Dani Aswara, Jakarta – The management of the National Liberation Army of West Papua (TPNPB) headquarters has confirmed the addition of troops from the Meepago region, Central Highlands, Central Papua, who have now joined the forces of TPNPB Kodap VIII Intan Jaya, Central Papua, to fight against the Indonesian military.
An official report received from the Commander of the TPNPB Kodap XIII Operation Kegepa Nipouda Paniai, Major Hosea Satu Boma, revealed the readiness of the troops to engage in battle.
Hosea stated that, according to the report, the TPNPB forces are currently in the city center of Sugapa, Intan Jaya Regency. "We are ready to engage in battle together with the TPNPB Kodap VIII Intan Jaya forces on the battlefield in Intan Jaya," said Mayor Hosea Satu Boma in his official statement, quoted on Saturday, April 12, 2025.
He mentioned the addition of troops following bomb attacks, which he claimed were carried out by the Indonesian military against civilian settlements from April 7 to 9, 2025. However, the statement was denied by the Head of Information Center of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, Brigadier General Kristomei Sianturi. "There is none. They are usually the ones who intimidate the public," said Kristomei when confirmed on Saturday, April 12, 2025.
Furthermore, Hosea urged the residents of Intan Jaya to temporarily cease their activities. "Our snipers are on alert and ready to execute. Therefore, once again, civilians should immediately halt their activities before an attack occurs on the Indonesian military posts and their targets in Intan Jaya," he said.
The TPNPB forces are reported to be positioned along the city center from Sugapa to Hitadipa. In addition, additional forces from the entire Meepago region, led by the Commander of the TPNPB Kodap XI Operation Kegepa Nipouda Paniai, Hosea Satu Boma, have already entered the conflict areas alongside the TPNPB Kodap VIII Intan Jaya forces.
The spokesperson for TPNPB OPM, Sebby Sambom, stated that their troops are only on alert. They will only launch an attack if there is a deployment of forces entering the previously designated war zones. "Just on alert. If the military or police enter our operational areas, they are ready to fight," said Sebby, April 11, 2025.
Prior to the period from April 6 to 9, 2025, the TPNPB OPM had executed 17 illegal gold miners in the Yahukimo Regency of Papua's Central Highlands. Sebby claimed that the individuals attacked by their group were part of the Indonesian military, who were also disguised as gold miners.
Regarding the addition of TPNPB forces in the Intan Jaya region, Brigadier General Kristomei Sianturi stated that there is no anticipation from the Indonesian National Armed Forces. "Activities are as usual, there is no troop addition," he said.
– Vedro Imanuel Girsang contributed to the writing of this article.