NDUGA - The Indonesian military launched an air attack using drones targeting directly a defense post of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) on May 18, 2026, at around 15:30 WIT.
The Central Headquarters of the National Command (KOMNAS) TPNPB reported that the sudden attack resulted in three TPNPB soldiers killed at the scene due to the bomb explosion.
The TPNPB Commander of the Defense Regional Command (Kodap) III Ndugama Derakma, Brigadier General Egianus Kogeya, confirmed the identities of the three soldiers killed in the incident. The first victim was Second Lieutenant Lut Wumangge, who served as the Advisor of TPNPB Kodap III Ndugama Derakma. Lut Wumangge was known as one of the best soldiers who had served since the leadership of High Commander General Kelly Kwalik, General Daniel Yudas Kogeya, to General Silas Elimin Kogeya.
Lut Wumangge was said to have special expertise in reading regional conditions and analyzing Indonesian military strategies on the battlefield. TPNPB lost that brave figure, who always controlled the movement of all troops from three Defense Regional Commands and thirteen TPNPB Battalions.
The second victim killed in the bomb attack was Ison Nirigi, who was an officer and member of the TPNPB Yuguru Battalion.
Ison Nirigi was described as a brave soldier who was always actively involved on the Nduga region battlefield along with other troops.
The third victim was Hesnia Murib, an officer of the TPNPB Women's Corps who was also the wife of Semut Merah Kogeya. Hesnia Murib was known as one of the best female soldiers who frequently participated directly on the Nduga battlefield.
"We announce a national mourning to all Papuan people over the death of three best soldiers in this bomb attack," said Egianus Kogeya, Friday (29/5/2026).
The sacrifice of the three soldiers for the independence of the nation and the Land of Papua is expected to continue to be appreciated and respected by the entire community.
Meanwhile, the situation in the Nduga region up to this moment is reported to still be in a state of alert following the drone explosion.
Egianus Kogeya denied rumors stating that he had died in a military operation. The news of the death had previously circulated on the online media Papua News Online some time ago. The issue of the commander's death was said to be deliberately spread by the Indonesian military and the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) to weaken the fighting morale of the troops.
TPNPB also emphasized that the condition of the entire command under the control of Egianus Kogeya remains very solid and continues to carry out resistance.
Meanwhile, the Spokesperson of KOMNAS TPNPB, Sebby Sambom, called on all troops not to be shaken by enemy propaganda on social media. TPNPB urged all soldiers in thirty-six Kodap to remain loyal, fight, and sacrifice to reclaim independence.
The Papuan people are expected to remain united in protecting ancestral lands from the threat of capitalism that robs the rights of indigenous communities. Sebby also requested the international community to pay attention to the escalation of the use of drone bombs by the Indonesian military in residential areas. The armed struggle in the central highlands of Papua is certain to continue until the political goals are achieved. (One Papua)