Andi Adam Faturahman, Jakarta – The West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) has accused the Indonesian military (TNI) deployed in Yakuhimo regency of planting landmines to target the militias and individuals deemed affiliated with them.
The spokesperson of the TPNPB headquarters, Sebby Sambom, claimed the landmines were planted deliberately by the Indonesian forces in logpon (raft), the airport, and roads frequented by the militias. "Laki Magayang of the Kodap (Defense Regional Command) XVI Yahukimo militia is one of the victims of the TNI-Polri's crimes in Papua," said Sebby in a brief message on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
Laki Magayang was reportedly killed in a shootout with the Indonesian forces at Kali Bonto on Saturday, August 16, 2025.
Besides planting landmines, Sebby said, TNI Soldiers also placed landmines on the bodies of wounded TPNPB militias. According to Sebby, this action was part of the psychological terror launched by the soldiers to instill fear in the liberation movement.
Such actions are often carried out by soldiers deployed in Papua – for example, in the North Gome and Sugapa districts of Intan Jaya – resulting in numerous casualties among TPNPB militias and local residents. "The world must know that there are war crimes in Papua. The world must not turn a blind eye," he pleaded.
Meanwhile, when asked for confirmation, Colonel Candra Kurniawan, the Head of Information of the XVII/Cenderawasih Military Regional Command, denied TPNPB's accusations about planting landmines and placing mines on wounded militias.
He maintained that TNI soldiers are not equipped with explosives while patrolling. Thus, he said, the information provided by TPNPB is false and should not be believed. "Propaganda like this has often been used to gain sympathy," Candra added.
Regarding the alleged death of TPNPB militias in Yahukimo, he mentioned that so far, the XVII/Cenderawasih Military Regional Command has not received any information about an armed encounter with TPNPB militias.
However, he added that TNI soldiers will remain on guard and intensify territorial patrols to maintain security in Yahukimo. "Measured actions are taken based on the situation. Initial handling is carried out in a humane manner," Candra stated.