TPNPB-OPM Claims Aminggaru Airport Attack in Central Papua

TEMPO.CO, Papua - The West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM) attacked Indonesian Military (TNI) and National Police (Polri) personnel at Aminggaru Airport in Ilaga, Omukia District, Puncak Regency, Central Papua, on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

According to Sebby Sambom, spokesperson for the TPNPB headquarters, the attack was carried out by the TPNPB Kodap XVIII Ilaga militia, led by Peni Murib. The goal was to target planes operating at the Class III domestic airport. "Because civilian planes are used for military drops in the Papua region," Sebby said in a brief message on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

Sebby reported no casualties on either side during yesterday's gun battle. However, he accused the TNI-Polri of committing "brutal acts" in residential areas, specifically alleging the burning of houses in Tabanggi Village and several areas in North Gome District. These locations had previously been battlefields between the TPNPB and TNI-Polri.

"We urge the TNI Commander and President Prabowo Subianto not to target civilians. Combatants should engage with combatants," he added.

TNI-Polri Denies Arson Allegations

Contacted separately, Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, Head of Public Relations for the Cartenz Peace Task Force, denied the TPNPB's allegations of burning residents' houses. He clarified that the pursuit of TPNPB militia, conducted by Cartenz Peace Task Force personnel and Indonesian Air Force Rapid Response Command (Kopasgat) soldiers near Aminggaru Airport, did not enter residential areas.

"Sweeps were conducted around the forests near the airport. No one entered the village and set fire to houses," Yusuf asserted.

He explained that during the sweep, three TPNPB militia members were seen fleeing into the forest after being pressured by TNI-Polri counterattacks. Surveillance via unmanned aerial vehicles showed them carrying two M16 rifles, an AK-47, and a pistol. "Currently, the airport situation is deemed safe," he confirmed.

Separately, Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani, Head of the Cartenz Peace Task Force, described the attack on vital public areas, including the airport, as a serious crime.

He assured that Cartenz Peace Task Force personnel would not allow the TPNPB to disrupt security, especially in ways that threaten civilian safety. "Legal actions will be enforced in a measured and professional manner," Faizal stated.

Regarding the accusations of burning houses in North Gome District, Faizal dismissed the claims as propaganda often used by the TPNPB to discredit security efforts by the TNI-Polri. "If there is evidence, then present it. Stop making baseless accusations," Faizal challenged.

The gun battle at Aminggaru Airport lasted approximately 90 minutes, temporarily halting flight activities. "The situation is currently safe and conducive. No military planes have landed here," Faizal concluded.

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