DPD Member Urges TNI and OPM Restraint After Papua Civilian Shootings

A recent shooting incident in Distrik Sinak, Kabupaten Puncak, Papua Tengah, has left three civilians wounded, sparking urgent calls for restraint from both military forces and insurgent groups to prevent further escalation in the region.

Civilians Targeted in Sinak Shooting

The incident, reported on the morning of Wednesday, April 15, 2026, involved the targeting of non-combatants by the Organisasi Papua Merdeka (OPM). According to reports from Dianus Enumbi, the Head of Suku Kampung Tirineri, three individuals were shot during the attack.

The victims include one woman and two children. Following the attack, personnel from the Satgas TNI, Kodim 1714/Puncak Jaya and the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) coordinated an evacuation to transport the wounded to RSUD Mulia.

Kapendam XVII/Cenderawasih Kolonel Inf Tri Purwanto confirmed that the victims are currently conscious and undergoing medical treatment. The TNI has formally condemned the violence, stating that civilians should be protected rather than targeted.

Calls for a Humanist Approach

Lamek Dowansiba, a DPD RI member from Papua, has urged both the TNI and the OPM to exercise restraint. He emphasized that the immediate priority must be the care and treatment of the victims, particularly the children involved.

Dowansiba has called on the central government to re-evaluate its security strategy in Papua. He suggested that the deployment of troops should be reduced in favor of a “humanist approach” rather than a strictly military one.

Potential Future Developments

The situation in Papua Tengah remains unstable. Depending on the response of the central government, there may be a shift in how security forces are deployed in the region.

If the call for a humanist approach is adopted, it could lead to a reduction in troop presence. Conversely, if tensions between the OPM and TNI continue to rise, the region may see further instability, potentially leading to more civilian displacements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who were the victims of the shooting in Distrik Sinak?

The victims were three civilians, consisting of one woman and two children.

What is the current status of the wounded civilians?

The victims were evacuated to RSUD Mulia, where they are reported to be conscious and receiving medical care.

What specific request did Lamek Dowansiba make to the central government?

He requested that the government prioritize a humanist approach over a military one and suggested that the deployment of troops to Papua be reduced.

Do you believe a shift from military to humanist approaches can effectively reduce civilian casualties in internal conflicts?