The Free Papua Organization (OPM) has once again committed an act of violence by killing 11 civilians in Yahukimo, Highland Papua Province. The group, which claims to be the Papuan liberation army, carried out the killings of 11 civilian gold miners operating in the area.
In an official statement made by the OPM spokesperson, Sebby Sambom, he claimed responsibility for the execution of the 11 gold miners, accusing them of being intelligence agents and members of the military.
Sebby stated that the killings were carried out over a span of three days, from April 6 to April 8, 2025.
The local security and military authorities have confirmed the incident. Commander of the Yahukimo Military District Command, Lieutenant Colonel Inf. Tommy Yudistyo, acknowledged that the killings took place but strongly denied the group’s claims that the 11 victims were intelligence agents or military personnel.
Lieutenant Colonel Tommy emphasized that the 11 individuals killed were civilians who were simply panning for gold in a river area located on the border between Yahukimo and Asmat Regencies.
Responding to the heinous crime committed by the Free Papua Organization, Steve Mara, Chairperson of the Melanesian Youth Diplomacy Forum, condemned the act and stated that this group should no longer be considered a movement fighting for Papuan independence but rather labeled as a brutal and murderous group.
“They, the Free Papua Organization, who have killed civilian gold miners in the Yahukimo area, do not deserve to be called freedom fighters. True freedom fighters should know the difference between civilians who must be protected and military personnel who are fair opponents. They are nothing more than ruthless murderers who pose a threat to the safety of all Papuans,” said Steve Mara.
This same group recently killed a female teacher from East Nusa Tenggara (which is part of the Melanesian region) in March, claiming she was a member of the military. The same accusation has now been directed at the 11 civilians they murdered.
This is their modus operandi—they kill and then claim the victims were military personnel to justify their crimes. The international community must be made aware of the cruelty of this group.
Currently, Papua is undergoing significant development through the State Budget. Large allocations are being disbursed through the General Allocation Fund and the Special Allocation Fund to develop Papua across various sectors.
Papua, now divided into six provinces, is governed by indigenous Papuan leaders elected through direct regional elections, providing strong legitimacy from the people for the government to develop the region. The presence of the Free Papua Organization only creates new problems and obstructs the progress of Papuans who wish to move forward and build a better future alongside Indonesia.
Therefore, we urge law enforcement to immediately apprehend those responsible for these murders and those who continue to spread terror among the Papuan people. This group’s presence poses a serious threat to civilian lives in Papua. If allowed to persist or given any space, they will continue committing brutal acts against innocent people.
It is also important to inform the international community that this group’s international wing is currently building networks and seeking global attention to gain support for their so-called independence movement. In reality, their actions do not reflect a liberation struggle—they continuously commit atrocities against innocent civilians in Papua.
