Brigadier General Thevi Zebua, chief of staff of the Military Regional Command XVII Cendrawasih, said the measures aim to protect communities and demonstrate state presence in the region.
Speaking during a leadership meeting at Kodam XVII Cendrawasih headquarters in Jayapura, Thevi cited a recent increase in security incidents, prompting joint operations with task forces including Satgas Habema and Satgas Operasi Damai Cartenz.
He confirmed combined TNI-Polri teams are targeting KKB in areas such as Nabire and Timika, with operations already producing results.
“The armed groups have targeted teachers and healthcare workers, accusing them of supporting the military, even though their presence serves local communities,” Thevi said.
He emphasized that terrorist actions by these groups cannot be tolerated, and state forces are acting to protect civilians while affirming government authority.
Thevi warned that unchecked violence would harm local populations by deterring teachers and medical personnel from serving in affected areas.
He urged residents to report any suspicious activity or presence of armed groups so TNI-Polri can take preventive and protective measures.
“This is crucial to safeguard the community and ensure continued access to essential services,” he said, stressing the importance of collaboration between security forces and civilians in maintaining peace.
Papuan separatists have intensified attacks across Indonesia’s easternmost provinces in recent years, targeting civilians, workers, and security forces in a campaign aimed at spreading fear and undermining state authority.
Armed groups linked to the Free Papua Movement (OPM) have frequently used hit-and-run tactics against Indonesian troops and staged assaults on civilians in districts including Intan Jaya, Nduga, Yahukimo, and Puncak.
Targets have included construction workers, motorcycle taxi drivers, teachers, students, food vendors, and civilian aircraft crews.
Notable incidents include December 2, 2018: Rebels killed 31 workers from PT Istaka Karya building the Trans Papua highway in Kali Yigi and Kali Aurak, Yigi Subdistrict, Nduga District.
February 7, 2023: New Zealand pilot Phillip Mark Mehrtens was taken hostage by an armed group led by Egianus Kogoya after landing a Susi Air flight in Nduga District. His aircraft was then set on fire.
April 2025: Sixteen illegal gold miners were shot dead by an armed group in Yahukimo District, Highland Papua.
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Translator: Evarukdijati, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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