Vedro Imanuel Girsang, Jakarta – Spokesperson for the XVII/Cendrawasih Military Command, Candra Kurniawan, has stated that the institution will not designate a "war zone" in managing conflicts in Papua. This statement comes in response to the claim by the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM) that they have declared nine regions in Papua as "war zones."
"We do not implement war zones," Candra told Tempo via a messaging application on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
He emphasized that the Indonesian Military (TNI) will strictly adhere to its duties, principles, and responsibilities related to security in the Papua region. He assured that the TNI's primary focus is to serve, protect, and care for the community.
"The TNI, specifically the XVII/Cenderawasih Regional Military Command, carries out its duties in accordance with its core functions. Therefore, regarding the declaration of war zones, this is not something we implement," Candra reiterated.
When questioned about the actions the TNI would take concerning the armed group's designation of "war zones," Candra declined to comment. He was also tight-lipped on whether there would be evacuations of civilians in those areas.
Previously, spokesperson for the TPNPB-OPM, Sebby Sambom, announced that they had designated nine areas in Papua as "militia war zones." The nine areas are Yahukimo, Pegunungan Bintang, Nduga, Puncak Jaya, Intan Jaya, Maybrat, Dogiyai, Paniai, and Deiyai.
Sebby also urged the Indonesian government to immediately evacuate residents from these nine areas. "We have warned that Indonesian people should not enter these areas," he told Tempo on Friday, April 4, 2025.
The TPNPB, through its General Operational Commander for Papua, Major General Lekagak Telenggen, has stated that they are securing the Papua region. Sebby confirmed that the TPNPB militia is prepared to openly engage in combat with the TNI and Indonesian National Police (Polri) forces in Papua.
"We urge Indonesia to immediately evacuate its citizens from the war zones. This is a matter for combatants," he stated.
Sebby also mentioned that they will continue their operations towards Sugapa City. Therefore, he advised that civilian activities in those locations should be temporarily halted.
– Andi Adam Faturahman contributed to the writing of this article.