TIMIKA - A village official named Luter Nabelau, who was hit by a projectile explosion from a drone belonging to the Indonesian National Military (TNI) in Mbamogo village, has reportedly died at the SP1 Mimika Regional General Hospital (RSUD). The victim breathed his last breath after receiving medical treatment for the severe injuries sustained.

​The tragic event began when the victim was in the yard of the Mbamogo Catholic church with his colleague. Suddenly, a drone belonging to the Indonesian military dropped an explosive that directly hit the surrounding area. The powerful explosion instantly injured Luter Nabelau as well as one other resident who was at the scene of the incident.

​The victims were immediately evacuated by the community to the Intan Jaya Regional General Hospital (RSUD) on the day of the incident to receive first aid. The condition of the injuries suffered by the two residents turned out to be very serious, so the medical team decided to refer them to a more complete health facility in Timika.

​The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) expressed deep condolences over the loss of civilian life due to the airstrike. "This airstrike using an unmanned aircraft has injured the sacred space of the community in the church yard," said Sebby Sambom, Monday (25/5/2026).

​Sebby Sambom also added the situation on the ground shows an escalation in the use of modern weapons that harms the population.

​TPNPB also requested international attention over the deadly incident that targeted the settlements and public facilities belonging to these Papuan residents.

​Meanwhile, the report regarding the death of the Mbamogo village official was shared by a human rights defender network or Human Right Defender (HRD). Information regarding this airstrike using a drone becomes a dark record of human rights enforcement occurring in the Papuan highlands region. TPNPB also urges the entire community to remain vigilant against air movements from the Indonesian military. (One Papua)