TNI Rules Out Troop Reinforcements in Papua, Shrugs Off OPM's 'War Zone' Declaration

6 hours ago 2

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) confirmed there will be no troop reinforcements in response to the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM) declaring nine regencies in Papua as war zones.

"In accordance with the TNI Commander's orders, the TNI always prioritizes a humane and dialogic territorial approach in handling issues in Papua," said Head of the TNI Information Center Brigadier General Kristomei Sianturi in a text message to Tempo on Monday, April 7, 2025.

Kristomei noted that the OPM often releases propaganda or statements intended to instill fear and intimidation among the public, which has disrupted daily activities such as farming and working.

"The TNI will continue its duties as usual, with no additional troops or the like," stated Kristomei.

Prior to this, the spokesperson for the TPNPB-OPM, Sebby Sambo, designated nine areas in Papua as war zones. Sebby urged the Indonesian government to evacuate residents from these nine regions.

"We have warned Indonesians not to enter those areas," Sebby told Tempo on Friday, April 4, 2025.

The nine regions in Papua referred to are Yahukimo Regency; Pegunungan Bintang; Nduga; Puncak Jaya; Intan Jaya; Maybrat; Dogiyai; Paniai; and Deiyai.

Sebby stated that to strengthen their territory, the TPNPB ordered militias in nine regional defense commands (kodap) to reinforce their forces to counter TNI-Polri resistance.

"In Intan Jaya, we have already ordered additional troops because the TNI has sent helicopters there," said Sebby.

In a separate statement, Colonel Infantry Candra Kurniawan, Head of Information for the XVII/Cendrawasih Military Command, asserted that his forces will not declare any regions in Papua as war zones in response to ongoing conflicts.

He stressed that the TNI remains committed to carrying out its responsibilities, principles, and security functions in the region.

"The TNI only focuses on serving, protecting, and nurturing the community. We do not implement war zones," said Candra when contacted by Tempo through a messaging application on Saturday, April 5, 2025.

Andi Adam Faturahman and Vedro Imanuel Girsang contributed to the writing of this article.

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