TIMIKA - The West Papua National Liberation Army Free Papua Organization (TPNPB OPM) Defense Regional Command (Kodap) III Ndugama Derakma announces national mourning over the death of General Meriam Kontali.

​The independence fighter drew his last breath in Timika on May 20, 2026 due to an illness he suffered from at an age entering 83 years.

​"For his services and struggle for the nation and land of Papua, TPNPB Kodap III Ndugama officially announces national mourning to all TPNPB troops in 36 Defense Regional Commands throughout the Land of Papua," said Sebby Sambom, Spokesperson of TPNPB, Friday (22/5/2026).

​General Meriam Kontali was born in Noema on June 8, 1943 and officially joined the ranks of fighters under the leadership of General Kelly Kwalik in 1977.

​In the same year, a very extensive Indonesian military operation occurred in the areas of Agimuga, Noema Lama, Jibalia and Cintamaya with air as well as land bomb attacks.

​At that time, General Meriam Kontali along with his family managed to evacuate to the mountain region before finally returning to open New Noema Village or Jita in 1978.

​In the same year, TPNPB managed to carry out an attack against the Indonesian military in the gold mining area owned by the United States company, PT Freeport McMoRan, not long after the new settlement was established.

​On January 8, 1996, General Meriam was involved in the hostage-taking action of the Lorenz Expedition Team under the leadership of the TPNPB National Command (KOMNAS) led by General Daniel Yudas Kogeya as well as General Silas Elimin Kogeya.

​General Meriam Kontali was also involved together with the troops of Kodap III Kali Kopi Timika in the Morning Star flag-raising action in the yard of the Three Kings Catholic Church Timika in the year 2000.

​Meanwhile, Sebby Sambom announced that this national mourning applies to all troops in the land of Papua up to the TPNPB diplomats abroad. (One Papua)