WAMENA - The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) stated that it takes full responsibility for the shooting and attack against the Indonesian military that occurred along the Trans Wamena road up to Walesi Village on Saturday, August 8, 2026. The attack was carried out as a form of TPNPB's firmness in rejecting all forms of independence celebrations of other nations on the Land of Papua.
​The gunfight that occurred between TPNPB and the Indonesian military took place fiercely from 12.04 to 13.00 local time. The incident resulted in casualties on the side of the Indonesian military and its agents, although TPNPB has not yet been able to ascertain the exact condition of the victims.
​The armed action was carried out by the 8 Albu Battalion of the West Papua National Liberation Army of the 3rd Ndugama Derakma Defense Regional Command. The command of this attack was under the direct orders of Brigadier General Egianus Kogeya and Major Maleo Kogeya.
​Brigadier General Egianus Kogeya asserted to President Prabowo Subianto that all activities of the Indonesian colonial government in the Land of Papua must be closed immediately. TPNPB also threatened to take firm action by shooting dead parties involved in supporting the Indonesian government, including kiosk activities, motorcycle taxi drivers, and various forms of Indonesian-version development on the Land of Papua.
​Meanwhile, the Spokesperson of the West Papua National Liberation Army, Sebby Sambom, also stated a strong rejection of all forms of Republic of Indonesia Independence Day celebrations throughout the land of Papua. TPNPB considers the series of August 17 celebrations to be part of the celebrations that must be dissolved by any means. TPNPB appealed to all Papuan people not to celebrate the anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia because Papuan people are considered to have never participated in the struggle for Indonesia's independence and do not recognize its sovereignty.
​TPNPB asserted that celebrations or the installation of red-and-white line attributes must be dealt with by shooting. Strict prohibitions are also imposed against the raising of flags in residents' houses. Sebby warned that anyone who dares to raise the flag will be considered an agent of the colonizers and must be shot.
​This firm stance was taken because their ancestors in the past never participated in the struggle for Indonesia's independence. TPNPB absolutely rejects the August 17 independence celebration program and asserted that it will take action against and shoot anyone involved in it.
​TPNPB also appealed to all Papuan people not to commemorate independence days other than the historical day of the Papuan nation on December 1, 1961. (One Papua)