Banjir Ambarita – Tension was palpable in the hilly coastal district of Paniai, West Papua, more than 10 days after police raided a mountain hideout where armed separatists were believed to be staying.

On Dec. 12, police attacked a site in Eduda, Paniai, believed to be the headquarters for the local chapter of the outlawed Free Papua Organization (OPM)

They seized firearms, ammunition, knives, combat gear, documents and separatist flags, and according to a man claiming to be a spokesman for the OPM's Paniai chapter, 14 guerillas were killed. In the aftermath, villagers worry about the consequences.

"Residents are living in fear because of the possibility of a reaction from the OPM, since they usually conduct revenge operations and residents become the targets," said a local religious leader, Father Oktovianus Pekei.

Oktovianus said he hoped that security forces would stay alert and protect the residents. The whereabouts of the local OPM leader, John Magay Yogi, are unknown, and Oktovianus said the group might attempt to regain its headquarters under his leadership.

"They may continue to fight to get their headquarters back, which is what residents fear, because that will only lead to bloodshed," the clergyman said.

He said the guerillas had often extorted money, produce and livestock from the villagers. "Residents are afraid of the OPM because they always take," he said, adding that they feared the OPM more than they feared soldiers and the police.

Johanes Yogi, a local public figure, agreed that the OPM had frequently threatened and robbed local residents. "They say you'll be fined if you work with the Republic of Indonesia, and that they'll take livestock if you can't pay," Yogi said.

Oktovianus said he had not received reports of casualties of the local population from the raid. "There have not been any civilian casualties," he said.

After investigation, he added, reports that security personnel burned about 70 houses during the raid turned out to be false.

On Dec. 16, Indonesia Human Rights Committee said it received reports that people in Paniai were undergoing a "military siege involving horrendous destruction and violence," including the torching of villages, deaths and forced evacuations.

Paniai Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Jannus Parlidungan Siregar said police estimated there were about 800 OPM members at the headquarters, with about 500 members in Eduda and the rest in nearby Dagouto and Kamopa. He said police were still searching for John Magai Yogi and another OPM leader, Salmon Yogi.

"We want to arrest these two OPM leaders because they're responsible for all the actions that have caused unrest among the population, including the robbing of police weapons, the burning of two bridges and the robbery of people's livestock," Jannus said.

He said the situation in Paniai was secure, and he called on the people "not to believe in the various circulating rumors." Paniai district chief Naftali Yogi also said his territory was safe and under control.

"The activities of the population are proceeding smoothly now," Naftali said, adding that he believed people no longer feared disturbances from the OPM.