Four members of an armed group linked to the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB-OPM) were killed during a Friday gunfight with Indonesian military personnel in Intan Jaya, Central Papua, according to the military. The clash occurred early Friday in the Agisiga area, drawing in specialized units under regional command structures as troops moved to intercept a suspected movement toward local settlements.
Did You Know? The military recovered a Morning Star flag alongside an SS2 V4 assault rifle, a modified Shap Inova rifle, five bows, six machetes, three knives, six mobile phones, and a Bank Papua savings book registered under the initials H-H.
Operational Details and Forces Involved in Intan Jaya
The engagement involved personnel from the 315 Garuda Infantry Battalion special team and the Habema Joint Operations Command’s Taipur team, operating under the command of the III Regional Defense Joint Command. Commander Lt. Gen. Lucky Avianto stated that drone surveillance first detected the group—identified by the military as being led by Daniel Aibon Kogoya—while they were allegedly moving toward residential areas.
Military personnel moved to intercept the group before the firefight began. Lucky said that troops first attempted to persuade the armed group to surrender their weapons. The group subsequently opened fire on the troops, which triggered the clash. All military personnel involved survived the exchange, while four members of the armed group were killed.
Implications for Agisiga District Settlements
The military stated that the armed group had been detected moving toward settlements covering about 10 villages in Agisiga District. Officials emphasized that the operation aimed strictly to prevent the group from entering these residential areas. Following the firefight, troops secured the area and recovered various items left behind.
Operations in Central Papua are set to continue, according to the TNI, which maintained that its personnel are operating under established rules of engagement and applicable law. “Rules of engagement are always prioritized to ensure that all actions by our soldiers remain professional and uphold the law and human rights,” Lucky said.
Frequently Asked Questions
What group was involved in the Intan Jaya clash?
The military identified the armed group as being linked to the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB-OPM) and led by Daniel Aibon Kogoya.
Were there any military casualties?
No. According to the military, all personnel involved in the clash survived, while four members of the armed group were killed.
What items were recovered by troops after the gunfight?
The military recovered an SS2 V4 assault rifle and ammunition, a modified Shap Inova rifle, five bows, six machetes, three knives, six mobile phones, a Bank Papua savings book registered under the initials H-H, and a Morning Star flag.
How will operations proceed in the region following the incident?
The TNI stated that its operations in Central Papua will continue under established rules of engagement and applicable law.
What steps did troops take prior to the exchange of fire?
According to Commander Lt. Gen. Lucky Avianto, troops first made efforts to persuade the group to surrender their weapons before the group opened fire and triggered the clash.