LANNY JAYA — An 18-year-old civilian, Penti Weya, was reported killed as a result of an airstrike in Wunapunggu Village, Melagi District, Lanny Jaya Regency, Highland Papua.
The event which occurred on Sunday morning is suspected to involve the use of an armed unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) targeting a residential area of residents.
The Central Headquarters Management of the National Command of the West Papua National Liberation Army (KOMNAS TPNPB) confirmed having received a detailed report regarding this incident from the Papua Intelligence Service (PIS) TPNPB in Tiom City.
The airstrike was reported to have damaged residential infrastructure and left a crater from the explosion in the residential area of residents.
The victim was reported dead on the spot due to the direct impact of the explosion of a projectile dropped from the air. "The face and body of the victim suffered injuries and the arm hand of Penti Weya was severed," said Spokesperson of TPNPB, Sebby Sambom, Sunday (7/6/2026).
Currently, the body of the victim is reported to be undergoing a cremation procession by local residents.
Until now, the air operation using unmanned aerial vehicles is observed to be still ongoing in the region. This situation triggers concerns about a subsequent attack targeting neighboring villages in Melagi District, especially in the domestic areas of residents.
Civil society is urged to increase vigilance, especially for those who active outside the house such as gardening or looking for firewood. TPNPB asks residents to immediately secure themselves if seeing the movement of an Indonesian military drone in the airspace of the residential area, considering the indication of the use of explosive materials on the fleet.
Responding to this event, TPNPB urges the United Nations (UN) and the international Human Rights (HAM) community to pressure the Government of Indonesia to immediately stop the use of armed drones in the conflict region of Papua.
The attack which killed the civilian is called a form of serious violation against international humanitarian law.
The Government of Indonesia, including President Prabowo Subianto, is demanded to be responsible for the military operation which impacts the non-combatant population. TPNPB also emphasizes that the escalation of the use of military technology in the residential area worsens the humanitarian crisis in the Land of Papua. (One Papua)