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Defense Ministry dismisses Papuan rebel claims in Yahukimo as disinformation
Papuan rebels have been killing civilians working as teachers, medical personnels and construction workers in the past few weeks, accusing them of being soldiers working in disguise.
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Indonesian Military (TNI) personnel remove the body of a victim following an attack by the Free Papua Movement (OPM) rebel group in Anggruk Districk, Yahukimo regency, Papua Highlands, on March 23, 2025. (Antara/Dispenad)
T
he Defense Ministry described on Thursday a Papuan rebel claim that the West Papua National Liberation Army - Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM) had killed Indonesian Military (TNI) soldiers in Yahukimo regency, Papua Highlands, recently as systematic disinformation designed to mislead the public.
The ministry’s spokesman Brig. Gen. Frega Wenas Inkiriwang emphasized that no TNI soldiers were involved in illegal gold mining in Papua.
“The soldiers’ presence in Papua is merely carrying out their constitutional duty, that it is maintaining national security and protecting all Indonesian citizens, including in Papua,” Frega said in a written statement.
Frega added that the OPM’s building of a narrative equating civilians, such as teachers, health personnel and construction workers with the security apparatus was a dangerous move.
The rebel’s claim that they murdered “intelligence agents” was an admission of extra-judicial violence, which could be categorized as a crime against humanity.
Frega underlined that the government still prioritized legal and peaceful approaches to handling the conflict in Papua and refused to be provoked by violent propaganda distributed by the armed group.
The OPM killed 11 civilians who were working as gold prospectors in Yahukimo. The process of removing the bodies of the victims was carried out by the police to ensure that information could be clarified objectively.
The ministry said the violent actions carried out by the OPM were aimed at creating terror, especially among non-Papuans who were involved in economic activities in the region.
Earlier on Thursday, Sebby Sambom, a Papuan rebel spokesperson, said in a statement that the rebels had killed more than 17 people since April 6, including five on Wednesday, and claimed they were military members disguised as gold miners.
"If the Indonesian government and military wants to chase us, please come to Dekai town, we are in the town," Sebby said, referring to a district in Yahukimo regency, where the incident took place.
Dekai also serves as Yahukimo’s administrative seat.
The OPM rebels killed six female teachers and medical workers on March 21.
The rebels have also ordered all teachers and medical personnel to leave the region with Sebby saying the rebels would launch an attack against “Indonesia’s intelligence agents”. (nvn)
