18-7-2024 (JAKARTA) A confrontation between Indonesian security forces and alleged members of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) has resulted in three fatalities, sparking controversy and unrest in Papua. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, 18 July 2024, has reignited tensions in the region and raised questions about the use of force in security operations.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Candra Kurniawan, spokesperson for the XVII/Cenderawasih Regional Military Command, the altercation began when security forces detected the presence of suspected OPM members entering the village of Karubate while carrying firearms. “Our rapid response team moved to apprehend the group, prioritising the safety of local residents,” Lt. Col. Kurniawan stated.
The military claims that the suspected OPM members initiated the conflict by opening fire when security forces attempted to make arrests at a local kiosk. “Our personnel were forced to return fire in self-defence,” Lt. Col. Kurniawan explained. The ensuing gunfight resulted in the deaths of three individuals identified by their initials as SW (33), YW (41), and DW (36). The alleged leader of the group, Teranus Enumbi, reportedly escaped during the chaos.
However, the official account has been met with scepticism and outrage from local residents, who assert that the three deceased were civilians, not OPM members. This discrepancy has fuelled protests in the area, with demonstrators challenging the military’s version of events.
Tanah Papua membara lagi
Pembakaran mobil dinas oleh warga Papua di kota Mulia jaya Puncak Papua Tengah
Akibat adanya warga yg jadi korban penembakan OTK
LAPORAN KEJADIAN PEMBUNUHAN PADA HARI SELASA TANGGAL 16 JULI 2024 DI KP. KARUBATE, DISTRIK MULIA, KAB. PUNCAK JAYA pic.twitter.com/Ru6kOl0qJX
— Khatulistiwa Indonesia (@Meta80ki) July 17, 2024
The situation escalated further when a group allegedly exploited the protests to incite violence, resulting in the destruction and burning of six vehicles belonging to security forces. “We can confirm that six official vehicles of the TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces) and Police were damaged and set ablaze during the unrest,” Lt. Col. Kurniawan reported.
