The Indonesian Military (TNI) said it has regained control of Soanggama village in Homeyo district, Intan Jaya regency, Central Papua, following an armed clash with the separatist West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB/OPM) that left 14 of its members dead.

The operation, carried out by Habema Operation Command under the Third Joint Regional Defense Command (Kogabwilhan III), was part of ongoing efforts to secure the region and protect civilians from what officials described as the “terror and coercion” of armed groups.

The military’s campaign in Intan Jaya comes amid a broader government push to reassert control over conflict-prone areas in Central and Highland Papua, where security tensions between Indonesian forces and separatist groups have escalated in recent years.

Spokesman of the Habema Operation Command, Lt. Col. Iwan Dwi Prihartono, saidt he confrontation began on the evening of Tuesday, October 14, 2025, when TNI troops moved into Soanggama to assist residents seeking to flee OPM control.

“At around 5:30 a.m local time. on October 15, our troops were attacked by around 30 armed OPM members. The soldiers responded with measured force in accordance with combat procedures. By noon, the situation was under control and the armed group had been pushed back,” Iwan said as quoted in a statement on Thursday, October 16, 2025.

Following the clash, military forces conducted a sweep of the area and reported 14 OPM members killed, including several leaders allegedly involved in previous attacks on security forces. Others fled into the surrounding forests, Iwan said.

Local village officials confirmed that the casualties were all members of the armed group. Residents also provided information on additional weapons believed to be hidden nearby, which are currently being sought by security personnel.

Head of the Papua Conflict Mediation Team, Yoakim Mujizau, emphasized that the 14 people who died in the armed clash in Soanggama Village were not all OPM members.

“Six of them were OPM members, the rest are civilians,” Yoakim said as quoted by Cenderawasih Pos Online on Friday, October 17, 2025.

TNI troops seized the headquarters of OPM’s 8thOperation Command/Soanggama faction, reportedly led by Undius Kogoya. The military also confiscated one homemade firearm, four air rifles, assorted ammunition, an optical sight, binoculars, as well as OPM documents and Morning Star flags.

“The Soanggama area has been designated as a TNI tactical post to maintain ongoing stability and security,” Iwan said.

Commander of the Habema Operation Command, Maj. Gen. Lucky Avianto, emphasized that the military will continue to take firm action against armed groups threatening public safety.

“Our mission is to ensure that Papua remains safe, peaceful, and prosperous,” Lucky said.