Central Papua. Four members of an armed group linked to the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB-OPM) were killed in a gunfight with Indonesian military personnel in Intan Jaya, Central Papua, on Friday, according to the military.

The clash took place early Friday in the Agisiga area, involving personnel from the 315 Garuda Infantry Battalion special team and the Habema Joint Operations Command's Taipur team under the command of the III Regional Defense Joint Command.

Commander Lt. Gen. Lucky Avianto said the group, which the military identified as being led by Daniel Aibon Kogoya, was detected by drone surveillance while allegedly moving toward residential areas.

Military personnel then moved to intercept the group, Lucky said. He said troops first made efforts to persuade the group to surrender their weapons before the exchange of fire.

According to Lucky, the group subsequently opened fire on the troops, triggering the clash. All military personnel involved survived, while four members of the armed group were killed, he said.

The military later recovered weapons and other items from the area, including an SS2 V4 assault rifle and ammunition, a modified Shap Inova rifle, five bows, six machetes, and three knives.

Troops also seized a Bank Papua savings book registered under the initials H-H, six mobile phones, and a Morning Star flag, according to the military.

The military said the group had been detected moving toward settlements covering about 10 villages in Agisiga District. The operation was intended to prevent the armed group from entering residential areas, Lucky said.

The TNI said its operations in Central Papua would continue and that troops were operating under established rules of engagement and applicable law.

“Rules of engagement are always prioritized to ensure that all actions by our soldiers remain professional and uphold the law and human rights,” Lucky said.

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