Indonesian soldier killed in Central Papua clash with armed group
One Indonesian soldier was killed and two wounded in a gunfight with an armed group in Mimika Regency, Central Papua Province, as security operations continue in the region.
Indonesian soldier killed in Central Papua clash with armed group
A gunfight between Indonesian military personnel and an armed group in Central Papua Province on Monday left one soldier dead and two others wounded, according to military officials.
The clash occurred in Mimika Regency, a territory covering 21,693 square kilometers with a population of more than 320,000, when troops from the Jila Military Post and the 133/Yudha Sakti Task Force Post exchanged fire with members of an armed group allegedly led by Pemne Kogoya.
Colonel Tri Purwanto, spokesman for the XVII/Cenderawasih Military Command, confirmed the incident in a statement to ANTARA in Jayapura. The military command, headquartered in Jayapura, oversees defense operations across Papua, South Papua, Central Papua and Highland Papua provinces.
Purwanto said security operations remain ongoing to maintain control of the area while authorities investigate the incident and monitor developments in Jila District.
The TNI and police continue to coordinate to protect local residents and prevent further security disruptions.
Background on Central Papua Province
Central Papua Province, formally established on July 25, 2022, is one of four new provinces created when the original Papua province was divided. The region has experienced recurring security incidents as military forces maintain operations in remote districts.
The armed group involved in Monday's clash operates under the Kodap III Puncak faction. Indonesian authorities continue security patrols and joint operations with police forces throughout the province's mountainous terrain.