TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Head of Information Center of the Indonesian Military Forces (TNI), Brigadier General Kristomei Sianturi, stated that TNI will not add more troops to confront security disturbances conducted by the National Liberation Army of West Papua-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM). He said TNI will continue to carry out its duties as usual to secure the Papua region.
"A humanistic, dialogic, and territorial approach will still be prioritized in accordance with the orders of the TNI Commander," Kristomei said in a short message to Tempo on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
The territorial approach is carried out in response to the statement of TPNPB-OPM who are ready to fight against Indonesian military. "OPM always issues propaganda statements like this to intimidate the people, threaten, and intimidate the community," Kristomei said.
Previously, TPNPB-OPM spokesperson Sebby Sambom stated that their group is ready to fight if the government does not immediately recognize the sovereignty rights of Papua. "We are ready to wage war until doomsday, if the Indonesian government does not recognize the sovereignty rights of the Papuan people and conveyed to Papuan officials to stop their activities as agents of killing for the Papuan people," Sebby said in a written statement on Tuesday.
He mentioned that the declaration of war is a result of the aftermath of the shooting of foreigners in Kuala Kencana, Timika, Papua Province. Sebby said the shooting incident was carried out by Indonesian military personnel assigned to the area.
"The shooting of Pilot Glenn in Alama-Mimika District and other foreigners as well as Papuans killed by the Indonesian Government Military were all done for money," he said.
According to him, besides money, the main mission of Indonesian military personnel in carrying out the shooting was to add war equipment. Sebby mentioned that the incident was also to secure foreign and national companies in the Papua region.
Editor's Choice: TPNPB-OPM Declares Ready for War Against Indonesian Military
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
TPNPB-OPM Declares Ready for War Against Indonesian Military
19 jam lalu
TPNPB-OPM declares readiness to war against the Indonesian military until doomsday. Meanwhile, the Indonesian government is prepared to engage in international negotiations.
Prabowo Confirms Tempo's Report on His Role as TNI Law Revision Initiator
21 jam lalu
Indonesian President Prabowo denies any intention to reintroduce the dual function of the Indonesian Military through the TNI Law revision.
TNI Rules Out Troop Reinforcements in Papua, Shrugs Off OPM's 'War Zone' Declaration
1 hari lalu
The TNI affirmed it will not declare any regions in Papua as war zones in response to ongoing conflicts.
Cartenz Peace Task Force: Clash Between Two Factions in Puncak Jaya Election Leaves 12 Dead
2 hari lalu
Cartenz Peace Task Force noted that the conflict in the Puncak Jaya regional election has resulted in 12 fatalities and hundreds of injuries.
Indonesian Military Responds to TPNPB-OPM's Designation of Papua "War Zones"
3 hari lalu
TPNPB-OPM also urged the Indonesian government to immediately evacuate residents from the nine Papua areas that they designated as "war zones".
TNI Law Revision Support Tied to Promised Gifts Sparks Exploitation Concerns
8 hari lalu
The support for the revision of the TNI Law under the guise of giving gifts is seen as a long-standing way to discredit the civil society movement.
Malang Civil Society Coalition Condemns Security Forces' Violence against TNI Law-Rejection Protesters
9 hari lalu
The coalition of civil society in Malang Raya reveals the repressive actions of the joint security forces during demonstrations rejecting TNI Law.
Lampung Police Hands Over Case Files of 3 Slain Police Officers to Military Police Detachment
9 hari lalu
Polda Lampung hands over the case files of three police officers who were killed while raiding a cockfighting gambling den to the Military Police Detachment.
Violence of the Uniformed Cowboys
10 hari lalu
Many TNI personnel improperly use their weapons for the protection of illegal businesses. They should be prosecuted in civilian courts.
TNI Asserts No Protection for Soldiers Involved in Lampung Police Shooting
12 hari lalu
TNI asserts that soldiers proven to violate the law are not worthy of protection from the institution.
