Jakarta – The Free Papua Movement (OPM) has denied that it was involved in the shooting of two members of the Intan Jaya regency COVID-19 task force, claiming that the two men were shot by security forces.
"We want to emphasize that the people who shot the two medical workers were TNI [Indonesian Military] and National Police personnel. They are the culprits," OPM spokesperson Sebby Sanbom said in a statement on Saturday, as quoted by tempo.co. "Indonesia must take responsibility."
The two medical workers – identified as Amalek Bagau, 30, and Eniko Somou, 39 – were reportedly shot while delivering medical supplies to a remote area in Intan Jaya regency at about 4:30 p.m. local time on Friday.
Security forces said they evacuated the two men and transferred them to the Nabire General Hospital on Saturday morning. Amalek remains in critical condition, and Eniko has died from his wounds.
Military and police personnel belonging to the Nemangkawi task force have said they are on a manhunt for an as-yet unnamed armed group that they say is responsible for the shooting. (kmt)