DEKAI - The National Command (KOMNAS) of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) officially announced national mourning over the fall of four TPNPB soldiers of Defense Regional Command (Kodap) XVI Yahukimo from the Edensawi Battalion during fierce fighting against the Indonesian military on Jalan Gunung, Dekai Kota District, Yahukimo Regency, September 1, 2026.

​The sad news was confirmed directly from the battlefield by the Operations Commander of TPNPB Kodap XVI Yahukimo, Major Kopitua Heluka.

​"The Central Headquarters Management of TPNPB has received an official report from the Operations Commander of TPNPB Kodap XVI Yahukimo, Major Kopitua Heluka from the battlefield in Yahukimo that we officially announce national mourning to all parties over the fall of four TPNPB members of Kodap XVI Yahukimo from the Edensawi Battalion on September 1, 2026 on Jalan Gunung, Dekai Kota District, Yahukimo Regency," stated the press release of the Central Headquarters Management of TPNPB, Wednesday (2/9/2026).

​The four fighters who fell on the battlefield were Marsel Helembo (21) who was born on January 17, 2005 and joined as a member of TPNPB Edensawi Battalion since 2021 with a service period of 5 years, as well as Eris Hubusa (18) who was born on June 20, 2008 and actively defended TPNPB Edensawi Battalion since 2025 with a service period of 1 year.

​Two other soldiers who also fell in that fighting were Alpius alias Moso Sama (22) who was born on February 10, 2004 and actively defended TPNPB Edensawi Battalion since 2024 with a service period of 2 years, as well as Ampol alias Ampuluak Yual (21) who was born on August 11, 2005 and actively fought for the homeland together with TPNPB Edensawi Battalion since 2025.

​The declaration of this national mourning was conveyed to the entire defense structure in the Land of Papua as well as freedom fighters.

​"Over the fall of four TPNPB forces of Kodap XVI Yahukimo from the Edensawi Battalion in the battlefield in Yahukimo to reclaim the independence of the Papuan nation on December 1, 1961 we officially announce national mourning to all TPNPB forces in 36 Defense Regional Commands across the Land of Papua and Papuan nation freedom fighters wherever they are," stated the Central Headquarters Management of TPNPB.

​TPNPB expressed gratitude and the highest appreciation to the parents as well as the extended families of the four soldiers.

​"And also expressed gratitude to both parents, relatives and all family members who have handed over their four children to take responsibility together with the TPNPB forces of Kodap XVI Yahukimo until they fell in the battlefield," said the statement of the Central Headquarters Management of TPNPB.

​The entire evacuation process of the victims' bodies was successfully carried out with the assistance of various parties from Dekai Regional General Hospital (RSUD).

​"And we also express gratitude to all parties who have brought all the bodies of TPNPB members from Dekai RSUD to perform the burial procession on September 2, 2026 in Yahukimo for the four TPNPB members who have fallen, may God accompany and bless all of us," said the Central Headquarters Management of TPNPB.

​TPNPB even emphasized that the fall of four best soldiers of the Edensawi Battalion will not crush the fighting spirit of the forces in the Kodap XVI Yahukimo region. TPNPB also urged all defense ranks in 36 Kodap to tighten readiness in their respective regions. (One Papua)