Indonesian Military Pursues Separatist Forces After Fatal Attack on Civilians in Highland Papua

Indonesian Military Pursues Separatist Forces After Fatal Attack on Civilians in Highland Papua

Indonesian military forces are conducting operations to locate suspects in the killing of three civilians near the Trans Papua Highway in Seradala Subdistrict, Yahukimo District, Highland Papua Province on Monday. The victims, a married couple and another woman, were all members of the Unaukam tribe.

Lieutenant Colonel (Inf.) Wirya Arthadiguna, Head of the Koops TNI Habema Information Office, confirmed that the attack was allegedly carried out by forces under Kopitua Heluka, identified as the operational commander of the Yahukimo Regional Command within the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB). The military wing of the Free Papua Movement, TPNPB has been active in the region since 1964 as part of a separatist movement that proclaimed Papuan independence in 1971.

The armed group claimed responsibility for the shooting through the Central Headquarters Management of TPNPB, according to Wirya's statement issued on Wednesday.

Security Response and Investigation

Koops TNI Habema has coordinated with relevant authorities to investigate the incident and pursue the perpetrators. The military command has not released detailed information about the attack chronology as operations continue to locate the suspects.

The incident occurred in Yahukimo District, a remote area covering 17,152 square kilometers with a population exceeding 360,000 residents. The district is part of Highland Papua Province, formally established in July 2022 as one of four provinces created when Papua was divided, making it Indonesia's first and only landlocked province.

The attack took place near the Trans Papua Highway, a 4,325-kilometer road network stretching from Sorong to Merauke that has been under development since 2014. Approximately 3,446 kilometers of the highway have been completed.

Escalating Regional Conflict

The killing marks another violent incident in Yahukimo District, which experienced a previous attack in April 2025 when TPNPB elements killed 15 civilian gold miners over two days along the Silet River. The broader Papua region has seen armed clashes and attacks reach 141 incidents in 2025, exceeding the previous record of 135 incidents set in 2024.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant humanitarian consequences, with an estimated 105,000 people displaced by January 2026. Many displaced residents are sheltering in remote forested areas with limited access to essential services including food, healthcare, education, and protection.

Highland Papua Province, home to approximately 1.48 million people across eight regencies including Yahukimo, continues to face security challenges as authorities work to maintain stability in the region.

Wirya emphasized that Koops TNI Habema will strengthen security measures in the area while continuing operations in a selective, measured, professional, and lawful manner to ensure public safety and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.