Brutal! OPM Records Torture Until Victim’s Death, Defense Ministry: This Violates International Law

Jakarta – The Indonesian Ministry of Defense (Kemhan) has strongly condemned the acts of torture and murder committed by the Free Papua Organization (OPM), also known as an Armed Criminal Group (KKB), in Yahukimo. The brutal incident was recorded on video, showing the victims being tortured to death.

The statement was made by Brigadier General TNI Frega Wenas, Head of the Ministry’s Bureau of Information and Public Relations, on Thursday (April 10, 2025). According to him, OPM blatantly used violence against unarmed civilians.

“They filmed the torture and even the dismemberment of the victims until they died on the spot. This is not only a violation of national law but also international law, as the victims were unarmed civilians, classified as non-combatants,” Frega stated.

He further emphasized that the narrative pushed by OPM — claiming the victims were undercover TNI soldiers disguised as illegal gold miners — must be corrected. Frega confirmed that the victims were not members of the military, but civilians.

“It’s important for the public to understand that the victims were not disguised soldiers. We will continue working with other stakeholders to uphold sovereignty, protect territorial integrity, and ensure the safety of all people in Papua — both indigenous and non-indigenous,” he said.

Frega also stated that the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) will prioritize the National Police (Polri) in handling the evacuation of victims as a form of transparency and to provide evidence that the victims were not military personnel.

Previously, OPM claimed responsibility for killing five individuals they alleged were TNI members disguised as illegal gold miners in the Kali Kabur area, Korowai, Yahukimo, in the Papuan Highlands. The group also threatened to carry out executions against anyone attempting to disguise themselves in the region.