Armed Incident in Greater Sorong: One Security Personnel Reportedly Killed in Exchange of Fire with TPNPB

SORONG, TOMEI.ID | An armed confrontation occurred between Indonesian military forces and the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) Kodap IV Greater Sorong in the vicinity of the Sair Battalion, Greater Sorong, on Saturday, November 29, 2025.

One military officer was reportedly killed in the exchange of fire, according to an official press release from the Central Headquarters of the TPNPB’s military wing of the Free Papua Organization, which was received by Tomei.id on Sunday, November 30, 2025.

The release stated that the firefight began around 10:15 a.m. Eastern Indonesia Time (WIT), following a sweep operation by military personnel into an area claimed as TPNPB defensive territory since November 27, 2025. The operation was led by Deputy Operations Commander of Kodap IV Greater Sorong, Manuel Aimau.

The TPNPB alleged that state forces entered their territory via three separate routes, conducting pursuits and gunfire, but reportedly failed to penetrate the group’s defensive headquarters.

They also claimed that the forces set fire to four TPNPB members’ homes and destroyed four food gardens containing crops such as bananas, taro, cassava, sweet potatoes, papaya, and other vegetables. These claims have not been independently verified.

The TPNPB described the operation as an act of military aggression and called for official recognition from the government of the fatalities incurred during the incident. The group also stated its readiness to confront any further operations in the Greater Sorong area.

As of the publication of this report, the Indonesian National Armed Forces have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, including casualty figures or a full chronology from the state’s perspective. The editorial team continues to await official clarification and confirmation from the Indonesian Army and other security agencies to provide a balanced report in accordance with journalistic standards.

The press release was signed by the highest-ranking leaders of TPNPB–OPM, namely General Goliat Tabuni (Supreme Commander), Lieutenant General Melkisedek Awom (Deputy Commander), Major General Terianus Satto (Chief of General Staff), and Major General Lekagak Telenggen (Commander of General Operations). [*]