OPM Again Attacks Civilians, Papuan Figure: This is Not a Struggle, But Cruelty

Intan Jaya – A 12-year-old girl, Antonia Hilaria Wandagau, lost her mother, Hetina Seperti, in an armed attack carried out by the Free Papua Movement (OPM) in Ku Jindapa Village, Sugapa District, Intan Jaya Regency, on Sunday (25/5/2025).

According to residents, the armed group attacked the settlement with firearms, burned down several houses, and caused casualties, including Hetina. At the time of the incident, Antonia was at a neighbor’s house so she survived the attack, but witnessed its impact firsthand.

In her statement, Antonia expressed her hope that the violence would not continue.

“Don’t hurt us if the OPM group is unable to provide us with happiness and prosperity,” she said.

Currently, Antonia lives with relatives in a temporary shelter.

Papuan community figure, Yulianus Murib, expressed his concern over the incident and condemned the violence against civilians.

“What struggle could take the life of a mother in front of her child? This is no longer about ideology, this is a violation of human values,” he said.

This tragic incident once again highlights the fact that the acts of violence carried out by the OPM not only harm security stability, but also add to the suffering of the Papuan people.

With the increasing number of victims, this violence increasingly shows that the separatist group no longer represents the aspirations of the Papuan people, but only sacrifices innocent citizens for narrow interests.

Even until now, the OPM continues to spread hoaxes to cover up its cruelty and distort the facts about its defeat against the security forces.

Such as the claim of burning a TNI combat vehicle in Titigi District, Intan Jaya, Papua, which was carried out by the OPM some time ago. One-sided claims like this have often occurred and are not the first time the OPM has spread a narrative that does not correspond to the reality on the ground.

The TNI ensures that not a single combat vehicle or bulletproof car was taken over, let alone burned in the incident.

Responding to the dynamics of the conflict in Papua, the Head of the TNI Information Center, Major General Kristomei Sianturi, emphasized that the public must be aware of the propaganda often carried out by the TPNPB-OPM. Manipulated narratives are often used to spread fear, corner the authorities, and divide the unity of the community.

At times like this, it is important for the public to remain calm, sort information wisely, and establish active communication with the security forces.

“So, that’s why the community should not be afraid. Give a report to the TNI, be assured that the TNI will protect you from acts of intimidation, threats, or murder like what happened yesterday, health workers and teachers were also threatened,” said the Head of the Information Center.