April 18, 2025 | 12:37 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Theo Hesegem, director of the Papua Justice and Human Integrity Foundation, has called on the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) to provide evidence supporting its claim of a connection between Indonesian military agents and gold miners in Yahukimo, Papua. The separatist group had previously been reported to have killed 17 civilian gold miners.
OPM alleged that the gold miners were Indonesian military agents disguised as civilians. Theo argued that the accusation is baseless as the group has yet to present any verifiable evidence to the public.
"They must support their claims with proof—such as military or police identification cards, or weapons retrieved from the victims," Theo stated on Thursday, April 17.
Theo asserted that such evidence is critical to convincing the international community of any involvement by security forces. However, he noted that the armed separatist group has never substantiated its allegations. Theo urged the central government to take immediate action to resolve the armed conflict in Papua. He said the president should withdraw non-organic troops and halt the deployment of additional forces to Papua.
According to him, armed conflict will not solve anything in Papua, emphasizing that the way forward is through dialogue between the government and groups in Papua to bring an end to the conflict.
"Armed conflict will only lead to loss of life. The president must be open to sitting down with political leaders in Papua for dialogue," he said.
TPNPB-OPM has claimed it possesses evidence of military involvement with the gold miners. The group's spokesperson, Sebby Sambom, stated that this evidence includes a handgun allegedly retrieved from a gold miner in 2019.
Meanwhile, head of the TNI's Information Center, Brig. Gen. Kristomei Sianturi, said the military has handed the matter over to the police to investigate the OPM's claim about the weapon. "We fully trust the police to investigate and uncover the facts objectively," he said on Tuesday, April 16.
In addition, Kristomei denied OPM's allegations of military involvement with the gold miners. He stated that the TNI has never used civilians as tools or assets in military operations.
"Such accusations are a form of propaganda often used by OPM to justify violence against civilians," he said.
Editor’s Choice: Indonesia Denies Russia's Request to Open Military Base in Papua
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesia Denies Russia's Request to Open Military Base in Papua
17 jam lalu
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia stated that the government has not granted permission to any foreign country, including Russia, to open a military base in Papua.
Indonesia's Former Foreign Minister Responds to Questions on Gaza Refugees, Papua Rights Issues
19 jam lalu
Indonesia's former foreign minister responded to concerns over Indonesia's foreign policy stance on Gaza and Papua issues.
Prabowo Said to Have Signed TNI Law Revision Days Before Eid
22 jam lalu
President Prabowo has signed the revised TNI Law which had been previously ratified by the DPR. According to the State Secretary, the President signed it at the end of March.
Taman Safari Indonesia Refutes Claims of Circus Worker Exploitation
1 hari lalu
Taman Safari Indonesia noted that the issue dates back to 1997 and was previously addressed by Komnas HAM.
TPNPB-OPM: West Papua Army Commander Mathias L. Wenda Dies at 104
1 hari lalu
Mathias L Wenda, the Commander of the West Papua Army, has passed away. He had been actively advocating for the independence of West Papua since 1966.
Indonesia and Malaysia Discuss Strategic Defense Cooperation
1 hari lalu
A meeting between the Indonesian Defense Minister and the Malaysian Army Chief covered a number of strategic issues.
Over 3,000 People Sign Petition Rejecting National Hero Title for Soeharto
1 hari lalu
The petitioners believe that the late former president Soeharto does not merit being granted the honor of a national hero.
Defense Ministry Denies Russia's Planned Air Base in Indonesia
2 hari lalu
The Defense Ministry denies Russia's plan to use military bases in Indonesian territory, as reported by the Australian media.
Human Rights Ministry to Summon Taman Safari Indonesia over Alleged Exploitation
2 hari lalu
The Ministry of Human Rights plans to call Taman Safari Indonesia regarding the alleged exploitation of dozens of circus workers.
TNI Refutes TPNPB-OPM's Allegation of Using Children in Espionage
2 hari lalu
TNI denies that the allegations are baseless and are propaganda by TPNPB-OPM to garner public sympathy.
