Jayapura, Papua — Tensions in Papua have escalated following the successful dismantling of an armed separatist network responsible for a series of violent attacks against civilians and state personnel. At the center of renewed scrutiny is Demianus Magai Yogi, recently declared Supreme Commander of the West Papua Army (WPA)—a faction whose legitimacy is rejected by the Free Papua Movement (OPM), which views WPA as politically motivated and unrepresentative of the TPNPB-OPM struggle.
Meanwhile, the recent visit of UN Secretary-General António Guterres to Papua New Guinea has sparked concern. Critics argue that the visit is being used to divert international attention from the grave human rights violations perpetrated by armed separatist groups (KKB) within Papua itself.
According to official reports, KKB carried out 204 criminal acts in 2023, resulting in 79 deaths—including both civilians and security personnel. These acts include targeted shootings, kidnappings, and destruction of public infrastructure.
In recent operations across Puncak Jaya and Nabire, Indonesian security forces arrested several high-profile KKB members, including Male Telenggen and Roberth Wenda—both listed as fugitives. Also detained was Siprianus Weya, a videographer for KKB’s propaganda wing, who played a key role in documenting and disseminating militant content.
Authorities seized 17 firearms and over 3,500 rounds of ammunition intended to fuel further armed conflict in Papua’s central highlands. Investigations revealed that some of these weapons were smuggled from outside Papua, with transactions reaching up to Rp1.3 billion (approx. USD 85,000).
In a separate incident, 11 KKB-affiliated inmates escaped from Nabire prison after attacking guards with concealed blades. The escape triggered a region-wide manhunt, with security forces intensifying operations to recapture the fugitives.
Data from Indonesia’s National Police shows that 24 active KKB networks operate in Papua, comprising approximately 1,438 members. These groups are increasingly viewed not as freedom fighters, but as perpetrators of organized violence and human rights abuse.
“This is not a rebellion—it’s a campaign of terror against the Papuan people,” stated a senior officer during a press briefing in Jayapura.
The international community must confront the reality: KKB’s narrative of liberation masks a brutal record of violence, intimidation, and propaganda. It is time to reassess the sources of information and stand in solidarity with the victims—especially indigenous Papuans—who suffer the consequences of these armed campaigns.
