PAPUA — The Central Headquarters Management of KOMNAS TPNPB has released an official statement regarding the escalation of conflict in the Yahukimo region. In a report received from the Operations Commander of TPNPB Kodap XVI Yahukimo, Major Kopitua Heluka, TPNPB declared full responsibility for the shooting of two vessel units at the Yahukimo-Asmat border on Sunday, May 3, 2026. The attack was carried out by troops from the Cannibal Battalion under the leadership of Major Beres Murup, Kuron Marup, and special forces led by Akar Heluka.
TPNPB emphasized that the attack targeted vessels identified as belonging to Indonesian government military intelligence agents. Based on TPNPB monitoring, vessels passing through the Asmat, Yahukimo, to Timika areas are strongly suspected of being used to drop off intelligence agents into the red zone.
"All Indonesian military intelligence agents entering the armed conflict territory are ready to be executed because they have violated the TPNPB ultimatum for Indonesian immigrant citizens to leave the war zone in Yahukimo," Major Kopitua Heluka emphasized in his report.
In addition to the vessel attacks, TPNPB is now setting a Wanted List (DPO) status for civilian aircraft detected assisting in the mobilization of the Indonesian military to Yahukimo. This policy was taken following TPNPB's assessment that civilian functions, including schools and hospitals, have been taken over by military forces in the conflict area. TPNPB ordered that all civilian activities in Yahukimo be stopped immediately because operational attacks against apparatus will continue to be increased.
Regarding the security situation, Major Kopitua Heluka conveyed a direct demand to the central government in Jakarta. "We emphasize to President Prabowo Subianto to immediately recognize the independence of the Papuan nation, otherwise the war will continue," he said.
TPNPB also dismissed the criminal group label and reaffirmed its position as freedom fighters. TPNPB requested that the Indonesian military not carry out retaliatory attacks against innocent civilians in the operational area.
Regarding threats to public facilities, TPNPB stated that all buildings misused by the military are operational targets. "All immigrant citizens and Indonesian government military intelligence agents, including Papuans involved with Indonesia, must immediately leave the TPNPB Kodap XVI Yahukimo operational area," Major Kopitua Heluka asserted. TPNPB challenged the Indonesian military apparatus to go directly to the TPNPB headquarters if they wish to engage in armed contact, rather than carrying out arbitrary arrests of civilians without evidence.
The Spokesperson for TPNPB OPM, Sebby Sambom, concluded the statement by reiterating that TPNPB is ready to take responsibility for the entire series of shooting actions and sabotage of facilities that have become targets of military operations in the Yahukimo region as of May 2026. ***