WAMENA - The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) National Defense Command (Kodap) III Ndugama Derakma stated responsibility for the attack on the Indonesian military post in Wamena on August 17, 2026. The incident occurred at around 06.15 local time and triggered an armed clash between TPNPB and members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI).
​The TPNPB National Command stated that it received a report of this attack from Albu Battalion Commander, Major Abaroak Gwijangge together with Operations Commander, Paldo Nirigi as well as forces from the One Kasie Headquarters Company Abaroak Gwijangge, Tuesday (8/18/2026). The shooting was initially carried out by the Indonesian military apparatus against TPNPB so that a firefight was unavoidable.
​In the armed clash, TPNPB ensured there were no casualties from the TPNPB side, while the number of casualties from the Indonesian military side could not yet be ascertained. TPNPB also suspected the existence of an indigenous Papuan youth who worked as an intelligence agent for the Indonesian government military.
​The youth was suspected of having preceded TPNPB to the Indonesian military headquarters to report the plan to attack the Indonesian military post. As a result of that report, the Indonesian military apparatus was already in a state of level one readiness and fired shots first when TPNPB took up an attacking position.
​Regarding this incident, TPNPB Kodap III Ndugama Derakma under the leadership of Brigadier General (Bridjend) Egianus Kogeya and Major Belia alias Maleo Kogeya issued a firm stance statement. TPNPB will never submit and retreat against the Indonesian colonialism government so that war will continue to happen until that country recognizes the independence of the Papuan nation on December 1, 1961.
​Meanwhile, TPNPB conveyed a stern warning to Papuan people and Indonesian military intelligence agents not to become military intelligence spies in the battlefield while TPNPB is still in Wamena City. In fact, TPNPB asserted readiness to carry out death executions if Indonesian government military intelligence agents are found operating in Wamena City.
​TPNPB also appealed to all trans road users in Wamena to stop their activities when using motorcycles and cars. Road users are requested to open car windows and reduce speed for mutual safety. (One Papua)