Vedro Imanuel Girsang, Jakarta – The West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB OPM) of the XVI Yahukimo Defense Command has declared war against the Indonesian militia. They believe that the Indonesian military has been carrying out an illegal occupation in the land of Papua.

"Indonesian militias currently roaming the war zone are ready to be shot dead," said Commander of the XVI Yahukimo Kodap Brigadier General Elkius Kobak in his written statement as quoted by Tempo, Friday, May 2, 2025.

TPNPB OPM spokesperson Sebby Sambom said they are ready to confront the Indonesian military directly in the war zone.

However, he requested the government to immediately withdraw the use of heavy weapons such as military helicopters, fighter jets, bombs, and bazookas from the field.

"The use of heavy weapons will cause casualties to civilians living in the red zone," said Sebby.

Meanwhile, TPNPB OPM had previously mapped nine areas in Papua which have entered the war zone. These nine areas are Yahukimo Regency, Star Mountains, Nduga, Puncak Jaya, Intan Jaya, Maybrat, Dogiyai, Paniai, and Deiyai.

Meanwhile, in a separate statement, the Indonesian National Armed Forces or Mabes TNI chose to ignore the threats of the separatist group.

"The OPM's behavior is always like that. Threatening, intimidating the public, scaring people, killing the public. It should not be taken seriously," he said when contacted on Friday, May 2, 2025.

He said the presence of TNI soldiers in Papua is basically needed to protect the public and Indonesian citizens. In addition, he said, TNI is responsible for aiding the government in accelerating development in Papua.

"We are not burning schools or health centers, killing teachers and health workers like what the OPM does," he added.

– Novali Panji Nugroho contributed to the writing of this article.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2002852/tpnpb-opm-declares-war-on-indonesian-military-in-papu