Papua Separatists Claim 5 Workers Killed, Declare War in Tolikara

The West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM) has claimed responsibility for the deaths of five construction workers in Tolikara, Papua Pegunungan, Indonesia, on Sunday, August 2, 2026. The separatist group declared the killings signal the start of a war in the region.

TPNPB-OPM spokesperson Sebby Sambom stated that forces under commanders Terinus Numbi and Botak Wanimbo carried out the attack on orders from the organization's leadership. Sambom alleged the victims were disguised intelligence agents, a claim that has not been independently verified. He asserted that the group would continue its armed struggle until their political objectives are achieved.

"We declare that in Tolikara, war has begun. Tolikara, which was once quiet, has now started to fight. So we will not stop until we are independent," Sambom said, emphasizing the group's commitment to their cause.

Indonesian military officials confirmed that four of the five victims have been identified: Arman Sibarani, Erlin Aritonang, Alfons, and Barengga. Three bodies were evacuated to the Mulia Regional General Hospital in Puncak Jaya Regency, one to Karubaga, and one remained at the crime scene. The attack occurred while the workers were resting at the PT SHJ camp in Woniki District. The military condemned the violence against civilians working on infrastructure projects and stated that joint TNI and Polri personnel are pursuing the perpetrators to restore security. Ten workers were at the camp during the attack, and the status of three remains unknown.