Manokwari, Jubi – Individuals suspected to be members of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) allegedly attacked Indonesian Military (TNI) soldiers at the Bousha border security post in Maybrat Regency.
The assault, which took place on Monday, December 25, 2023, claimed the life of one TNI soldier, Second Cpl. Hendrianto, who was shot in the right side of the head. Another soldier, First Pvt. Frengky Gulo, suffered gunshot wounds to his abdomen and is currently receiving medical care.
Col. Inf Syawaluddin Abuhasan, the spokesperson for XVIII Kasuari Military Command, confirmed the attack on the border security post.
“The incident occurred around 2 p.m. Papua time. The post was fired upon approximately ten times. One soldier, Second Cpl. Hendrianto, was fallen, while First Pvt. Frengky was swiftly transported to Teminabuan Hospital in South Sorong and is still receiving treatment,” he said.
In response, the Sorong Command of the TPNPB admitted the shooting of Hendrianto and Frengky Gulo from the 133/YS Post in Bousha. Sebby Sambom, the TPNPB spokesperson, stated that the attack was a deliberate action following the cancellation of their Christmas celebrations. According to Sambom, this assault was part of their ongoing struggle for West Papua’s independence, citing the occupation by the Indonesian government as the core reason for their resistance.
“This engagement is part of our relentless efforts to reclaim the independence that was taken away from West Papua on May 1, 1963,” Sambom said.
Abuhasan confirmed the ongoing pursuit of the group responsible by the TNI, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the pursuit of justice in the region.
“The incident occurred as reported, and we are actively pursuing the group responsible for this attack,” he said. (*)
