Intan Jaya new-net24.com-Central Papua – Tensions have flared once again in Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua, following a gunfight between Indonesian Military (TNI) personnel from Task Force Yonif 509/BY and a group suspected to be part of the Free Papua Organization – West Papua National Liberation Army (OPM-TPNPB). During the incident, a civilian identified as Julius Sani was shot dead at the scene. The TNI claims Julius was a member of the armed criminal group (KKB), but his family strongly denies the accusation.
“A gunfight broke out between Task Force 509/BY personnel and the OPM-TPNPB in Joparu Village,” said Papua Police spokesperson Kombes Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo in a press statement on Monday (9/12/2024).
The incident occurred on Sunday (8/12) in Joparu Village, Sugapa District. After the shootout, TNI personnel swept the area and found one person dead, allegedly part of the armed group.
“Following the gunfire, the team found one individual suspected to be a member of the armed criminal group deceased,” said Kombes Ignatius Benny.
Body Evacuated to TNI Post
Intan Jaya Police Chief, Kompol Subekti Wibowo, stated that Julius’s body had been evacuated to the Kotis Task Force 509/BY post in Mamba and would be handed over to the family.
“The body of Julius Sani is planned to be handed over to the government and the family at the Intan Jaya Regional General Hospital,” Subekti stated.However, the family strongly rejected the claim that Julius was part of the armed group. According to them, he was an ordinary civilian uninvolved in KKB activities.
Victim’s Family Demands Independent Investigation
The victim’s family has called for international attention, particularly from the United Nations (UN), to intervene in the case. They argue that such incidents have occurred repeatedly in Papua and demand an independent investigation to ensure justice.
“We urge the international community and the UN’s legal and human rights divisions to take over and visit Intan Jaya. This is not the first time such an incident has occurred. We demand the UN form an independent investigative team to resolve this case,” a family representative stated.
Papua Conflict Back in the Spotlight
This incident adds to the long list of armed conflicts persisting in Papua. The situation in the region often draws national and international attention, particularly concerning human rights violations and clashes between the TNI and pro-independence groups.
The TNI and police have yet to provide further clarification regarding the victim’s family’s allegations. Meanwhile, the Papuan community continues to call for peace and a long-term resolution to the decades-long conflict.Reported live from INTA JAYA West Papua
New-net24.com will continue monitoring developments on this case.
Reporter: Intan jaya
[Editor: Jhonatan]