PAPUA - The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) strongly condemns the crime and severe assault ending in death committed by the police in Papua, specifically in the tragic incident that killed a civilian named Leonardus Konorop in Merauke Regency.

​This brutal assault incident ending in death triggered widespread condemnation as it was considered a form of highly excessive violence by security forces against civilians.

​TPNPB Spokesperson, Sebby Sambom, Tuesday (8/9/2026) expressed deep concern over the loss of civilian life resulting from arbitrary actions by security forces in the field.

​The victim, who underwent surgery at the Merauke Regional General Hospital (RSUD), has now died due to severe head injuries.

​The incident began on Thursday, 3 September 2026 at around 21:00 WIT, when an off-duty police officer passed through Jalan Brawijaya Kecil noisily revving his motorcycle engine. The victim, who was at the location, reprimanded the action, but the officer did not accept it and argued that the victim was carrying a machete.

​Not accepting being reprimanded, the police officer invited his family residing near the location to approach the victim's house. A chase between the police officer along with his family against the victim was unavoidable in the residential area.

​The police officer even contacted his fellow police colleagues to reinforce his family's group, while issuing threats of extreme violence and threats to burn down the victim's family home.

​Around 23:00 WIT, the victim, who was seeking safety, finally decided to step out to apologize and surrender peacefully. This decision was taken after the victim's uncle arrived at the location to mediate amid the escalating crowd threats.

​Despite walking forward without resistance and being shot at with a catapult, the victim continued walking toward the security forces. However, right in front of a police officer named Riko Dengga, the victim was struck with wood directly in the middle of his head, causing him to collapse instantly and lose consciousness.

​A police vehicle arriving at the location then transported the victim's body to the Merauke RSUD Emergency Room, followed closely by the victim's family from behind. The victim underwent surgery on Friday, 4 September 2026 at 15:00 WIT and was moved to the ICU room before finally passing away.

​On the morning of the same day, the victim's family visited the police station to file an official report, but it was marked by heated debate with officers on duty who argued that the action was a form of self-defense because the victim was intoxicated.

​TPNPB emphasized that it will continue to monitor this extrajudicial killing case until justice for the victim and the family can be upheld. (One Papua)