Robert Isidorus, Jakarta – At least 10 rebels from the separatist group Free Papua Organization, or OPM, operating in the remote highlands of the restive province of Papua have surrendered to Indonesian security officials, a local government official told media on Tuesday (26/1).
Henock Ibo, district head of Puncak Jaya, said the surrendered fighters had been led Goliat Tabuni – who is believed to be behind several low-level insurgencies, including the shooting deaths of a number of soldiers in the mountainous area.
The rebels surrendered their arms after attending his office on Jan. 15, telling Henock they had become disillusion with Goliat's leadership. At least two of the rebels were trusted lieutenants of Goliat, he said.
"And about Goliat, I think it's only a matter of time [before he follows suit] as the government has built a relationship with him for long time," Henock told reporters at Papua Police headquarters in provincial capital Jayapura, Tuesday.