Reasons Why TPNPB-OPM Declared War Against the Indonesian Military

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The West Papua National Liberation Army of the Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) has declared its readiness to fight against Indonesian military personnel. TPNPB-OPM spokesman Sebby Sambom said his group is ready to fight if the government does not immediately recognize Papua's sovereign rights.

"We are ready to wage war until the end of the world, if the Indonesian state does not recognize the sovereign rights of the Papuan people and is conveyed to Papuan officials to stop their activities as agents of murder for Papuans," Sebby said in a written statement on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

Previously, TPNPB through the Commander of General Operations throughout Papua, Major General Lekagak Telenggen, had confirmed that they would guard the territory in Papua. Sebby ensured that the TPNPB militia is ready to fight openly with TNI-Polri soldiers in Papua. "We urge Indonesia to immediately evacuate its citizens from the war zone. This is a matter of combatants with combatants," he said.

So, what is the reason for TPNPB-OPM to declare war against the Indonesian military? Check out the following summary of the information.

Reasons Why TPNPB-OPM Declared War

Sebby Sambom stated that the declaration of war was a reaction to the shooting incident against foreigners that occurred in Kuala Kencana, Timika, Papua. According to him, the shooting was carried out by Indonesian military personnel on duty in the area.

"The shooting of Pilot Glenn in the Alama-Mimika District and other foreigners and Papuans who were killed by the Indonesian Government Military were all done for money," he said.

He accused that, apart from money, the main mission of the Indonesian military soldiers in carrying out the shooting was to add to their war defense equipment. According to Sebby, the incident also aimed to protect the interests of foreign and national companies operating in Papua.

Sebby said that TPNPB-OPM would continue to wage war until the Indonesian government was willing to open international dialogue to resolve the armed conflict in Papua. "Therefore, as long as the war is still going on. It is conveyed to all Indonesian immigrants to leave the areas of armed conflict in Papua," he said.

His group, said Sebby, had been aware of the activities of Indonesian military intelligence infiltrating their territory. Therefore, he reminded Indonesian people in conflict areas to immediately leave Papua.

"TPNPB in 36 Kodap throughout Papua has been aware of the movements of Indonesian military intelligence agents who have entered armed conflict areas. Therefore, Indonesian immigrants are asked to leave the war zone," said Sebby.

Previously, Sebby also announced that his party had designated nine areas in Papua as militia war zones. The nine areas in Papua in question are Yahukimo Regency; Pegunungan Bintang; Nduga; Puncak Jaya; Intan Jaya; Maybrat; Dogiyai; Paniai; and Deiyai.

The Indonesian government is being urged to immediately evacuate residents in the nine areas. "We have warned Indonesians not to enter the area," Sebby told Tempo, Friday, April 4, 2025.

Sebby claimed that the OPM will continue fighting all the way to Sugapa City. Therefore, he suggested that civilian activities in the location be temporarily stopped.

Meanwhile, the Head of Information for the XVII/Cendrawasih Military Command (Kapendam) Candra Kurniawan emphasized that the military would not implement a war zone in handling the conflict in Papua. "We are not implementing a war zone," said Candra when contacted by Tempo via a messaging application on Saturday, April 5, 2025.

Candra emphasized that the TNI will adhere to its duties, principles, and functions related to security in the Papua region. He ensured that the TNI only focuses on serving, protecting, and caring for the community.

He did not answer when confirmed regarding the steps that the TNI would take in relation to the determination of a war zone by the TPNPB-OPM. He also did not comment when asked whether he would evacuate civilians in these locations.

M Raihan Muzzaki, Vedro Imanuel Girsang, Andi Adam Faturahman contributed to the writing of this article.

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