Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA) - A senior separatist commander was killed in a gunfight with Indonesian forces in the Papuan highlands earlier this week, the military said on Wednesday evening.
Major General Lucky Avianto, commander of Joint Task Force Habema, confirmed the death of Mayu Waliya, the operational commander of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) faction Kodap XII/Lanny Jaya.
“Mayu Waliya was killed during a firefight on Monday (Oct 6) in Unambunggu, Lanny Jaya District. His identity was confirmed on Wednesday after our team retrieved and analyzed data from a mobile phone found at the scene,” Avianto said.
The military said Waliya operated under the command of Purom Okiman Wenda, a prominent separatist figure in the region.
A day before the clash, on Sunday (Oct 5), Indonesian troops captured one of the group’s main bases in the mountainous Unambunggu area. The base was reportedly used as a coordination hub for attacks against security forces and civilians.
Following the takeover, the separatist group, which Indonesian authorities refer to as the Armed Criminal Group (KKB), is believed to have launched a counterattack, leading to the firefight with Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) personnel.
Weapons, ammunition (7.62 mm and 5.56 mm), tactical gear, communication devices, strategic documents, and separatist symbols, including the banned Morning Star flag, were seized from the base.
Avianto emphasized that the operation was carried out with precision and in accordance with international standards for the protection of civilians.
“The gunfight was a direct response to an armed attack by the group. Our forces acted professionally, maintained combat discipline, and prioritized the safety of local communities,” he said.
Armed conflict between Indonesian security forces and separatist rebels in Papua has escalated in recent years, raising growing concerns over civilian safety, as rebels frequently carry out hit-and-run attacks.
Victims of rebel violence have included construction workers, motorcycle taxi drivers, teachers, students, food vendors, and aircraft crew.
In April, an armed group was accused of killing 16 illegal gold miners in Bingki, Yahukimo District, Highland Papua.
