PAPUA — The Central Headquarters Management of the West Papua National Liberation Army (KOMNAS TPNPB) has officially declared a period of national mourning for all Papuan independence fighters. This announcement follows an official report received from the TPNPB Kodap III Ndugama Derakma regarding the passing of one of TPNPB senior military figures, Lieutenant General Yusuf Melanggen.
Spokesperson for the TPNPB-OPM, Sebby Sambom, stated in a press release on Saturday (April 18) that the general passed away at the Alguru Battalion Headquarters on Thursday, April 16, 2026. According to field reports, General Yusuf Melanggen died at the age of 55 after battling an illness for several months. A military-style funeral service was held at the Alguru Headquarters in the Ndugama Derakma region.
The late general’s track record within the TPNPB structure was long and significant. Born in Wuarem on July 16, 1971, Yusuf Melanggen joined the struggle during the leadership era of prominent figures such as General Kelly Kwalik, General Silas E. Kogeya, and Daniel Y. Kogeya. Throughout his years of service, he played a vital role as an instructor and trainer, developing combat strategies and tactics across various operational areas, including Kali Kopi, Yila Bela, Agimuga, Singga-oya, and Sintamaya.
Despite the loss of his fellow commanders over the years, his commitment to the movement remained steadfast. Since 2016, when Brigadier General Egianus Kogeya launched military operations against Indonesian security forces, Yusuf Melanggen served as a senior advisor to the TPNPB Kodap III Ndugama Derakma. At the time of his passing, he held the high-ranking position of Lieutenant General under the command of Brig. Gen. Egianus Kogeya and Major Pemne Kogeya.
In response to the loss of this veteran tactical strategist, the Central Headquarters Management of KOMNAS TPNPB extended its deepest condolences to all personnel across the 36 Defense Regional Commands (Kodap) throughout Papua. The call for national mourning is also directed at all supporters of the Papuan independence movement worldwide, serving as a final tribute to his decades of dedication in the guerrilla struggle. ***