Novali Panji Nugroho, Jakarta – The West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM) has stated that it carried out a retaliatory attack against the Indonesian Military (TNI) in Kampung Usir, Mulia District, Puncak Jaya Regency, Papua, on Thursday, May 15, 2025. This action was reportedly in response to the TNI operation that resulted in the death of Bumiwalo Enumbi, an OPM militia member.
TPNPB-OPM spokesperson Sebby Sambom said that two military personnel were killed in the Mulia District attack. "The shooting was in retaliation for the fall of Bumiwalo," Sebby said in a statement on Friday, May 16, 2025.
Bumiwalo was declared dead during a TNI law enforcement operation on May 10, 2025. Sebby asserted that government intelligence was aware of the Yambi regional defense command's (Kodap) presence, leading to a shootout. He further stated that the 36 Kodap TPNPB-OPM units would continue to launch attacks against the military.
"Therefore, all civilian residents acting as military intelligence agents are urged to leave the conflict area immediately," he warned.
The Cartenz Peace Task Force, a joint operation of the TNI and the Indonesian National Police aimed at suppressing armed separatist rebels in Papua, confirmed an attack occurred in Mulia District, Puncak Jaya Regency, Papua. Based on the task force's report, the casualties were members of the police force.
Chief of the 2025 Cartenz Peace Operation, Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani, identified the two deceased officers as Second Brigade Dedi Tambunan and Second Lieutenant Raymon Rerey. Both were evacuated to Mulia Regional Hospital, but their lives could not be saved. Their bodies are currently at Mulia Regional Hospital awaiting repatriation to their hometowns.
Faizal stated that the perpetrators are suspected members of the Armed Criminal Group (KKB). The Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force received public reports of gunfire in Kampung Usir. Promptly, the task force moved to the location and pursued the assailants, leading to a direct shootout between officers and the KKB. Joint forces are currently conducting a thorough sweep of the surrounding area to ensure the situation is secure.