Papuaaround.com – Two members of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) were killed during a military operation conducted by the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) in Tangma District, Yahukimo Regency, in the early hours of Monday, June 16, 2025.
The operation began at approximately 12:15 a.m. local time after TNI forces received intelligence from local residents regarding the presence of four alleged OPM members at a traditional house, or honai, in Ligima Village. Acting on this information, TNI units moved to secure the area.
During the attempted arrest, a brief exchange of gunfire occurred in the vicinity of Aleleng Village. The clash resulted in the deaths of two suspected OPM members. According to the TNI, there were no casualties or injuries among its personnel during the incident.
TNI spokesperson Maj. Gen. Kristomei Sianturi confirmed the operation and stated that both individuals who were fatally shot belonged to the OPM’s Kodap III Ndugama faction, reportedly led by Egianus Kogoya. He emphasized that the mission was conducted with precision and discipline.
“This operation was carried out in a calculated, professional, and proportionate manner,” Kristomei said in a written statement on Tuesday. “Our troops acted based on credible information from civilians and followed standard procedures throughout the engagement.”
Following the incident, military personnel secured several items from the location. Among the evidence collected were a revolver, a homemade firearm, five rounds of 9mm ammunition, a handy talky, a mobile phone, an optical scope, and a Leica 1000 YDSAT distance measuring device.
The TNI claimed the action was part of a broader effort to respond to recent violent acts allegedly committed by OPM. These include an attack on church construction workers in Wamena and the reported destruction of forested areas to cultivate illegal marijuana plantations.
While no independent verification of these claims has been made, the TNI maintains that the measures taken are in line with efforts to restore security in the region.
Kristomei also extended an appeal to all remaining armed groups in Papua. “We urge all individuals still engaging in armed resistance to lay down their weapons and return to the embrace of the Republic. It is time to work together in building a peaceful and prosperous Papua within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia,” he said.
The security situation in Papua remains complex, with tensions persisting between separatist groups and state security forces. The government continues to assert that its operations in the region aim to protect civilians and uphold national sovereignty, while some local and international observers call for further scrutiny and dialogue to resolve the longstanding conflict.
As of now, authorities have not released the identities of the deceased individuals, and further investigations are ongoing regarding the affiliations and intentions of the group encountered in Ligima.
