Risk intelligence (07/05/2021) - Indonesia
Our risk intelligence specialists, led by Ian BETTS, take a 24/7 coverage approach to local, regional and global emerging threats and occurrences. Below is a small sample of our reporting, and you can discuss gaining comprehensive material through our risk intelligence function, and by using our 247 App.
PAPUA MILITIA UPDATE
Police and the military (TN) have intensified patrols in Ilaga, Puncak regency, Papua, following violent attacks by members of armed groups in the past week.
A shootout occurred after dozens of armed men fired shots at the Ilaga Police headquarters at around 1900hrs local time on Thursday 6 May.
Local media sources reported that three civilians were injured, but this has not been confirmed by police.
Hundreds of local residents from Beoga district have sought refuge near the Ilaga Police headquarters in recent weeks following a series of attacks on villages in the district.
About 100 people had also moved to an area near the Puncak regency administration office over fears of further attacks.
Papua Police chief Insp. Gen. Mathius D Fakhiri said that the attack on Thursday was perpetrated by members of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNB) - the military wing of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) - led by Lekagak Telenggen, who has claimed responsibility for a number of recent attacks in the regency.
Police also accused the TPNPB of being responsible for arson attacks on a school building, three teachers’ homes and a health centre (puskesmas) in Mayuberi village, North Ilaga district, on Sunday 2 May.
Hill & Associates Assessment
There is an increasing risk of civilians being caught in the middle of conflict between armed groups and security forces in remote areas of Puncak regency. Police have identified the presence of TPNPB fighters in Mayuberi, Kimak and Wuloni villages.
Local media sources reported that armed men - suspected to be TPNPB fighters - had threatened residents who were seeking refuge at government offices in Ilaga.
The leader of Kimak village said that Telenggen’s group had threatened to behead him for refusing to support them.
Police said that the armed group also destroyed parts of the Kimak Bridge and three main roads connecting several villages in North Ilaga district in an attempt to prevent people from leaving those areas.
Police and the TNI continue to evacuate locals from remote villages in North Ilaga district. The TPNPB is reported to have gained support among local youth who helped them damage roads in the district on 2 May.
The TPNPB has accused security forces of falsely claiming that it is targeting civilians to justify the deployment of more troops to Papua. Spokesman Sebby Sambom said in a statement released on 5 May that the group will continue to fight security forces and that the recent deployment of additional troops to Puncak regency will only exacerbate the conflict in Papua.
There is a high likelihood of further attacks and violence between armed groups and government security forces in Puncak regency as well as other areas where those groups are active, including in Intan Jaya, Mimika, Nduga and Tolikara regencies.
Weekend Outlook
At this time, there are no indications of any protests scheduled for Saturday 8 May and Sunday 9 May. Hill & Associates will be monitoring developments during the weekend. Should any incident occur that gives cause for concern, we will advise our present clients accordingly.