INTAN JAYA - The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) reported that the Indonesian military launched an operation in Sugapa Town, Intan Jaya Regency, on Thursday, June 25, 2026. In the report received on Friday, June 26, 2026, TPNPB stated that the operation took place in several residential areas and was accompanied by searches of civilian houses.

​The Spokesperson of TPNPB, Sebby Sambom, said the operation began at around 07.00 WIT with the deployment of ground personnel as well as unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) which were said to be flown over residential areas in the center of Sugapa Town.

​"The Indonesian military conducted ground and air operations in the center of Sugapa Town and flew drones over civilian houses," said Sebby Sambom, Friday (26/6/2026).

​According to TPNPB, the operation then continued to Yokatapa Village, Sugapa District, at around 08.15 WIT. TPNPB stated that TNI members ordered residents to come out of their houses before conducting searches of the buildings and belongings of the residents.

​TPNPB also mentioned that residents were threatened with being shot if they tried to run away. After the searches were completed, TPNPB said no weapons, ammunition, or explosives were found in the inspected houses.

​"Residents' houses were ransacked and searched, but no weapons, bullets, or explosives were found," said Sebby Sambom.

​TPNPB said the operation then continued to Bilogai and several locations around Sugapa Town. According to TPNPB, the operation was conducted in the context of searching for TPNPB Kodap VIII Intan Jaya forces led by Apeni Kobogau.

​In addition to reporting the security operation, TPNPB also conveyed the condition of residents who evacuated from Hitadipa, Agisiga, Sugapa, and Ugimba Districts. TPNPB stated that the refugees are still experiencing intimidation, so some of them chose to flee to Nabire and Timika since the escalation of armed conflict from May to June 2026.

​TPNPB also requested the Indonesian government to open access for international humanitarian organizations to provide assistance to the internal refugees in Papua. According to TPNPB, the cessation of security operations in the refugee areas is necessary so that residents can obtain protection and humanitarian services.

​"Internal refugees need a safe space and humanitarian assistance. The Indonesian government needs to open access for international humanitarian organizations to handle the refugees in the Land of Papua," said Sebby Sambom.

​TPNPB also mentioned that the number of internal refugees in several conflict areas in Papua has reached more than 122,931 people.

​(One Papua)