TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A shooting broke out between the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the West Papua national freedom army in Banti, Mimika, on Sunday, April 1. The event caused a TNI member died.
Private First Class Vicky Rumpasium, member of TNI`s Infantry Battalion (Yonif) 751/Raider died as a result of the shootout. “Vicky Rumpasium from Sorong Papua was killed in the shootout,” said Colonel Infantry Muhammad Aidi today, April 3.
Before the shooting began, Aidi said that the armed group had allegedly set fire to a hospital in Utikini and an elementary and junior high school building outside of several resident’s houses that were also targeted to the arson.
"This might be the realization of the armed group’s ultimatum that was broadcasted throughout several news outlets where they declared war against the TNI and the National Police," Aidi said
However, when Tempo reached the member of the West Papua national freedom army for confirmation, the member said that the shootout broke out because TNI members were preventing them to enter Freeport.
Other than one casualty from the Indonesian armed forces, a 10-year-old civilian was also killed in the shootout.
Muhammad Hendartyo
