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One soldier killed, three wounded in Papuan rebel attack
Cendrawasih Military Command spokesman Col. Cav. Herman Taryaman told The Jakarta Post on Thursday that First Pvt. Lukas Warobai had died of a gunshot wound sustained during the attack.
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ne Indonesian Military (TNI) soldier was killed and three others, including the regental military commander, were wounded in a rebel attack on Wednesday in Yahukimo regency, Papua Highlands province, the TNI has reported.
Cendrawasih Military Command spokesman Col. Cav. Herman Taryaman told The Jakarta Post on Thursday that First Pvt. Lukas Warobai had died of a gunshot wound sustained during the attack.
Yahukimo military commander Lt. Col. Inf. Johanis Victorianus Tethool, First Pvt. Nikodemus Sudumeru and First Sgt. Robi Sohoka, he added, were being treated at Yahukimo Hospital and were set to be transferred to Marthen Indey Hospital in Jayapura, Papua.
"Lt. Col. Inf. JV Tethool also suffered from a gunshot wound and is currently receiving intensive care from the medical team," Herman said.
The armed rebel group attacked the four soldiers as they were patrolling Jl. Paradiso in Dekai district, Yahukimo, around 3:30 p.m. local time.
Lukas was shot fatally in the left part of his chest, Nicodemis was shot in the right hip, Robi in the right thigh and Johanis in the left leg and finger.
Lukas would be buried in his hometown in Serui city, Yapen regency, Papua, Herman added.
Papua Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo said the police and military were increasing patrols throughout Deikai following the incident.
"The Yahukimo Police are on standby to anticipate the armed rebel group's move after the attack against the Yahukimo military commander and three soldiers," he told Kompas.
Tensions flare
Conflict between security forces and indigenous Papuans has simmered for decades, and the region remains among the country’s most impoverished, despite its rich mineral deposits.
On Feb. 23, 12 people were killed in a riot triggered by rumors that a child had been kidnapped in Wamena, Papua.
The riot started after locals, angered by the rumors, began throwing rocks at the Wamena Police station, where two salesmen accused of abducting a 6-year-old were being detained. Police claimed they tried to deescalate the situation but failed, and buildings were set ablaze in the area.
Security forces responded by opening fire, killing 12 and wounding 16 civilians and two members of the security forces. At least 13 residences were set on fire during the incident, the police reported.
Meanwhile, little progress has been made in the rescue of the New Zealand pilot taken hostage by armed Papuan rebels in Nduga regency, Papua Highlands, last month.
Indonesian security forces have resigned themselves to a long-term operation to rescue the Susi Air pilot, who has been held captive for more than 20 days.
The pilot, Phillip Mark Mehrtens, was captured by members of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), led by Egianus Kogoya, on Feb. 7 after landing in Nduga, along with several Indonesian passengers, who were later released.
The group, which is linked to the Free Papua Movement (OPM), has demanded that Jakarta recognize Papuan independence in return for Mehrtens’ release.
The government insists Papua is and will remain part of Indonesia.
Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Mahfud MD said on Tuesday that security forces in Papua had located the group holding the pilot and had surrounded them.
However, he added, the authorities would refrain from actions that might endanger the pilot’s life and would continue the negotiations for his release.
