Concerned About Shootout Between TNI-OPM Killing 2 People, Brigadier General Riyanto: Every Life Has Value

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The TNI Habema Command has expressed concern over the deaths of two individuals following a gunfight with members of the armed group Free Papua Organization (OPM) Kodap III/Ndugama-Nderakma in Nonggoloit Village, Kenyam District, Nduga Regency, on Friday (23/10/2026).

Brigadier General TNI Riyanto, the Commander of TNI Habema, suspects that the deceased were members of the armed group.

“We regret the loss of life in this incident. Every life has a value that must be respected,” said Riyanto in a press release quoted on Saturday (24/10/2026).

Nevertheless, Riyanto emphasized that any armed threat to public safety must be addressed firmly and professionally.

“Our main objective is to ensure security so that the community can live without fear,” he stated.

The one-star general also stressed that the handling of the two bodies should be conducted in a dignified manner.

On the other hand, Riyanto urged all parties to abandon violence and open a space for dialogue.

“To our brothers who are still in the forests and mountains, the path back to family and society remains open,” he said.

“Let us stop the violence and work together to build a better life for the Papuan generation,” Riyanto added.

Riyanto assured that TNI Habema will continue to maintain security in Nduga so that the community can go about their activities peacefully, public services can function, and social and economic life can progress.

“Security must pave the way for a more normal society, the development of trust, and the realization of a sustainable peaceful Papua,” he concluded.

It was previously reported that the Rajawali VI Task Force of Den 1 TNI Habema was involved in a gunfight with the OPM armed group in Nonggoloit Village, Kenyam District, Nduga Regency, on Friday (23/10/2026).

Commander Riyanto revealed that the gunfight occurred when a patrol team followed up on information regarding the presence of OPM members near the settlement.

“When personnel inspected the area, the group reportedly fired shots at the authorities, resulting in the gunfight,” said Riyanto in his statement, Saturday (24/10/2026).

After the conflict, officers searched the area where the armed group had fired.

“(However) the team found two individuals, suspected to be members of the armed group, deceased at the scene,” he disclosed.

Meanwhile, other suspected OPM members reportedly fled the crime scene.

“The identities of the two victims still require further verification,” he explained.

At the scene, the TNI secured several items including two air rifles, a bow and arrows, sharp weapons, 18 mobile phones, communication devices, documents, group insignias, and cash totaling IDR 88 million.

Riyanto indicated that all findings were secured for examination in accordance with applicable regulations.