Indonesian Military Pursues Armed Group After Abduction of Nine Women in Central Papua

Indonesian Military Pursues Armed Group After Abduction of Nine Women in Central Papua

Indonesian military personnel are pursuing an armed group that abducted nine women and girls from Jila Subdistrict in Mimika Regency, Central Papua Province, on August 17. The victims include schoolchildren, teenagers, and a 17-year-old pregnant woman.

The abducted civilians were identified as Nemerina Wamang, 17, who is newly pregnant; Alin Mesawarol, a sixth-grade student; Nopi Aim, a fourth-grade student; Opinte Meswaro, a third-grade student; Yonita Senawatme, 18; Meria Nibilingame, 15; Wena Katagame, 18; Ilimin Onawame, 18; and Miante Nibilingame, 13.

Mimika Military District Commander Lt. Col. Jozanda confirmed Wednesday night that troops were deployed immediately upon receiving reports of the abductions.

Don't worry, we are already pursuing the perpetrators. Hopefully, our troops will find and rescue the victims soon,

he stated.

The incident occurred in Mimika Regency, which covers 21,693.51 square kilometers and has a population of 320,839 as of mid-2025, with Timika serving as its administrative center. The regency is home to the Grasberg Mine, the world's largest gold mine and third-largest copper mine, operated by PT Freeport Indonesia.

Violence Against Resisting Mothers

Two mothers attempted to prevent the armed group from taking their daughters but were met with brutal force. Neregingget Magai, 48, was shot and killed after refusing to release her daughter. Another woman, Inkolung Aim, was thrown into a ravine and suffered a broken leg.

Magai's body was cremated that afternoon, while Aim survived and is receiving medical treatment in Jila. Jozanda condemned the actions as cruel and inhumane.

Approximately 15 armed group members were involved in forcibly taking the nine civilians, according to resident reports. The military commander indicated that the group may be new to the area, noting that its language differs from that of local residents.

We are investigating where this group came from and will provide further information,

Jozanda said.

Regional Security Context

The abduction occurred in Central Papua Province, which was officially established on July 25, 2022, as one of four new provinces created when Papua province was divided under Law Number 15 of 2022. The province covers 61,079.59 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 1.49 million people.

Central Papua has experienced security challenges in several regencies identified as vulnerable to armed group activities. The region has seen ongoing tensions involving various armed factions operating in Papua's mountainous terrain.

Conditions in Jila have gradually stabilized following the incident, though flights remain unable to access the area. Military operations to locate and rescue the abducted women and girls continue as authorities work to identify the armed group responsible for the kidnappings.