Indonesian Authorities Seize OPM Headquarters in a Shootout
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16 August 2023 19:44 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The joint forces of military and police members seized the headquarters of the Free Papua Movement, or OPM, in Gome District, Puncak Regency, Papua on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, after OPM fired at the National Armed Forces (TNI) security post.
The OPM opened fire at Raider 300/BJW security post in Gome District, yesterday, August 15, at 09:45 local time.
The Head of Public Relations of Papua Regional Police Chief Commissioner Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo explained that the incident occurred at 09:00. The border security team Raider 300/BJW was heading to the Gome security post for an event with Gome residents when the shootings broke out.
"The calm atmosphere was disrupted by shootings from the armed criminal group, allegedly Numbuk Talenggen, towards Gome Post and the 300/BJW team at 09:45," said Benny in an official statement on Wednesday, August 16, 2023.
The officers returned fire and began chasing the attackers. Joint military and police forces in Ilaga were deployed to help track the scattered OPM members.
Officers managed to seize the OPM headquarters and confiscated several pieces of evidence, namely 7 cellular phones, a Canon EOS 1300D camera, a pocket knife, a bow, and 8 arrows. The officers also found a machete, scissors, a binocular, chargers, and a memory card filled with the organization's photo and video evidence.
During the shootout, three OPM members were allegedly shot. A member of the military, Pratu Rizki, was also shot but in a conscious and stable condition.
"For the time being, the material damages are still being calculated," said Benny.
EKA YUDHA SAPUTRA
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