Indonesian Police Kill Three TPNPB-OPM Members in Papua Shootout

Three TPNPB-OPM Fighters Fall in Papua Police Operation

Operation Details and Location

Tempatdonasi.com – Indonesian security forces have successfully neutralized three members of the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement following an intense confrontation. The incident occurred in the KM 4 Logpon region within Dekai District, situated in Yahukimo Regency, Papua province. According to official reports, the engagement took place on Friday, July 17, 2026, when security personnel launched their mission against the Kodap XVI Yahukimo Batalyon Yamue unit.

The operation was conducted under the leadership of the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force, working alongside a coalition of joint teams. Commissioner Yusuf Sutedjo, who serves as the Head of the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force, provided comprehensive details about the mission. He confirmed that the operation targeted the armed group commanded by DPO Ronal Heluka in the specified area.

From the operation, three members of the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) were declared dead.

Commissioner Yusuf delivered this statement in writing on Saturday, July 18, 2026, providing official confirmation of the casualties. The timing of the operation was strategic, based on intelligence gathered regarding the presence of the armed faction in the Logpon region. This coordinated effort demonstrates the commitment of Indonesian authorities to maintaining peace in the region.

Identification of the Fallen Fighters

Following the shootout, security forces conducted thorough identification procedures to confirm the identities of the three deceased individuals. The results revealed that the victims were Roni Rubis, Kumis Passae, and Orgenes Bayage. All three were confirmed to be members of the KKB Kodap XVI Yahukimo Batalyon Yamue, the same unit targeted during the operation.

The bodies of the three fighters were subsequently transported to the RSUD Dekai morgue for further processing. Meanwhile, investigators secured all relevant evidence at the Yahukimo Police Criminal Investigation Unit to facilitate comprehensive examination and documentation of the incident.

Seized Evidence and Materials

The joint team recovered an impressive array of weapons and equipment from the crime scene during their operation. Among the confiscated items were three firearms, which represent significant firepower for an armed group of this size. Additionally, investigators collected 43 rounds of ammunition in 5.56 mm caliber, demonstrating that the group was well-supplied for extended engagements.

The seized materials also included two axes and two long knives classified as sharp weapons. Communication equipment recovered from the scene consisted of one Icom handy talky unit, which would have been essential for coordinating movements within the group. Security forces also found one weapon suppressor, suggesting the group employed tactics to reduce noise during operations.

Furthermore, seven mobile phones from various manufacturers were confiscated, along with several other pieces of evidence. These items will likely provide valuable intelligence regarding the group’s communications network and operational patterns.

Background and Suspected Involvement

This operation represents a continuation of ongoing investigations and intelligence gathering concerning the armed group led by DPO Ronal Heluka. The Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force coordinated with Brimob personnel and Yahukimo Police to execute the mission effectively.

According to Commissioner Yusuf, the targeted group faces suspicion regarding multiple violent incidents. They are believed to have been involved in the killing of Private Eka Yohan Kaize, a member of the 1715/Yahukimo Kodim personnel, on December 3, 2022. This incident has drawn considerable attention from security authorities.

Additionally, the group is suspected of involvement in the deaths of seven miners in Kawe Village, located in Awimbon District, Pegunungan Bintang Regency. That tragic event occurred on May 19, 2026, further establishing the group’s pattern of violent activities across the region. The cumulative evidence has strengthened the case for intensified operations against this armed faction.