YAHUKIMO - The West Papua National Liberation Army XVI Yahukimo Defense Regional Command has announced a period of national mourning over the death of one of its fighters, Estiwaka Heluka, in a firefight with the Indonesian military. The incident took place on July 22, 2026, in the Yahukimo region.
The Central Headquarters Management of the TPNPB National Command received the report from the battlefield through the TPNPB Kodap XVI Yahukimo Operations Commander, Major Kopitua Heluka.
Estiwaka Heluka was a TPNPB member from the Yamue Battalion who died at the age of 21. During his life, the young man born in Amuma District, Yahukimo Regency, on April 3, 2005, had been handed over by his family to the TPNPB since 2019 and joined the Kasuari Company under the leadership of Herman Heluka.
Due to a track record of struggle considered good and his readiness on the battleground, Estiwaka Heluka was then summoned by the Yamue Battalion Commander, Major Kumis Passe, and Dejang Heluka. That summons aimed to strengthen the Yamue Battalion in the battle against the Indonesian military to seize back the independence of the Papuan nation.
The TPNPB conveyed expressions of gratitude to both parents, relatives, and family who had handed over their child to join in the struggle until the end of life on the battlefield.
"We officially announce national mourning for the death of Estiwaka Heluka," stated Major Kopitua Heluka, Tuesday (8/11/2026).
The Central Headquarters Management of the TPNPB KOMNAS also announced national mourning to all TPNPB forces across 36 Defense Regional Commands throughout the Land of Papua as well as to all parties. The TPNPB also called upon all Papuan people to be obligated to unite in defending the Land of Papua from foreign threats deemed to be damaging the lives of the Papuan people and indigenous communities.
The TPNPB asked the Papuan generation to be obligated to fight for the independence of the Papuan nation, while the body of Estiwaka Heluka had been buried with military ceremony by the TPNPB Kodap XVI Yahukimo as a final tribute. (One Papua)