Deploy Helicopters, TNI Evacuates Residents from OPM-prone Areas

TNI personnel deployed a Bell helicopter to evacuate a Papuan citizen in the Ugimba District, Central Papua, Sunday (9/8/2026) (ANTARA/Ho-Pen Koops Habema)

JAKARTA - Koops TNI Habema evacuated a resident from an area prone to the activities of the Free Papua Organization (OPM) on Sunday (9/8).

The evacuation process occurred when Koops Habema personnel were patrolling in the Ugimba District, Central Papua.

Kapen Koops TNI Habema Letkol I Inf Wirya Arthadiguna explained that the discovery of a resident occurred when TNI personnel were conducting patrols in the Ugimba area.

The resident, he said, was allegedly left behind by a group of other residents who had previously evacuated to a safe place to avoid the OPM.

Because of this condition, Koops Habema personnel finally called a helicopter to evacuate the residents.

"The humanitarian evacuation process was carried out using two Bell Helicopter units on Sunday (9/8) at 12.25 to 12.48 WIT," explained Wirya as reported by ANTARA, Monday, August 10.

Wirya continued, the residents were taken to the Sugapa district to get further security.

"Upon arrival at the Sugapa District, the residents were then handed over to Mr. Misael Sondegau as the Head of the Intan Jaya Regency Conflict Management Team for the accompaniment process," he explained.

Wirya explained that this activity was a strong proof of the TNI's commitment to ensuring the safety of residents in Papua.

He ensured that the Koops TNI Habema would continue to work to ensure that Papuans were spared from the violence of the OPM separatist group.