TNI Shoot to Kill OPM Member in Bintang Mountains

Commander of the Joint Command for the Defense Region (Pangkogabwilhan) III, Lieutenant General TNI Lucky Avianto/DOK ANTARA/Special English:

JAKARTA - The Joint Command of the Defense Region (Kogabwilhan) III stated that a member of the separatist group of the Free Papua Organization (OPM) was killed by a shot during an operation in Kampung Kalo Fis, Awingbon District, Pegunungan Bintang Regency, Papua Mountains.

Pangkogabwilhan III, Lieutenant General TNI Lucky Avianto, said the OPM members were suspected of being involved in the murder of three civilians in Yahukimo Regency on Monday (20/7).

"The OPM group suddenly fired at TNI personnel so that the task force took firm action based on applicable laws and regulations, as well as rules of engagement (ROE) to ensure that the actions we take uphold the law and human rights," Lucky said as quoted by ANTARA, Friday, July 24.

According to him, when he was about to be arrested, members of the OPM group resisted by firing at TNI personnel so that the task force took decisive action.

He said the identity of the OPM member who was killed was still unknown.

Lucky said other OPM members fled into the forest after one of his colleagues was killed in the operation.

TNI is emphasized by Lucky to take firm action in situations that threaten the safety of personnel and the community while still guided by applicable legal provisions.

Pangkogabwilhan III also appealed to OPM members to stop violent acts and surrender their weapons.

"Let's return to the embrace of Mother Earth, the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, before the TNI takes firm action against you," he said.

During the evaluation meeting of Kogabwilhan III operations, Lucky also appreciated the TNI Task Force which managed to evacuate the bodies of the husband and wife, Yantinus alias Kumis Tua Kogoya and his wife, who according to the TNI were victims of shooting by the OPM.