YAHUKIMO — The Central Headquarters Management of the National Command of the West Papua National Liberation Army (KOMNAS TPNPB) has declared responsibility for the burning of several public facilities in Manggelum District, Boven Digoel Regency, Papua. This scorched-earth action targeting school buildings, residential houses, and the Health Office is reported to have taken place since May until June 2026.
An official report from the Operational Commander of TPNPB Yamue Battalion, Major Dejang Heluka along with the troops of the Defense Regional Command (Kodap) XVI Yahukimo stated that the action was carried out to cut off the movement of the Indonesian military. Those public facilities are assessed as frequently used as movement posts by security forces within the civilian sphere.
"The burning of houses, schools, and offices in Manggelum District was carried out by us because in our operation since May 2026 in Boven Digoel we have seen the Indonesian military frequently entering those facilities," said Dejang Heluka, Friday (5/6/2026). TPNPB also urged the Indonesian military to immediately halt military operations and repressive actions against civilians in Manggelum District.
Meanwhile, TPNPB stated that the killing of ten people referred to as military intelligence agents on the Yahukimo border was a form of harsh warning to the central government. TPNPB requested citizens involved in the Component Reserve (Komcad), Police Assistance (Banpol), and immigrant communities to immediately leave the conflict red zone area.
Dejang Heluka affirmed that TPNPB Kodap XVI Yahukimo will continue armed resistance against the Indonesian government and military until the right to Papuan independence is recognized. If this demand is not taken seriously by President Prabowo Subianto, TPNPB stated they are ready to extend the escalation of conflict in the Land of Papua until the next generation.
The Spokesperson for the TPNPB Free Papua Organization (OPM), Sebby Sambom, added that the central headquarters management continues to monitor the development of the situation on the ground. Sebby also affirmed that the evacuation appeal for non-Papuan residents in the conflict area is aimed at avoiding casualties among civilians in gunfights that have the potential to keep spreading. (One Papua)