PAPUA – The Central Headquarters Management of the National Command of the West Papua National Liberation Army (KOMNAS TPNPB) issued a firm appeal to all Papuan people from Sorong to Merauke to immediately stop all forms of horizontal conflict or tribal war.
In a press release issued on Thursday, May 14, 2026, TPNPB emphasized that disputes between fellow Papuans will only accelerate the process of genocide against the indigenous ethnic groups in the Land of Papua.
TPNPB Spokesperson, Sebby Sambom, emphasized that tribal war is an act that destroys part or all of the identity of the nation, race, and religion in the Land of Papua.
TPNPB requested that every issue that arises between tribal groups be immediately resolved through peaceful mediation led by tribal chiefs who are legitimate and recognized by the local community.
This appeal appears as a response to concerns over the Papuan population which continues to shrink, both due to internal conflict and the impact of military operations carried out by the Indonesian government.
"Our enemy is not fellow Papuans, but the Indonesian military and government who are killing the Papuan people by means of military operations from the 1960s until today," said Sebby Sambom.
TPNPB reminded that history records Indonesian military aggression has been ongoing since 1961, precisely after the Papuan nation declared its independence on December 1, 1961.
Therefore, TPNPB invited all elements of the people to end disputes in regions such as Wamena, Timika, and Nabire, then unite to reclaim the seized political rights.
In addition to the civilians, firm instructions were also given to all TPNPB forces in the 36 Defense Regional Commands (Kodap). TPNPB ordered to take harsh action against individuals or groups who intentionally create conflict between fellow Papuans.
TPNPB also condemned all forms of sentiment that differentiate between coastal and mountain communities, because culturally and traditionally, the Papuan nation is one unity that cannot be separated by the division of provinces according to the Indonesian government's version.
Furthermore, TPNPB reminded the Papuan people to be wary of the motives behind the military operations that continue in various regions such as Intan Jaya, Nduga, Maybrat, to Pegunungan Bintang.
TPNPB assessed that the series of operations is clear proof that the Indonesian state only wants Papua's natural resource wealth without caring about the survival of its people.
"The Papuan people from Sorong to Merauke must unite and oppose the Indonesian military and government on the Land of Papua," Sebby Sambom firmly stated. ***