Papuaaround.com – Six teachers were killed in an attack by the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM) in Anggruk District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Highlands, on Friday, March 21, 2025. The separatist group launched the assault through forces from the Eden Sawi and Sisipa battalions.
Elkius Kobak, commander of TPNPB-OPM’s Yahukimo Military Region Command XVI, claimed responsibility for the attack, alleging that the victims were intelligence agents of the Indonesian government. He justified the attack as a response to Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Commander General Agus Subiyanto’s recent statement about deploying military personnel as teachers in Papua.
“I ordered my troops to eliminate six TNI members who were working as teachers,” Kobak stated in a written announcement on Saturday, March 22, 2025.
Calls for Civilians to Leave Conflict Zones
TPNPB-OPM spokesperson Sebby Sambom issued a warning urging teachers and healthcare workers to leave conflict-affected areas immediately. Speaking on Sunday, March 23, 2025, he announced the group’s intention to conduct further attacks targeting alleged Indonesian intelligence operatives in the coming week.
“We call on President Prabowo and the TNI Commander to refrain from indiscriminate retaliation against civilians,” Sambom added.
Military Confirms the Attack
Indonesian military authorities confirmed the deadly assault. Colonel Candra Kurniawan, head of public relations for the Cenderawasih Military Command XVII, stated that the attack resulted in the deaths of six teachers, who were reportedly killed and burned inside a school building.
“This was a brutal and inhumane act. The attackers set fire to the school and the teachers’ residences,” Kurniawan said on Sunday, March 23, 2025.
In response to the escalating threat, the Indonesian military has evacuated dozens of teachers and healthcare workers from various districts in the Papua Highlands. The evacuees were airlifted from Wamena to Jayapura to prevent further casualties.
The attack underscores the ongoing security challenges in Papua, where armed separatist groups continue to clash with government forces. The situation remains volatile as authorities work to ensure the safety of civilians and maintain stability in the region.
