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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Conflict & Security

Three TPNPB-OPM members killed in Papua firefight

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Outcome reported
  • Indonesian police engaged in a firefight with three members of the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM) in Yahukimo, Papua, resulting in their deaths.
  • The operation targeted the TPNPB-OPM's Yahukimo regional command, led by a wanted figure.
  • Authorities seized weapons, ammunition, and communication devices from the deceased individuals, who are suspected of involvement in previous violent incidents.

Indonesian police have reported the deaths of three members of the West Papua National Liberation Army-Organisasi Papua Merdeka (TPNPB-OPM) following a gun battle in Yahukimo Regency, Papua. The clash occurred on Friday, July 17, 2026, during an operation by the Damai Cartenz Task Force and joint forces against the TPNPB-OPM's Yahukimo regional command, led by a wanted individual.

According to Kombes Yusuf Sutedjo, head of the Public Relations Task Force for Operation Damai Cartenz, the three individuals were confirmed dead. They have been identified as Roni Rubis, Kumis Passae, and Orgenes Bayage, all reportedly part of the TPNPB-OPM's Yahukimo Kodap XVI Batalyon Yamue.

Authorities stated that the operation was a response to intelligence indicating the presence of the armed group led by the wanted figure in the Logpon area. The deceased were allegedly involved in previous violent acts, including the killing of a soldier from Kodim 1715/Yahukimo in December 2022 and the murder of seven miners in Pegunungan Bintang Regency in May 2026.

Following the firefight, the joint forces seized a significant cache of evidence. This included three firearms, 43 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition, two axes, two long knives, an Icom handy talky, a silencer, and seven mobile phones of various brands. The bodies of the three TPNPB-OPM members were evacuated to the Dekai Regional General Hospital, and the seized items were secured for further investigation by the Yahukimo Police Criminal Investigation Unit.

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

— Kombes Yusuf SutedjoHead of the Public Relations Task Force for Operation Damai Cartenz, confirming the casualties.
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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