Jayapura — At least nine civilians, including a five-year-old child, have reportedly been killed and dozens more injured in a shooting incident during a military operation in Puncak Regency, Central Papua.
A local source, Yumbunik Murib, said the fatalities occurred following what he described as an indiscriminate attack by Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) personnel in Tenoti and Kumikomo villages, Kembru District, on Tuesday (April 14, 2026).
“The victims died from gunshot wounds after a widespread assault by security forces across several villages in Kembru District. Nine individuals have been identified, evacuated, and laid to rest according to customary Lani traditions,” Murib told Jubi by phone on Friday (April 17, 2026).
The deceased have been identified as Wundilina Kogoya (36), Kikungge Walia (55), Pelen Kogoya (65), Tigiagan Walia (76), Ekimira Kogoya (47), Daremet Telenggen (55), Inikiwewo Walia (52), Amer Walia (77), and a toddler, Para Walia (5).
Murib added that dozens of others, ranging from children to adults, sustained injuries. Some victims are receiving treatment at Mulia Regional Hospital, while others are being cared for at home. Several of the injured—identified as Onde Walia (5), Aliko Walia (5), Nokia Kogoya (21), Anite Telenggen (19), and Daniton Tabuni—have been documented, though the full number of casualties remains unclear.
Two of the injured, Anite Telenggen and Onde Walia, have been referred to hospitals in Jayapura and Nabire for further treatment.
According to Murib, the reported casualties do not include those in Kembru, Makuma, and Nilome villages, where evacuation efforts have yet to take place due to the continued presence of TNI forces in the area. Local residents have called on the military to allow access for evacuation teams.
“Evacuation may take place today or tomorrow. Until now, victims in those three villages have not been evacuated, and the number of casualties there remains unknown,” he said.
Murib also noted that the Kembru District had been designated as a refuge area for internally displaced persons from surrounding districts, including Pogoma, which had previously been agreed upon as a conflict zone between the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) and Indonesian security forces.
“Residents had been living and carrying out daily activities in Kembru, which served as a safe zone. Suddenly, the military launched a gunfire, targeting civilians in a displacement area,” Murib alleged.
He further claimed that the military operation began on Monday (April 13) with aerial bombardments using three helicopters targeting a TPNPB base in Guamo village, Pogoma District, followed by combined air and ground assaults in Kembru the next day.
As of now, Murib said, local authorities have yet to reach the affected areas to assess the situation or provide humanitarian assistance. Many residents have reportedly fled into the forest.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Military has denied responsibility for the civilian casualties. Colonel Tri Purwanto, spokesperson for the Cenderawasih Military Command, stated that the attack in Puncak was carried out by the Free Papua Movement (OPM).
He said the group had allegedly shot three civilians—a woman and two children—in Sinak District. In response, TNI personnel, alongside local authorities and the Indonesian Red Cross, evacuated the victims to Mulia Hospital for treatment.
“We strongly condemn acts of violence against civilians allegedly committed by OPM. Civilians must be protected and should never be targets of violence,” Tri said in an official statement on Thursday (April 16, 2026).
However, the attempt to obtain further clarification from the TNI’s Habema Operations Command spokesperson, Lt. Col. Wirya Arthadiguna, regarding the reported deaths in Kembru District, had not received a response at the time of publication. (*)
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