TNI Reasserts Control in Soanggama Village
The Indonesian Military (TNI) has announced it successfully regained control of Soanggama village in the Homeyo district of Intan Jaya regency, Central Papua, following a deadly confrontation with the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB/OPM). The operation, which concluded on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, aimed to liberate residents from the influence of the separatist group.
According to Lt. Col. Iwan Dwi Prihartono, spokesperson for the Habema Operation Command, the clash began on the evening of Tuesday, October 14, 2025, when TNI troops moved into Soanggama to assist residents. The main firefight erupted around 5:30 a.m. local time on October 15, when approximately 30 armed OPM members attacked the troops. The situation was brought under control by noon, with the armed group pushed back.
Conflicting Reports on Casualties
The TNI reported that 14 TPNPB/OPM members were killed during the operation, with no casualties on the military's side. Among those reportedly killed were several leaders allegedly involved in previous attacks on security forces, including Agus Kogoya, the operations chief of Kodap VIII/Soanggama, and gunmen Ipe Kogoya and Zakaria Kogoya. The military also seized:
- One homemade firearm
- Four air rifles
- Assorted ammunition
- An optical sight and binoculars
- OPM documents and Morning Star flags
However, the casualty count has been disputed. TPNPB/OPM spokesman Sebby Sambom claimed that only three of the dead were rebels, and nine were civilians, including eight killed in a house mistakenly identified as a rebel base. Similarly, Yoakim Mujizau, Head of the Papua Conflict Mediation Team, stated that only six of the 14 fatalities were OPM members, with the remainder being civilians.
Aftermath and Ongoing Security Efforts
Following the recapture, the TNI has designated the Soanggama area as a tactical post to maintain ongoing stability and security. Commander of the Habema Operation Command, Maj. Gen. Lucky Avianto, emphasized the military's commitment to ensuring Papua remains 'safe, peaceful, and prosperous.' Local village officials reportedly confirmed that the casualties were all members of the armed group, and residents provided information on additional hidden weapons. Civilians in Soanggama village were confirmed safe and evacuated to secure locations.
This operation is part of a broader government push to reassert control over conflict-prone areas in Central and Highland Papua, where security tensions have escalated in recent years. The region has been mired in a decades-long low-intensity armed conflict since Indonesia annexed the former Dutch colony in the 1960s.
5 Comments
Bermudez
14 rebels, zero TNI casualties? Sounds like a cover-up for civilian deaths again.
Africa
While maintaining security is important, the conflicting casualty reports are deeply concerning. An independent investigation is crucial to ensure accountability and protect civilians.
Coccinella
Recapturing the village might bring temporary stability, but without addressing the historical grievances of the Papuan people, these conflicts will just keep recurring.
Mariposa
The TNI's objective to restore order is understandable, yet the allegations of civilian deaths cannot be ignored. Both sides have a responsibility to minimize harm to non-combatants.
Muchacha
It's good that the village is reportedly safe now, but the decades-long conflict shows that military solutions alone aren't enough. We need political dialogue and development too.