Latest news with #KristomeiSianturi

TimesLIVE
16-05-2025
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
Eighteen separatists killed in Papua region, says Indonesian military
Indonesia's military has killed 18 Papuan separatists during an operation in its easternmost region of Papua, an official said on Thursday, and three civilians also died. The military seized dozens of munitions, including an assault rifle, bows and arrows and an unspecified homemade weapon during Wednesday's operation, military spokesperson Kristomei Sianturi said. The Indonesian military sustained no casualties. A spokesperson for the Papua separatists Sebby Sambom said three of their members had died. Three civilians were killed during the shoot-out between rebels and soldiers, a prominent church group with a chapter in Papua said, citing local church reports. Nearly 1,000 people have been evacuated.


The Star
15-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Indonesian military says 18 separatists killed in operation in Papua region
Military Command (Kodam) I/Bukit Barisan commander Maj. Gen. Rio Firdianto (left) sends off his soldiers who will depart for border security duty in Papua at Belawan Port on April 1, 2025. - Photo: Antara JAKARTA: The Indonesian Military (TNI) has killed 18 Papuan separatists during an operation in its easternmost region of Papua, an official said on Thursday (May 15). The military seized dozens of munitions, including an assault rifle, bows and arrows and an unspecified homemade weapon during Wednesday's operation, TNI spokesperson Kristomei Sianturi said in a statement. It said the Indonesian military sustained no casualties. A spokesperson for the Papua separatists did not immediately respond to requests for comments. Rebels have fought a low-level campaign for independence in the resource-rich Papua region bordering Papua New Guinea ever since the area was controversially brought under Indonesian control following Dutch rule in a vote overseen by the United Nations in 1969. The rebels have previously taken foreigners hostage, including a group of 26 wildlife researchers in 1996 and a New Zealand pilot who was released last year after being held for 19 months. Last month, the rebels said they had killed more than 17 people, saying they were soldiers disguised as gold miners. The Indonesian military has deployed some personnel in the area of Wednesday's operation to "anticipate movements" from the remaining rebels, the statement said. - The Jakarta Post/ANN

Straits Times
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Eighteen separatists killed in Papua region, Indonesian military says
- Indonesia's military has killed 18 Papuan separatists during an operation in its easternmost region of Papua, an official said on May 15, and three civilians also died. The military seized dozens of munitions – including an assault rifle, bows and arrows and an unspecified homemade weapon – during the May 14 operation, military spokesman Kristomei Sianturi said in a statement. It said the Indonesian military sustained no casualties. A spokesperson for the Papua separatists did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Three civilians were killed during the shootout between rebels and soldiers, a prominent church group with a chapter in Papua said, citing local church reports. Nearly 1,000 people have been evacuated. Mr Ronald Rischard, the head of the group's Papua chapter, told reporters the attack came as villagers were asleep, urging the country's rights body to independently investigate the incident. 'This has become a cycle of violence,' he said, condemning collateral damage on civilians as a child's ear was razed by a bullet, although he said it is unclear who fired the shots. Rebels have fought a low-level campaign for independence in the resource-rich Papua region bordering Papua New Guinea ever since the area was controversially brought under Indonesian control following Dutch rule in a vote overseen by the United Nations in 1969. The rebels have taken foreigners hostage, including a group of 26 wildlife researchers in 1996 and a New Zealand pilot who was released in 2024 after being held for 19 months. The rebels said in April they had killed more than 17 people, saying they were soldiers disguised as gold miners. The Indonesian military has deployed personnel in the area of May 14's operation to anticipate movements from the remaining rebels, the statement said. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.


Nikkei Asia
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Nikkei Asia
Indonesia military says 18 separatists killed in Papua region
JAKARTA (Reuters) -- Indonesia's military has killed 18 Papuan separatists during an operation in its easternmost region of Papua, an official said on Thursday. The military seized dozens of munitions, including an assault rifle, bows and arrows and an unspecified homemade weapon during Wednesday's operation, military spokesperson Kristomei Sianturi said in a statement.

Straits Times
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Indonesia military says 18 separatists killed in operation in Papua region
Indonesia military says 18 separatists killed in operation in Papua region JAKARTA - Indonesia's military has killed 18 Papuan separatists during an operation in its easternmost region of Papua, an official said on Thursday. The military seized dozens of munitions, including an assault rifle, bows and arrows and an unspecified homemade weapon during Wednesday's operation, military spokesperson Kristomei Sianturi said in a statement. It said the Indonesian military sustained no casualties. A spokesperson for the Papua separatists did not immediately respond to request for comments. Rebels have fought a low-level campaign for independence in the resource-rich Papua region bordering Papua New Guinea ever since the area was controversially brought under Indonesian control following Dutch rule in a vote overseen by the United Nations in 1969. The rebels have previously taken foreigners hostage, including a group of 26 wildlife researchers in 1996 and a New Zealand pilot who was released last year after being held for 19 months. Last month, the rebels said they had killed more than 17 people, saying they were soldiers disguised as gold miners. The Indonesian military has deployed some personnel in the area of Wednesday's operation to "anticipate movements" from the remaining rebels, the statement said. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.