied any involvement, with Colonel Kurniawan stressing that the military remains focused on national security and civilian protection.
Weapons Manufacturing Network Uncovered in East Java
A separate investigation by the East Java Regional Police uncovered a weapons production network in Bojonegoro, linked to arms supplies for TPNPB OPM. Police arrested three suspects allegedly involved in manufacturing and distributing illegal firearms.
East Java Police Chief Commissioner General Imam Sugianto stated that the arrests resulted from intelligence gathered in Papua. “The weapons supplier has ties to Bojonegoro, East Java,” Sugianto said during a press briefing on March 11. Authorities seized 982 rounds of ammunition and five firearms, including custom-made rifles and handguns.
The case underscores the ongoing challenge of illegal arms trafficking in Indonesia, particularly in conflict-prone regions such as Papua. Security forces continue to investigate and dismantle smuggling networks to prevent further escalation of violence. Meanwhile, calls for a peaceful resolution to the conflict persist, with human rights organizations urging dialogue over armed confrontation.
