August 8, 2025 | 01:06 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM) burned several Indonesian flags in Pegunungan Bintang Regency, Papua, on Thursday, August 7, 2025.
TPNPB spokesperson Sebby Sambom said the flags were taken down from poles and also seized directly from Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Indonesian National Police (Polri) personnel who were seen installing them in various locations throughout the regency.
"We burned them as a clear symbol of rejecting Indonesian colonialism in Papua," Sebby stated in a text message on Friday, August 8.
Despite the symbolic act, Sebby claimed that the group did not resort to violence against TNI-Polri officers who were putting up flags in strategic areas or along roads. The TPNPB only disarmed personnel, especially those carrying firearms or ammunition.
"We ask them to leave Papua immediately and remind them that hoisting the Indonesian flag here is prohibited," Sebby said.
Colonel Candara Kurniawan, Head of Information for the XVII/Cenderawasih Regional Military Command, said the military has not yet received any report regarding the flag seizures in Pegunungan Bintang.
"We are still verifying the information," he said.
Meanwhile, Chief of Public Relations for the Papua Regional Police, Grand Commissioner Cahyo Sukarnito, has not responded to Tempo’s inquiry sent via WhatsApp.
Earlier, the TPNPB had instructed its 36 regional military commands across Papua to prohibit flag-raising ceremonies marking Indonesia’s Independence Day on August 17.
Sebby asserted that indigenous Papuans and residents of Papua are only allowed to raise the Morning Star flag and hold commemorative events on December 1. "We want Papuans to be educated that Papua is not part of Indonesia," he said in a WhatsApp message sent on Saturday, August 2.
He added that the TPNPB will not engage in armed conflict or launch attacks against civilians raising the Indonesian flag. The group will only dissolve the ceremony, provided there is no TNI-Polri involvement in the area.
"Therefore, we urge the TNI-Polri not to disguise themselves in order to carry out flag-raising activities in Papua," Sebby said.
He also warned that the TPNPB has designated several conflict zones in Papua where non-Papuan civilians and security forces are barred from entering. These areas include Yahukimo, Pegunungan Bintang, Nduga, Puncak Jaya, Intan Jaya, Maybrat, Dogiyai, Paniai, and Deiyai.
"People from outside Papua and the TNI-Polri are not allowed to enter these areas, and the hoisting of the Indonesian flag is also prohibited," Sebby said.
Editor’s Choice: Papua Rebel Group Calls for National Flag Burning as Independence Day Approaches
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
New Zealand Keen to Boost Agricultural Product Imports from Indonesia
2 menit lalu
The import commitment was conveyed by the New Zealand Minister of Agriculture when signing an MoU renewal with Indonesia.
Indonesia's 10 Richest People in August 2025, According to Forbes
4 jam lalu
As of August 5, 2025, Forbes names Indonesia's top 10 richest, led by the Hartono brothers, Low Tuck Kwong, and Prajogo Pangestu.
Here's Why the Indonesian Gov't Declared August 18 a Collective Leave Day
5 jam lalu
What is the reason behind the government's decision to set a collective leave on August 18th?
Gov't Declares August 18, 2025 a Collective Leave Day in New Ministerial Decree
6 jam lalu
The Indonesian government has officially signed a joint ministerial decree declaring August 18, 2025, as a collective leave day.
Foreign Minister Says Indonesia Ready to Provide Shelter for Gaza Refugees
13 jam lalu
Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono stated that the government is preparing alternative locations to accommodate Palestinian refugees from Gaza.
Jay Idzes Reportedly Set to Join Torino on Contract Through 2029
13 jam lalu
Besides Torino, two other Serie A clubs, Sassuolo and Genoa, are reportedly interested in Indonesian National Team defender Jay Idzes.
Today's Top 3 News: Indonesian Minister Claims Satisfaction of Hajj Pilgrims Better in 2025 Than Last Year
17 jam lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Gov't Reopens Registration for 80th Independence Day Ceremony at Merdeka Palace
22 jam lalu
Registration for the 80th Independence Day ceremony at Merdeka Palace is open again. Visit pandang.istanapresiden.go.id to register before it's full.
Indonesian Minister Claims Satisfaction of Hajj Pilgrims Better in 2025 Than Last Year
1 hari lalu
Indonesian minister stated that the level of satisfaction of pilgrims during the implementation of the 2025 Hajj is better compared to last year.
Measles Outbreak in North Sumatra: Understanding the Risk Factors for the Disease
1 hari lalu
What are the causes and symptoms of the measles outbreak affecting 12 regencies and cities in North Sumatra, Indonesia?
