TPNPB Claims Drone Strike Destroyed Main Road in Yahukimo, Indonesian National Armed Forces Deny Any Bombing Operation

YAHUKIMO, TOMEI.ID | The National Command of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) has issued a report alleging a military drone airstrike in the Yahukimo region on Monday (1 December 2025) at approximately 06:36 WIT.

The incident was claimed to be a bombing targeting the Material 2 area along Jalan Gunung, a major access route used by residents traveling to Dekai.

The official information was conveyed by Brigadier General Elkius Kobak and Major Kopitua Heluka to the TPNPB Central Headquarters Management. In their report, the armed group asserted that the explosion damaged the road surface and posed potential risks to residents living near the affected settlement area.

Kobak urged President Prabowo Subianto, the Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, and the Minister of Defense to halt aerial operations in Papua, arguing that attacks from the air pose significant dangers to civilians residing around the conflict zone.

In the same statement, TPNPB Kodap XVI Yahukimo also referred to a separate incident dated 25 November 2025, which they claimed resulted in the death of a student and left another civilian seriously injured.

However, this account contradicts a previous statement from the Commander of Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih, who firmly asserted that the Indonesian National Armed Forces had not conducted any bombing operations in Yahukimo.

Responding to what they describe as escalating tensions, the Central Headquarters Management of the TPNPB National Command called on the Indonesian Government to grant international observers access to carry out an independent investigation into alleged aerial operations and their impact on civilians.

They argue that the involvement of neutral institutions is necessary to ensure transparency and provide a comprehensive account of the humanitarian consequences of the armed conflict in Papua.

The press statement was signed and released by the spokesperson of the West Papua National Army, the military wing of the Central Papua Organization, Sebby Sambom, along with the organization’s leadership: Supreme Commander Goliat Tabuni, Deputy Commander Melkisedek Awom, Chief of General Staff Terianus Satto, and General Operations Commander Lekagak Telenggen. [*]