14 OPM Members Died During Shooting Contact With TNI

The TNI found and secured a number of evidences when controlling and seizing the Headquarters of Kodap VIII/Soanggama led by Undius Kogoya/ANTARA/HO-Habema Operations Task Force

JAKARTA - The Habema Operations Command Task Force Kogabwilhan III reported that TNI soldiers managed to shoot dead 14 members of the armed group of the Free Papua Organization (OPM) during a shootout in Soanggama Village, Homeyo District, Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua.

The Operations Command Task Force for Habema Kogabwilhan III said that TNI soldiers managed to free the Soanggama Village area from the control of the armed separatist group OPM Kodap VIII/Soanggama.

"This action is carried out in an integrated and measurable manner, with the aim of upholding security and protecting the public from acts of terror and violence that have been carried out by armed groups," said the Habema Operations Command Task Force, reported by ANTARA, Thursday, October 16.

The Habema Task Force explained that on Tuesday (14/10) night, TNI soldiers carried out movements towards the Soanggama area to help the community to be free from pressure from the OPM armed group which was known to have a magnitude of about 30 people and had controlled the village for a long time.

Furthermore, on Wednesday (15/10) at around 05.30 WIT, there was a shootout when TNI troops were attacked by the OPM group.

Facing this situation, TNI soldiers took firm and measured action according to combat procedures.

Until 12.00 WIT the situation was successfully controlled and the OPM group was successfully beaten back.

In a search after contact, the TNI found 14 OPM members dead. Among those who died were known to be the leaders and perpetrators of the previous shooting of the security forces.

While the rest fled towards the forest.

Berikut daftar nama OPM yang tewas yaitu:1. Agus Kogoya, jabatan Kepala Staf Operasi Kodap VIII/Soanggama.2. Ipe Kogoya (Adik Kandung Pangkodap VIII/Soanggama)3. Zakaria Kogoya, pelaku penembakan anggota TNI di Mamba Bawah dan Gamagai4. Uripinus Wandagau5. Sepi Kobogau6.Tas Lawiya7. Napinus Kogoya8. Roni Lawiya9. Poli Kogoya10. Aofa Kobogau11. Pisen Kogoya12. Meki Muribaya

Meanwhile, the other two OPM members are still in the identification process.

From the results of these actions, the TNI managed to control and seize the Kodap VIII/Soanggama Headquarters led by Undius Kogoya, which has been used as a planning center for attacks on officers and civilians.

The authorities also found and secured a number of pieces of evidence, including: one homemade firearm and four air rifles, ammunition of various calibers, one Simons eyeshot, one Newcon binoculars.

In addition, various documents from the OPM organization were also found, attributes from the Morning Star, communication equipment, and various field equipment belonging to the separatist group.

The TNI has now designated the Soanggama area as the TNI Tactical Post to ensure security and stability in the area are maintained.

Commander of the Habema Operations Command Major General TNI Lucky Avianto said the situation in Soanggama Village is now safe and conducive. The community did not evacuate and welcomed the presence of the TNI positively. Traditional leaders and local village heads even donated some of the land and village facilities to be used as TNI Soanggama Tactical Posts.

Based on information from the Soanggama Village Head, all the victims who were shot were members of the OPM armed group. The public also provided additional information regarding the whereabouts of several other weapons that are currently in the process of being searched by the authorities.

Major General Lucky emphasized that the decisive action taken by TNI soldiers was a measured and legally legal step to protect the safety of citizens and uphold state sovereignty.

"The TNI will continue to take action against OPM armed groups that threaten the safety of the community. We are committed to creating a safe, peaceful, and prosperous Papua," said Pangkoops Habema.

Currently, the troops are still pursuing the rest of the OPM group who fled, as well as carrying out limited territorial development activities with religious and community leaders to strengthen security stability in the Intan Jaya area.