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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Conflict & Security

Indonesian Military Ultimatum to Papua Separatists Rejected

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The Indonesian military (TNI) has issued an ultimatum to the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM) to lay down arms and pledge allegiance to Indonesia.
  • TNI stated it has legal grounds for decisive action against armed groups but will prioritize law and human rights.
  • The TPNPB-OPM has rejected the ultimatum, demanding the TNI and police leave Papua, which they claim as their land.

The Indonesian military (TNI) has issued a stern ultimatum to the West Papua National Liberation Army-Organisasi Papua Merdeka (TPNPB-OPM), demanding they cease violent activities, surrender their weapons, and reaffirm their loyalty to the Republic of Indonesia. Lieutenant General Lucky Avianto, Commander of the Joint Regional Defense Command (Kogabwilhan) III, emphasized that the TNI possesses the legal framework, governed by specific rules of engagement, to take firm action against armed groups. However, he stressed that all military actions would adhere to legal principles and respect human rights.

TNI will never hesitate to take firm action when faced with urgent situations.

— Letnan Jenderal Lucky AviantoCommander of the Joint Regional Defense Command III, emphasizing the military's readiness to act.

Avianto stated that the TPNPB-OPM's actions, including intimidation, robbery, arson, and the killing of civilians, are no longer tolerable. He characterized these acts as violations of law and human rights, and contrary to the cultural and religious values held by the people of Papua. "TPNPB-OPM are indeed common enemies who must be fought and stopped," Avianto declared.

TPNPB-OPM are indeed common enemies who must be fought and stopped.

— Letnan Jenderal Lucky AviantoCommander of the Joint Regional Defense Command III, characterizing the group's actions.

This statement follows the TPNPB's claim of responsibility for shooting down a U.S. pilot and burning a plane in Yahukimo Regency on July 2, 2026. Sebby Sambom, spokesperson for the TPNPB Headquarters, stated that the attack was carried out by the TPNPB Kodap XVI Yahukimo, led by Elkius Kobak. Sambom explained the group's motive was to prevent further flights by Indonesian airlines in Papua, alleging that these aircraft are used to transport TNI personnel and logistics. He also declared Yahukimo a war zone off-limits to non-Papuan civilians.

We shot it as an ultimatum so that no more Indonesian airlines fly in Papua.

— Sebby SambomTPNPB-OPM spokesperson explaining the motive behind shooting down a plane.

In response to Avianto's ultimatum, Sambom firmly rejected the demands. He asserted that the TNI and police are the occupiers and should be the ones to leave Papua. "You are the colonizers, so you must realize and leave the land that is not yours. Papua belongs to the Papuans, not Indonesia," Sambom stated.

Indonesia must be responsible because it allows civilians to enter a forbidden zone.

— Sebby SambomTPNPB-OPM spokesperson accusing Indonesia of allowing civilians into a declared war zone.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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