Koops TNI Habema secures weapons allegedly belonging to OPM in Ugimba District

Koops TNI Habema soldiers secured a number of evidence in the form of firearms, improvised weapons and a number of other evidence suspected to belong to the OPM Kampung Gamagai group, Ugimba District, Saturday (15/8/2026). (Dok-Kapen Koops TNI Habema)

TIMIKA - TNI Habema Operation Command soldiers secured a revolver-type firearm and one improvised weapon suspected to belong to the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) - Free Papua Organization (OPM) Kodap VIII/Intan Jaya Apeni Kobogau's leadership in Gamagai Village, Ugimba District, Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua.

The Head of Information for the TNI Operations Command, Lieutenant Colonel of the Infantry M Wirya Arthadiguna, in his statement in Timika, Saturday, said the success of the conquest of the area was the result of the readiness, accuracy, and coordination of personnel in the field.

"Koops TNI Habema soldiers will continue to carry out their duties selectively, measured, professionally, and prioritize the safety of the community in maintaining the security of the Papua region," he said.

In addition to securing firearms and improvised weapons, Koops TNI Habema soldiers also secured seven rounds of ammunition, one box of air rifle ammunition, one arrow and five arrows, two noken, one Bintang Kejora flag, one flashlight, and nine batteries.

He explained that the security of firearms, ammunition, sharp weapons and other attributes began when the Koops TNI Habema soldiers in Gamagai Village carried out patrols to secure the area.

In the midst of dark and steep terrain conditions, extreme cold temperatures, TNI soldiers still carry out their duties with full vigilance.

"The sound of dogs and the light of the flashlight that was observed around the river became the initial clue, which was then followed up through observation using drones," he said.

He said the results of aerial monitoring showed the movement of three people down the river towards the Ugimba District area and stopped at a honaiyang which was suspected to be a stopover.

The information was reported in stages to determine the next steps. Quick and measured coordination was then carried out by adding personnel from TK Gamagai to carry out the ambush.

The ambush was carried out early Saturday morning and managed to take control of the house which became the group's resting place.

When the action was taken, the group suspected of being OPM fled to the forest and high altitude area, leading to Kulapa Village. The results of the examination of personnel managed to secure firearms, improvised weapons, ammunition, and a number of other evidence.

"This success is a real picture of the toughness of Koops TNI Habema soldiers in carrying out their duties in the midst of the heavy and challenging Papua field," he said as quoted by Antara.

Wirya emphasized that the patrol was carried out selectively, measured, professional, and still prioritizes the safety of the community and humanitarian values, the soldiers are always present to maintain security and provide a sense of security for the community in the Papua region.