PAPUA — The National Command of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) through the Central Headquarters Management Controller conveyed an official response and stance regarding an Open Letter issued by the Toraja Family Association (IKT) of Jayawijaya Regency. The statement was conveyed directly by the Spokesperson of TPNPB, Sebby Sambom.

​In his presentation, TPNPB expressed condolences over the armed conflict event and the falling of victims in the Wamena region. TPNPB emphasized that the incident was a tragic thing that basically was not expected by any party. "We convey to all parties or the public nationally and internationally that in this matter we also convey condolences because that is something that did not need to happen, which was not expected by all of us, both Indonesian people and Papua people and the world. But that happened, why oh why yes we must speak," said Sebby Sambom in a video release, Thursday September 17, 2026.

​On the other side, TPNPB gave appreciation for the objective stance of IKT Jayawijaya Regency in the open letter dated September 15. TPNPB assessed the Toraja people in Wamena have a conscience because officially they did not use the designation armed criminal group.

​"From another side, we appreciate their statement, this is good. Because they did not state armed criminal group, but they wrote TPNPB Kodap III Ndugama Derakma. Meaning the Toraja people who live in Papua have a conscience. So we say, we appreciate, and that is good. Plus point for Toraja people from us," said Sebby.

​He also compared this stance with other parties who used the term KKB. "Not like NTT people, issued an open letter, their statement said KKB. What is KKB? KKB we do not know. We also received a letter from AMA, the AMA company, saying KKB. Remember well yes, we also have an assessment," he continued.

​Responding to the point of IKT's appeal for Egianus Kogoya along with the Kodap III Ndugama troops to leave Wamena and not fight in the region, TPNPB emphasized it cannot move troops. Sebby explained that historically and customarily, the central highlands region of Papua—including Yali, Hubula (Baliem), Lani, Nduga, Damal, Amungme, Moni, to Ekari—has an inseparable origin connection.

​"Where do you want Egianus with his troops to go? We cannot go. We have a history that you cannot erase. Hubula and the Baliem Valley belong to all of us," emphasized Sebby.

​Furthermore, TPNPB gave a special warning and emphasis to citizens from five migrant tribes in Papua, namely the Toraja, Makassar, Buton, Maluku, and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) communities. Sebby stressed that the kindness of Papua people has strict limits.

​"We convey to the people from these several tribes, we believe you are actually good. We are good with you, you are also good with us. But that kindness has limits. If you all Toraja people, NTT people, Makassar people, Buton people, Maluku people, come to Papua, supporting Full Papua Independence, then we will protect you. But if you support Indonesia, then your age is short. You are not accepted in our country," he expressed.

​TPNPB urged that migrant communities immediately determine their political stance regarding their presence in Papua. "Starting now, make a decision from the tribes I mentioned. After Papua Independence, want to live in Papua or return to Indonesia. If you support TNI and become spies, then we consider you part of the Indonesian Security Force, ready to be cleared. But if you support Papua Independence, then you are protected. We are ready to guarantee after independence, including immigrants whom we adopt to become Papua citizens later," emphasized Sebby.

​In his statement, Sebby Sambom also highlighted the geographical conditions, natural resources, and political configuration in Indonesia. "Java does not have natural wealth. Gold, silver, everything, the Dutch dredged it clean and went home. They are only empty land. That is why they take our natural wealth resources in Kalimantan, in Sumatra, in Maluku, in NTT, in Sulawesi. You Toraja people, Sulawesi people, Sumatra people, NTT people, NTB people, Bali people, have you ever joined as president? Pitiful, all become slaves of Java," he said.

​Regarding the Toraja community in Wamena, Sebby added, "You also raise pigs, same as Wamena people. So you fit there, starting families. But remember, later after Papua Independence, you are free. Papua is not yet independent, not yet free. Therefore it would be better if you just stay in the city."

​Facing security escalation, TPNPB responded to statements from Indonesian military officials and released a humanitarian warning so that all migrant citizens working as traders, teachers, health workers, or other professions immediately leave the armed conflict region.

​"All who come as traders, teachers, health workers, all kinds of these, TNI Commander Agus Subiyanto already conveyed that all of those are my members. Note well. Better leave the war region. We execute humanitarian war provisions where civilians must be warned. So if you are stubborn, you bear the risk yourself. All victims are responsible for themselves," said Sebby.

​TPNPB stated it is not afraid of the deployment of tens of thousands of military troops to Papua. "Prabowo still sends more than 100 thousand troops in Papua. Do you think we are afraid? We have large forests. You will kill 1 million of our people, but 10 people will survive in the forest, hiding and will rise again and fight. You will not be able to limit our struggle for independence back, our right of independence which Indonesia seized through military invasion starting from May 1, 1963 and annexation of Papua which is morally flawed, legally flawed, and democratically flawed," explained Sebby.

​Sebby also condemned the discourse on defining Indigenous Papuans conveyed by central government officials. "Then, what is more Tito Karnavian said wanting to define indigenous Papuans, those who live in Papua, born in Papua are indigenous Papuans. Ridiculous. That is called ridiculous and very barbaric people, terrorist people," emphasized Sebby.

​He added that Papua people do not need construction narratives from outside because they are able to stand on their own above their own wealth, while exemplifying the governance structure in the neighboring country Papua New Guinea which is managed by indigenous people.

​At the end of his statement, TPNPB urged the President of the Republic of Indonesia and his cabinet rank to stop the military approach and be willing to sit at the official negotiation table.

​"All of this must be resolved at the negotiation table. Like it or not the President of Indonesia and this cabinet must open themselves to sit at the negotiation table starting from now," concluded Sebby Sambom. (One Papua)