Armed Group Attacks Teachers in Papua, Indonesia: One Killed, Several Injured
JAKARTA, investortrust.id - An armed separatist group's attack on teachers' residences in Yahukimo, Papua, Indonesia, on Friday, Mar 21, 2025, has resulted in one death and injuries to six others, prompting heightened security and evacuation measures by the Indonesian military.
The Joint Operations Task Force of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) confirmed on Sunday, Mar 23, 2025, that the armed separatist group, known locally as the Free Papua Organization (OPM), targeted a teachers' housing complex in Anggruk District, Yahukimo Regency, in Indonesia’s Papua Highlands Province.
Lieutenant Colonel Gustiawan, Commander of Rajawali II Task Force, Joint Operations Command of the Indonesian Armed Forces Habema, Regional Joint Defense Command III (Koops TNI Habema Kogabwilhan III), confirmed that his team successfully evacuated the victims, including the deceased and injured teachers.
"The evacuation was conducted under strict security due to the highly volatile situation in Anggruk District. Our team navigated challenging terrain and the constant threat of armed interference. Thanks to effective coordination, the body of the deceased victim has been transported to Dekai Airport, Yahukimo Regency, for further identification procedures," Gustiawan explained.
The deceased victim was identified as Rosalina, who sustained fatal injuries resulting from violence. Three teachers, identified as Vidi, Cosmas, and Tari, were severely injured, while three others—Vanti, Paskalia, and Irmawati—suffered minor injuries.
In addition to evacuating victims, authorities documented substantial damage caused by the separatists, including the burning of school buildings.
Separately, Colonel Chandra Kurniawan, Head of Information at the XVII/Cenderawasih Military Command, described the OPM attack as brutal. He stated the separatists deliberately burned the victims alive inside their residences.
"This was a barbaric act. The perpetrators killed and burned the victims alive inside their homes," Chandra stated.
On Saturday, Mar 22, the authorities safely evacuated 58 teachers, health workers, and their families from various districts, including Heriyapini, Kosarek, Ubalihi, Nisikni, Walma, and Kabiyanggama, to Wamena using aircraft from Adventist Aviation.
The local authorities, supported by military and police units, continue efforts to stabilize the area and apprehend those responsible for the violence.