The Indonesian Military (TNI) headquarters has confirmed that several civilians working as gold miners were killed by an armed separatist group affiliated with the Free Papua Organization (OPM) in the Suntamon District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Mountains Province, on April 8, 2025.
TNI spokesman Brigadier General Kristomei Sianturi said that the attack constituted a gross violation of human rights and described it as a crime against humanity.
“This is a heinous and unacceptable act of violence targeting innocent civilians,” he said as quoted in a statement on Thursday, April 10, 2025.
Initial reports from military units in the area confirmed that the victims were civilian gold panners. However, due to limited communication access in the region, the exact number of injured and deceased is still under verification.
In response to circulating claims that TNI soldiers were among the victims, Kristomei described the reports as misinformation.
“The propaganda spread by the OPM and its sympathizers, claiming the victims were TNI soldiers, is false and a clear attempt at information manipulation to justify their brutality,” he emphasized.
The attack follows a similar incident two weeks earlier in the Anggruk District of Yahukimo, where OPM reportedly killed and assaulted teachers and healthcare workers, falsely accusing them of being members of the TNI.
The TNI has strongly condemned the attacks and is coordinating with law enforcement agencies to pursue the perpetrators. “These are clear crimes against humanity and will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” Kristomei said.
The Indonesian military reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of civilians in Papua, pledging continued presence and cooperation with local communities to maintain national stability.
As previously reported, The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) has claimed responsibility for the execution of 11 illegal gold miners in Yahukimo, Papua, while alleging the casualties as soldiers disguising themselves as gold miners in a mission to infiltrate their operational areas.
In a statement released on Tuesday night, April 8, 2025, TPNPB spokesperson Sebby Sambom confirmed the killings, stating that the operation took place over three days, from April 6 to April 8, 2025.
The Free Papua Movement has also claimed responsibility for the killing of five more TNI members on April 9, 2025 in the Kabur River area, Korowai, Yahukimo Regency. The group alleged that the soldiers were disguised as illegal gold miners, bringing total casualties to 16 people.
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