Indonesian Police Kill Three TPNPB-OPM Members in Papua Shootout

Indonesian police have reported the deaths of three members of the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) following a shootout in the Dekai District of Yahukimo Regency, Papua. The operation, conducted by the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force and a joint team, targeted a group identified as Kodap XVI Yahukimo Batalyon Yamue, led by a wanted figure, DPO Ronal Heluka.

Commissioner Yusuf Sutedjo, Head of the Cartenz Task Force, confirmed the deaths in a written statement on Saturday, July 18, 2026. The deceased were identified as Roni Rubis, Kumis Passae, and Orgenes Bayage. Their bodies were evacuated to the Dekai Regional General Hospital morgue. The joint team secured several pieces of evidence from the scene, including three firearms, 43 rounds of 5.56 mm caliber ammunition, two axes, two long knives, an Icom handy talky unit, a weapon suppressor, and seven mobile phones.

“

From the operation, three members of the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) were declared dead.

This operation was a follow-up to intelligence indicating the presence of the armed group in the Logpon area. The TPNPB-OPM members are suspected of significant violent acts, including the killing of Private Eka Yohan Kaize of the 1715/Yahukimo Kodim on December 3, 2022, and the alleged murder of seven miners in Kawe Village, Pegunungan Bintang Regency, on May 19, 2026. The investigation into the confiscated evidence is ongoing at the Yahukimo Police Criminal Investigation Unit.

The incident occurs amidst ongoing conflict in Papua, where reports indicate a substantial number of internally displaced persons due to security concerns. The Indonesian government has been implementing various strategies, including the Cartenz Peace Operation, to address security issues and promote development in the region. However, clashes between security forces and armed groups like the TPNPB-OPM continue to result in casualties and displacement.

“

This group is suspected to be involved in the killing of the 1715/Yahukimo Kodim personnel, the late Private Eka Yohan Kaize, on December 3, 2022, and several other violent incidents. They are also suspected of the killing of seven miners in Kawe Village, Awimbon District, Pegunungan Bintang Regency, on May 19, 2026.