August 20, 2025 | 03:40 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) has accused the Indonesian military (TNI) deployed in Yakuhimo regency of planting landmines to target the militias and individuals deemed affiliated with them.
The spokesperson of the TPNPB headquarters, Sebby Sambom, claimed the landmines were planted deliberately by the Indonesian forces in logpon (raft), the airport, and roads frequented by the militias. "Laki Magayang of the Kodap (Defense Regional Command) XVI Yahukimo militia is one of the victims of the TNI-Polri's crimes in Papua," said Sebby in a brief message on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
Laki Magayang was reportedly killed in a shootout with the Indonesian forces at Kali Bonto on Saturday, August 16, 2025.
Besides planting landmines, Sebby said, tTNI Soldiers also placed landmines on the bodies of wounded TPNPB militias. According to Sebby, this action was part of the psychological terror launched by the soldiers to instill fear in the liberation movement.
Such actions are often carried out by soldiers deployed in Papua—for example, in the North Gome and Sugapa districts of Intan Jaya—resulting in numerous casualties among TPNPB militias and local residents. "The world must know that there are war crimes in Papua. The world must not turn a blind eye," he pleaded.
Meanwhile, when asked for confirmation, Colonel Candra Kurniawan, the Head of Information of the XVII/Cenderawasih Military Regional Command, denied TPNPB's accusations about planting landmines and placing mines on wounded militias.
He maintained that TNI soldiers are not equipped with explosives while patrolling. Thus, he said, the information provided by TPNPB is false and should not be believed. "Propaganda like this has often been used to gain sympathy," Candra added.
Regarding the alleged death of TPNPB militias in Yahukimo, he mentioned that so far, the XVII/Cenderawasih Military Regional Command has not received any information about an armed encounter with TPNPB militias.
However, he added that TNI soldiers will remain on guard and intensify territorial patrols to maintain security in Yahukimo. "Measured actions are taken based on the situation. Initial handling is carried out in a humane manner," Candra stated.
Editor’s Choice: TNI Searches for OPM Militants Who Burned Indonesian Flags in Papua
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
The Middle Way of Military Politics
1 hari lalu
Nasution's 'middle way' was the origin of the military's dual function. Now it has become a political tool of the government.
Myanmar Junta Sets Elections for December 28 Despite Widespread Dissent
1 hari lalu
The Myanmar junta announces the elections amidst ongoing civil war and opposition boycott.
Israel Re-Intensifies Attacks on Gaza City, Civilian Casualties Mount
1 hari lalu
Israeli military has once again expanded its operation in Gaza City to take control of the last remaining population center in the Gaza Strip.
Thailand PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra Court Ruling Set for August 29
4 hari lalu
The ruling for Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's removal will be announced on August 29, 2025 in a case of alleged ethics violation.
M4.8 Earthquake Strikes Papua's Sarmi Amid Aftershock Swarm
5 hari lalu
The BMKG noted that it is still a series of aftershocks from the 6.4 magnitude main earthquake on August 12, 2025.
Israeli Military Chief Denied Entry to Defense Minister's Office Amid Rising Tensions
7 hari lalu
Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir was barred from the office of Defense Minister Israel Katz despite a scheduled meeting between them.
Thousands Protest in Papua Demanding Acting Governor Replaced Amid Election Rage
8 hari lalu
Thousands demand that the acting Governor of Papua, Agus Fatoni, be replaced with the Commander of Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih as the temporary governor.
South Korea's Military Strength Plummets 20 Percent Due to Shrinking Population
9 hari lalu
The decline in active military personnel in South Korea over the past six years is due to the declining male population at military age.
3 Thailand Soldiers Injured by Landmine Near Cambodia
10 hari lalu
Landmine explosion near the Cambodia border has left three Thailand soldiers injured.
Prabowo Inaugurates Six New Military Command Areas
10 hari lalu
Indonesian President Prabowo inaugurates six new military command areas (kodam) in the Operational Parade and Military Honor.
