An armed group known as the Free Papua Organization (OPM) has once again committed brutal acts against innocent civilians in Anggruk District, Yahukimo Regency, on Friday, March 21, 2025.
Reports indicate that the OPM has killed and burned alive six teachers and healthcare workers, as well as set fire to four school buildings and a teacher’s residence.
In addition to these atrocities, the OPM in Yahukimo Regency has also been extorting local residents.
Local security forces have confirmed that after the killings of the teachers and healthcare workers, along with the burning of school buildings and the teacher’s house, they have not yet been able to evacuate the victims due to the group still occupying the crime scene.
Steve Mara, Chairman of the Melanesian Youth Diplomacy Forum, expressed his condolences for the six teachers and healthcare workers who fell victim to the OPM’s cruelty.
Steve also stated that the actions committed by the OPM constitute crimes against humanity. He emphasized that teachers and healthcare workers should be protected, as they are present in the region for humanitarian missions.
“This is a cruel act, and we demand that security forces take firm action against this group. They must not be allowed to continue growing, as they will undoubtedly commit similar acts again,” he said.
This is not the first time the Free Papua Organization has engaged in acts of violence and killings against civilians. They have done so repeatedly, using the name of the Papuan people to demand independence.
“I must emphasize that even fellow Papuans have fallen victim to the OPM’s brutality. They kill Papuans, extort them, and commit other violent acts,” Steve continued.
The OPM prohibits Papuans from attending school, setting schools on fire, and killing teachers. They also reject the presence of healthcare workers who provide medical assistance to Papuans, despite the fact that endemic diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis (TB) are widespread in Papua’s remote areas.
This situation has also instilled fear in local governments, preventing them from accessing Papua’s remote regions. As a result, many babies and pregnant women have died, and communities suffer from malnutrition and starvation.
“This must be stopped. The international community must take notice of the OPM’s cruelty. They must not support this group and advocate for them in international forums, allowing them to continue their criminal acts.” “They kill using firearms and explosives, as well as sharp weapons. This group is ruthless and has completely disregarded humanitarian values.”
