DEKAI - Military operations conducted by the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) in the Korowai region from July 15 to August 8, 2026, have received sharp criticism from the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB). The attacks targeting civilian settlements were reported to have triggered a massive wave of displacement to various surrounding areas.

​Mayor Kopitua Heluka, TPNPB Operations Commander of the Yahukimo XVI Defense Regional Command (Kodap), stated that hundreds of civilians were forced to flee to the forests in Yahukimo Regency, Pegunungan Bintang, Boven Digoel, and Asmat to save themselves. In addition to the displacement impact, TPNPB reported the discovery of evidence in the form of bombs dropped from the air during the series of attacks.

​"The ground and air attacks conducted by the Indonesian military from July 15 to August 8, 2026, occurred in civilian settlements in Korowai, resulting in more than 600 civilians fleeing to the forests in Yahukimo Regency, Pegunungan Bintang, Boven Digoel, and Asmat," said Mayor Kopitua Heluka, Friday (8/7/2026).

​TPNPB also reported civilian casualties resulting from shootings conducted by the Indonesian military in the region. Furthermore, TPNPB stated it is prepared to take responsibility for the casualties among the Indonesian military forces during a series of armed clashes that occurred from late July to August 2026.

​"We also report that besides three civilians shot dead by the Indonesian military in Korowai and more than 600 civilians displaced, we have also found evidence in the form of bombs dropped by the Indonesian military from the air and ground attacks we have found," stated Mayor Kopitua Heluka.

​TPNPB urged that military operations targeting civilian settlements be stopped immediately. TPNPB challenged the Indonesian military to face the troops at the official TPNPB headquarters on Jalan Gunung, in the center of Dekai City, Yahukimo Regency, instead of conducting attacks in populated areas.

​"We also emphasize to the Indonesian military to stop military operations and attacks in civilian settlements in Korowai through air and ground means. If you want to pursue us, please come to the TPNPB headquarters on Jalan Gunung; we are ready to face you, we are not going anywhere, and we are still at the TPNPB headquarters in Yahukimo," expressed Mayor Kopitua Heluka.

​TPNPB also stated its full readiness to face direct confrontation at the headquarters that has been determined. (One Papua)