Wamena, Papua – Tensions have escalated within the ranks of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) as senior members turn against one of their own: Egianus Kogoya, the former regional commander of Defense Command Area III.
The TPNPB central command has issued a stern directive ordering Kogeya to return to his former base in Nduga Regency, Highland Papua. The order came after Kogeya and his group were involved in a gunfight with Indonesian security forces in Pugima Village, Welalegama District, Jayawijaya Regency, on Monday, June 9, 2025.
Speaking on behalf of TPNPB, spokesman Sebby Sambom stated that Egianus acted without command approval, causing unnecessary turmoil in the region. “We will attack Egianus if he refuses to follow orders,” Sambom warned on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.
The unauthorized firefight forced local villagers to flee their homes in search of safety. Among the casualties was Kogeya’s own nephew, Pionus Gwijangge, who was killed in the clash with the Indonesian National Police and Armed Forces.
Sambom further alleged that Kogeya had entered Wamena to confront Edison Gwijangge, the former acting Regent of Nduga. According to TPNPB sources, Edison had promised financial compensation to Kogeya—reportedly as part of negotiations for the release of Susi Air pilot Phillip Mark Mehrtens, who has been held hostage by Kogeya’s group since February 7, 2023. However, the funds were never delivered, sparking Kogeya’s outrage.
This latest internal conflict highlights the growing fragmentation within the separatist movement in Papua, potentially undermining any coordinated efforts and further complicating the security and humanitarian situation in the region.
