Dani Aswara, Jakarta – The Indonesian Military (TNI) has denied claims by the armed group West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) that they shot down a TNI helicopter during a recent exchange of fire in Nduga Regency, Papua Highlands, at the end of May 2025.
Head of the TNI Information Center, Major General Kristomei Sianturi, confirmed that thorough checks had been conducted across all TNI units stationed in Papua. He emphatically stated that no TNI helicopter had been brought down as asserted by the TPNPB-OPM.
"We have conducted checks on all TNI units in Papua. Until now, no TNI helicopter has been shot down by the rebels," Kristomei stated in a written statement on Saturday, June 7, 2025.
This official statement was issued in direct response to the TPNPB-OPM's statement on Thursday, June 5, 2025. In their statement, their spokesperson, Sebby Sambom, alleged that they had successfully shot down an Indonesian military helicopter, resulting in damage and its subsequent crash. Sebby further claimed that the helicopter had been evacuated from the combat zone in Nduga using a Russian helicopter on May 31, 2025.
According to Sebby, this attack was reportedly executed by TPNPB Kodap III Ndugama-Derakma forces, under the leadership of Major Perek Jelas Kogeya, as an act of resistance against the TNI's ongoing military operations in Papua. The statement did not provide details regarding the number of casualties or the condition of the helicopter crew.
The TPNPB's press release was also endorsed by several high-ranking officials, including High Commander General Goliath Tabuni and General Operations Commander Major General Lekagak Telenggen. In the same release, the TPNPB reiterated their declaration of nine areas in Papua, including Nduga, as active war zones.
Conversely, Kristomei considered these claims as mere attempts by the OPM to maintain visibility and garner attention from various parties. "This is just propaganda and fake news from the OPM rebels to make themselves appear relevant," he remarked.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2015280/tni-denies-opm-claim-of-helicopter-downing-in-papu