TPNPB Claims University of Cenderawasih Student Detained by Authorities in Yahukimo, Calls for International Investigation

NABIRE, TOMEI.ID | The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) National Commission has reported the detention of a University of Cenderawasih student, Iron Heluka, by security forces in Yahukimo on November 28, 2025.

In a press release received by the tomei.id editorial office on Sunday (30/11/2025), TPNPB described the arrest as an act of criminalization against civilians.

The Central Headquarters management of the TPNPB National Commission emphasized that Heluka is not a member of their organizational structure. Statements allegedly sourced from Kodap XVI Yahukimo accused Heluka of being a member of the Sisibia Battalion; however, this allegation has been denied and is considered to be motivated by personal interest in rank and position.

TPNPB urged President Prabowo Subianto, Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces General Agus Subianto, and Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin to order Heluka’s unconditional release.

In the same document, TPNPB also accused the Indonesian military of conducting a drone-based airstrike in Yahukimo, which was claimed to have resulted in one student killed and one civilian injured. These allegations were refuted by the Head of Public Relations of Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih, Lt. Col. Inf. Tri Purwanto, who stated that no bombing operations against civilians took place.

TPNPB regarded this denial as a form of repudiation of alleged human rights violations. As of the publication of this report, no independent verification of claims from either party is available.

TPNPB called on international human rights organizations to conduct an independent investigation into the alleged human rights violations, including the potential impact of military operations on civilians and internally displaced persons in Papua. They also requested that the Indonesian government allow international observers access to directly assess the humanitarian situation on the ground.

In this context, TPNPB reiterated that Iron Heluka is an active student and a civilian, and demanded an end to arbitrary detentions in conflict-affected areas.

The press release was signed by TPNPB-OPM Spokesperson Sebby Sambom, High Commander Goliat Tabuni, Deputy Commander Melkisedek Awom, Chief of Staff Terianus Satto, and Commander of General Operations Lekagak Telenggen. [*]