DEKAI — The Central Headquarters Management of the National Command of the West Papua National Liberation Army (KOMNAS TPNPB) has officially released a statement regarding the escalation of armed conflict in Yahukimo Regency. In an official report received on Monday, April 20, 2026, the TPNPB KODAP XVI Yahukimo forces confirmed they carried out an attack against a member of the Indonesian military security forces in the center of Dekai city.
The Commander of the HSSBI Battalion, Major Enos M. Yoal, alongside the operational leadership, reported that the shooting occurred at the junction leading to the Siloam Church, KM 4, Dekai City. The operation, which commenced at 4:15 PM WIT, targeted a military personnel member traveling by motorcycle toward KM 6. According to field reports, the victim was shot behind the Siloam Church and fell from the vehicle. This action was declared as a retaliatory strike following the deaths of three TPNPB fighters in a previous period: Angin Kobak, Silip Sip, and Muruin Suhun from the HSSBI Battalion.
In the press release, Major Enos M. Yoal emphasized that the TPNPB will continue to conduct military operations within the Yahukimo conflict zone. He demanded that the Indonesian government maintain transparency regarding the number of casualties on their side and cease concealing the realities on the ground. The TPNPB openly declared its readiness to continue the war as long as the demands for West Papuan independence remain unfulfilled by the colonial state.
Furthermore, the TPNPB KODAP XVI Yahukimo, under the leadership of Brigadier General Elkius Kobak and Major Kopitua Heluka, issued a direct and stern warning to the Vice President of Indonesia, Gibran Rakabuming Raka. They delivered a serious threat demanding the cancellation of his planned working visit to the Yahukimo region. The TPNPB stated they would not hesitate to carry out an execution if the warning is ignored and the high-ranking state official enters the territory they have designated as an active armed conflict zone.
TPNPB-OPM Spokesperson, Sebby Sambom, reinforced the message to President Prabowo Subianto, asserting that the root of the Papuan issue can only be resolved through the recognition of sovereignty. Until such a political solution is reached, the TPNPB claims full responsibility for all attacks against Indonesian government military personnel and intelligence agents entering the armed conflict area. They also warned that the Indonesian government must bear responsibility for the humanitarian impact and any civilian casualties resulting from the ongoing armed conflict in the Land of Papua. ***