Patrol and search in Kenyam
Riyanto's account, released October 24, said the Rajawali VI Den 1 TNI Habema Task Force had sent a patrol to check reports of OPM members near the settlement in Kenyam District. The military identified the group involved as OPM Kodap III/Ndugama-Nderakma.
"When personnel were conducting area inspections, the group reportedly opened fire at the officers, leading to the exchange of gunfire," Riyanto said.
Troops later searched the positions the group had fired from and discovered the two bodies. According to Riyanto, other OPM members fled the scene.
The military reported collecting 18 mobile phones, communication devices, documents, group insignia and Rp 88 million in cash, along with two air rifles, bows and arrows, and sharp weapons. Riyanto said the items would be kept for examination under applicable regulations.
The formation's leadership and history
OPM Kodap III/Ndugama-Nderakma is led by Egianus Kogoya, a TPNPB-OPM regional commander identified by the Jamestown Foundation. Kogoya led the February 2023 abduction of New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens in Nduga's Paro district. Mehrtens remained captive until September 21, 2024.
The formation also claimed responsibility for killing 19 Trans Papua road project workers in Nduga in December 2018, according to detikX. Indonesian police had attributed that attack to an armed group under Kogoya's leadership.
The Free Papua Movement, or OPM, dates to the mid-1960s, detikX reported. Its founding preceded the 1969 Act of Free Choice, known as Pepera, the referendum that confirmed Papua's integration into Indonesia.
Earlier clashes in Nduga and Southwest Papua
TNI Habema personnel had also exchanged fire with TPNPB-OPM Kodap III Ndugama Derakma in Nduga Regency, Papua Pegunungan, on September 21, 2026, ANTARA News reported. Lt. Gen. Lucky Avianto, the Pangogabwilhan III commander, said the troops survived and drove the group farther from populated areas.
A separate clash took place on October 9 in Sungai Frambu, Maybrat District, Southwest Papua. ANTARA News reported that troops from the 9th Marine Infantry Battalion, serving under Operation Badai Kasuari 3.10, fought OPM's Sorong Raya regional command, Kodap IV.
Three OPM members were shot in that encounter. A body found there was believed to be regional operations commander Manfred Fatem, and troops recovered an AK-101 rifle.
Riyanto calls for respectful handling of bodies and dialogue
Addressing the October 23 deaths, Riyanto expressed concern about the loss of life and instructed his troops to treat both bodies with dignity and respect.
"Every life has value that must be respected. However, any armed threats to the safety of the public and officers must be addressed firmly and professionally," he said. "Our main objective is to maintain security so that the community can live without fear."
He also urged all parties to stop the violence and pursue dialogue. "To our brothers and sisters still in the forests and mountains, the path back to your families and communities is still open. Let us stop the violence and work together to build a better life for future generations in Papua," he said.
