Two Civilians Killed in Papua, Ex-Police Officer Blamed

Two civilians Killed in Papua, Separatist Group Blames Rogue Faction

Yalimo, Papua – Two civilians from South Sulawesi were tragically killed in Elelim District, Yalimo, Papua Mountains on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. The west Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), the armed wing of the Free Papua Movement (OPM), has claimed obligation for the killings, pointing the finger at a former police officer they allege is acting under the orders of a rogue faction leader.

Sebby Sambom, spokesperson for the TPNPB, identified the alleged perpetrator as Askem Mabel, a former Bripda (police brigadier) who defected from the Indonesian National Police in June 2024. Sambom accused Mabel of carrying out a series of murders in Papua under the direction of jeffrey Pagawak Boamanak, a self-proclaimed OPM leader who the TPNPB does not recognize.

“this is the sixth action in the Yalimo Regency area, all carried out by Askem Mabel on the orders of Jeffrey Pagawak Boamanak,” Sambom stated.

The TPNPB alleges that Pagawak embezzled Rp1.9 billion (approximately $125,000) under the pretense of purchasing weapons for the OPM, but the weapons were never delivered. They claim that Pagawak and Mabel are acting independently and do not represent the true goals of the OPM.

Mabel, who fled his post at the Yalimo Police with four long-barreled weapons, publicly declared his allegiance to the OPM upon his defection.

The killings have sparked renewed concerns about security in the Papua region, which has long been plagued by separatist violence. This incident follows a recent surge in clashes between the TPNPB and Indonesian security forces in the Lanny Jaya regency of Papua Mountains.

The Indonesian government has yet to officially respond to the killings. However, the incident underscores the complex and volatile nature of the conflict in Papua, raising questions about the future of peace and stability in the region.

Tragedy in Papua: A Closer Look

Maya: Did you hear about what happened in Papua? It’s absolutely heartbreaking.

David: I saw something about it online. Two civilians were killed, is that right?

Maya: Yeah, in Yalimo. Apparently, they were from South Sulawesi. The West Papua National Liberation army, the TPNPB, has claimed responsibility.

David: that’s terrible. What’s their motive?

Maya: They’re blaming a faction within the group, led by this guy Jeffrey Pagawak Boamanak. They accuse him of embezzling funds meant for weapons and acting independently.

David: So, the TPNPB is basically saying this guy is a rogue element?

Maya: Exactly. They’ve identified the alleged perpetrator as a former police officer named Askem Mabel who defected last year. Apparently he stole weapons and joined Pagawak’s faction.

David: This sounds incredibly complex. What’s the bigger picture here?

Maya: well, Papua has a long history of conflict and separatist violence.The OPM, the Free Papua Movement, has been fighting for independence for decades.

David: Has the Indonesian government responded to these killings?

Maya: Not officially yet, but this incident definitely highlights the volatile situation there.

David: It’s just so sad that innocent people are caught in the crossfire. What do you think the future holds for Papua?

Maya: It’s hard to say. This incident emphasizes the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.But with so many factions involved and deep-rooted tensions, it’s going to be incredibly challenging.

David: I hope something changes soon.This isn’t just about politics; it’s about people’s lives.