INTAN JAYA, TOMEI.ID | The central command of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), the military wing of the Free Papua Movement (OPM), reported a firefight between the TPNPB Kodap VIII Intan Jaya unit and Indonesian security forces in the early hours of Tuesday, December 2, 2025, near the border of Homeo and Wandae Districts, Central Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua.
In its official statement, the assault was reportedly led by Major Karel Tipagau alongside Ayon Jagani and Willem Somau. The armed encounter took place between 03:00 and 05:00 WIT in Sugupa Village.
According to TPNPB claims, six Indonesian security personnel were shot, while several others sustained injuries. TPNPB Kodap VIII has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The TPNPB Information and Public Relations (PIS) added that sporadic gunfire continued for up to two hours after the incident, spreading to Haibu, Iwandoga, and Mbugulo Villages. The situation forced parishioners from Mbugulo Catholic Church and local villagers to seek refuge either in the church compound or in surrounding forests.
As of the report’s release, the condition of civilians in Haibu and Iwandoga remains unclear due to limited communication access in Homeo and Wandae Districts.
TPNPB has called for the withdrawal of Indonesian military posts from residential areas, arguing that the presence of military outposts in civilian zones increases the risk of casualties among local populations. The group has also appealed to international human rights organizations to provide attention and assistance to displaced residents.
In its official statement, TPNPB emphasized that the presence of Indonesian National Armed Forces in civilian areas constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law.
As of now, the Indonesian military has not issued an official response to the claims made by the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB).
