PAPUA - The West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM) states that the armed conflict which has lasted for 63 years in the Land of Papua is a direct impact of the neglect of international law by the United Nations. TPNPB emphasizes that the fighting will continue if the right to self-determination for the Papuan people is not met.
​"The armed conflict occurring on the Ancestral Land of the West Papuan Nation is a result of the neglect of international law principles regulated in the United Nations Charter Article 73(e) and UN Resolution No. 448," said TPNPB General Operations Commander Major General Lekagak Telenggen, Friday (5/6/2026).
​Lekagak Telenggen, speaking on behalf of the 36 Defense Regional Commands (Kodap), explains that West Papua was officially registered as a Non-Self-Governing Territory based on UN Resolution No. 448. However, TPNPB assesses that the decolonization process was thwarted by economic conspiracies related to the Freeport mine and the political dynamics of the Cold War in the past.
​As a member of the UN, Indonesia is said to have an obligation to submit to the international charter, especially those regulating the protection of the rights of indigenous people. TPNPB urges the Government of Indonesia and the international community to take real steps to enforce these rules. Respect for international law is considered the only way toward a fair and dignified conflict resolution.
​An accommodative stance from the Indonesian government is highly needed so that violence can be stopped and there are no more casualties in the Land of Papua. This prolonged conflict has indeed triggered a serious humanitarian crisis in the Asia-Pacific region.
​If the right to self-determination is not respected, TPNPB emphasizes it will continue to carry out operations against the Indonesian military. The escalation of the fighting is predicted to prolong the casualties among civilians, damage to infrastructure, and massive waves of displacement.
​This condition is said to occur due to the unilateral enforcement of Papua's political status by the UN, the United States, the Netherlands, and Indonesia without involving the local indigenous people. TPNPB Spokesperson Sebby Sambom also states that the central headquarters management structure will continue to consolidate strength across the 36 Kodap to escort these political demands. (One Papua)