JAKARTA: Violence has escalated in Indonesia’s Papua region, where separatist rebels claim to have killed over 17 individuals since April 6, asserting that those slain were Indonesian soldiers posing as gold miners. The clashes reportedly took place in Dekai town, Yahukimo district.
Sebby Sambom, a spokesperson for the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), stated on Thursday that among the casualties were five people killed on Wednesday alone. Sambom challenged Indonesian forces to confront the rebels directly in Dekai, asserting their presence in the area.
The conflict, rooted in Papua’s disputed integration into Indonesia following a UN-supervised vote in 1969, has intensified in recent years. Though historically low-level, recent attacks have grown deadlier.
Faizal Ramadhani, head of the peace task force in Papua, confirmed the attacks to but said details on casualties remain unclear as authorities are still en route to the site.
Indonesia’s military has dismissed rebel claims, insisting that none of the victims were soldiers and labeling the accusations as misinformation. Meanwhile, police reported that 35 civilians had been evacuated and that two individuals are believed to be held hostage by the rebels.
The insurgents have increasingly accessed more advanced weaponry through raids and black market channels. In past years, they have also targeted foreigners, including a New Zealand pilot who was held for 19 months before being released in 2024.
