PAPUA — The Central Headquarters Management of the National Command of the West Papua National Liberation Army (KOMNAS TPNPB) has released an official statement regarding the escalation of violence perpetrated by the Indonesian military in Puncak Regency in mid-April 2026. The TPNPB accuses Jakarta of carrying out a massacre against civilians and spreading false narratives to cover up war crimes in West Papua.
The Bloody Tragedy in Puncak Regency
Field reports received by the TPNPB Central Headquarters confirm that between April 13 and 15, 2026, the Indonesian military launched brutal air and ground operations in Puncak Regency. These operations involved six helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) dropping bombs on residential settlements in the Kembru District.
As a result of indiscriminate gunfire and the use of grenades, 12 indigenous Papuan civilians were reported killed, including children and pregnant women. TPNPB emphasizes that at the time of this tragic event, there was absolutely no armed contact between TPNPB forces and the Indonesian military.
Refutation of Indonesian Military "Hoaxes"
TPNPB Spokesperson, Sebby Sambom, strongly condemned statements made by high-ranking Indonesian military officials—including the TNI Commander and the National Police Chief—who claimed that TPNPB forces were responsible for burning houses and killing civilians.
"What the Indonesian military is communicating through various media outlets is a public deception intended to distort the facts. Unarmed people were brutally attacked when there was no ongoing combat. This is a gross violation of human rights," Sebby Sambom stated.
The TPNPB also exposed manipulative practices by personnel on the ground, reporting that TNI members attempted to project a "savior" image by forcing victims to take photos together and providing sham medical assistance following the attacks.
Demands to the UN and Hospital Intimidation
In light of this incident, the TPNPB officially urged the United Nations (UN) to intervene and impose strict sanctions on the Indonesian Government. TPNPB argue that the military's actions have exceeded the boundaries of humanity and international laws of war.
Additionally, the TPNPB issued a stern warning to hospital management across Papua not to allow medical facilities to be used as sites of intimidation by armed forces.
Call for Universal Resistance
In response to what they term "state terrorism," the TPNPB has instructed all 36 Defense Regional Commands (KODAP) to tighten security and take decisive action against government offices and illegal corporate assets in Papua.
The TPNPB highlighted that the military presence in Papua is primarily aimed at securing the exploitation of natural resources—such as gold, copper, and oil—which has been ongoing since 1967, rather than providing safety for the people.
"We call upon all indigenous Papuans to unite against these crimes. The Papuan nation must be free from the illegal occupation of plunderers hiding behind military uniforms. The struggle will continue until full independence is recognized, so that the natural wealth of the Paradise Island of Papua can be managed independently by its own people," the statement concluded.
Sebby Sambom
Spokesperson for the Central Headquarters Management of KOMNAS TPNPB-OPM
Monday, April 20, 2026