Antara, Jayapura, Papua – The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) has called for calm and warned against any armed conflict or political mobilization ahead of the December 1 commemoration of the West Papua independence movement.
In a statement released Monday, TPNPB commander Agustinus Kres said no political groups or armed actors should enter the region or seize property without permission from local customary authorities.
"There must be no armed contact. Anyone with a political agenda on this land must first seek the approval of the local customary authorities. No one is allowed to take over other people's homes or create chaos," he said.
The commander specifically rejected the circulation of so-called travel permits issued by groups claiming to represent the West Papua Army. "We emphasize that the Mamta region cannot be used, controlled, or entered unilaterally by any group," Kres added.
He said TPNPB Mamta has not authorized, received, or recognized any documents mobilizing people ahead of December 1. "Any movement claiming to represent Mamta area without permission is invalid and violates customary law," he said.
The Mamta area, covering Jayapura city and districts including Sarmi, Keerom, and Mamberamo Raya, is designated as a safe zone, Kres said, where residents can live without interference from outside armed groups. He urged all Papuans, both in Indonesia and abroad, to avoid provocation, ignore illegal movements, and help maintain stability in the region.
By taking this stance, TPNPB positions itself as a guardian of peace along the Indonesia-Papua New Guinea border, rejecting any armed action, mass mobilization, or provocative activity that could disrupt local security in the lead-up to December 1.
"The priority is to ensure Mamta remains peaceful and that our communities are safe. Any attempts to exploit this period for political or violent purposes will not be tolerated," Kres said.
Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/west-papua-separatists-call-for-peace-reject-provocations-before-dec-