YAHUKIMO – The escalation of armed conflict in the Papua Highlands has surged once again. The Central Headquarters Management of KOMNAS TPNPB has officially claimed responsibility for a series of attacks that occurred in Kali Biru, the capital of Yahukimo Regency, on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
In the official report, the operational leader of TPNPB Yahukimo Korowai, Major Mackar Sobolim, along with Lampion Heluka, emphasized that TPNPB carried out the shooting of a white car and the burning of the SMA Negeri 2 Kuaserama high school building.
"We will not retreat a single step. TPNPB will continue to conduct 24-hour patrols within the capital of Yahukimo Regency," asserted Major Mackar Sobolim in a press release issued through TPNPB spokesperson, Sebby Sambom.
TPNPB also issued a stern warning to civilians traveling in the area. TPNPB mandates that every vehicle must roll down its windows when driving, considering that TPNPB troops have now entered and are on standby in the urban areas.
Condemnation of Yahukimo Regent and the Arrival of Gibran Rakabuming
In addition to actions on the ground, TPNPB delivered a harsh warning to the Regent of Yahukimo, Didimus Yahuli. TPNPB considers the local government to have no good faith toward the people and condemns the scheduled arrival of Head of State Gibran Rakabuming Raka to Yahukimo, which is deemed unclear in its agenda and lacked communication with the local people.
"Regent Didimus Yahuli holds office because of the people's voice, yet now he seemingly allows the lives of the people to be threatened. TPNPB issues a stern warning to the Regent. If TPNPB encounters Didimus Yahuli in the 51 districts or 517 villages, TPNPB will take decisive action. Whoever his followers are, TPNPB will sweep them clean if encountered on the road," the statement read.
Response to Violations of Humanist Law
TPNPB accused the TNI of failing to comply with humanist laws of war. This is based on the shooting of the Private Secretary (Sekpri) of the Vice Regent of Yahukimo. TPNPB claimed they had previously shown good faith by releasing three civilians at the Korowai people's mine on March 18, 2026.
"Because the TNI shot at citizens, this serves as an education for TPNPB. If TPNPB encounters migrants, TPNPB will not hesitate to shoot. These are actions carried out by TPNPB and the troops; no other parties should be associated," the report concluded.
This report was confirmed directly by the Central Headquarters Management of KOMNAS TPNPB through Spokesperson Sebby Sambom on Sunday, April 26, 2026. ***