DEKAI — The armed conflict escalation in Yahukimo Regency has heated up again after the TPNPB forces of Kodap XVI Yahukimo Batalyon HSSBI reported a series of deadly attacks against the Indonesian military apparatus. In an official report released by the Management of the Central Headquarters of KOMNAS TPNPB on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, it was emphasized that one TNI member was shot dead inside their own headquarters.
The sequence of gunfights began on the morning of April 18, 2026, in the Kali Wo area, Dekai City. However, the most significant attack occurred on Tuesday night, April 28, 2026, when an elite team of Batalyon HSSBI under the leadership of Abele Balingga successfully infiltrated the Dekai City Koramil. During the ambush, TPNPB opened fire, killing a TNI soldier at the scene.
TPNPB Spokesperson, Sebby Sambom, explained that this attack was a retaliatory action for the death of three TPNPB soldiers, namely Anggin Kobak, Sel Siip, and Muruin Suhun, in a previous incident. The combat operation in the urban area was carried out under the direct instructions of the Commander of Kodap XVI Yahukimo, Brigadier General Elkius Kobak, and Operations Commander Major Kopitua Heluka, while operational responsibility on the ground is held by Major Wene Kobak.
"TPNPB forces will continue to carry out resistance against the Indonesian military until Papua is independent because the operational order in Dekai City has been officially issued," stated the Chairman of Batalyon HSSBI, Enos M. Yual, in the press release.
Along with the increasing military activity, TPNPB issued a stern warning for non-Papuan civilians to immediately leave Yahukimo Regency for humanitarian reasons. TPNPB stated that anyone ignoring the appeal would be considered part of the Indonesian military intelligence and threatened with execution. Additionally, strict rules have been implemented for commuters in Dekai City, where motorcyclists are prohibited from closing their helmet visors and car drivers are required to roll down their windows while traveling.
TPNPB also warned security forces not to conduct arbitrary arrests of Indigenous Papuan (OAP) civilians as a result of these attacks, given that TPNPB openly acknowledges responsibility for the entire series of assaults.
On the other hand, a harsh ultimatum was also directed at the Regent of Yahukimo Didimus Yahuli and Vice Governor Ones Pahabol regarding the exploitation of natural resources. TPNPB demanded the cessation of all exploitation programs in the Yahukimo region and threatened to execute anyone who continues to carry out state programs on that land. Until now, TPNPB maintains that they are still conducting open operations throughout the Dekai City area and its surroundings. ***