Thalandofpapua.com – In a tragic incident in Paniai Regency, Central Papua Province, a civilian named Rusli (40) was shot and killed by the armed group known as the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB). The head of information for the XVII/Cenderawasih Military Command, Lieutenant Colonel Candra Kurniawan, clarified that Rusli, who was also burned along with his vehicle, was not a soldier of the Indonesian Army (TNI AD), but a civilian working as a public transport (taxi) driver.
“The victim who was shot and burned along with his vehicle was purely a civilian who worked daily as a public transport (taxi) driver in Paniai,” stated Candra in Jayapura City on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.
Following the incident, the Free Papua Organization (OPM) disseminated false information on social media, claiming that the victim was a member of the TNI AD and even attached a photo to support their claim. Candra strongly refuted these allegations.
“That information is a hoax because it is clear that the victim was a civilian. The victim’s photo is very different from what OPM reported on social media. So, it is a hoax deliberately spread by OPM,” he explained.
Candra condemned the actions of the OPM, describing their attacks on civilians as cruel and heartless. He emphasized the detrimental impact these actions have on the local community.
“The incident of shooting and burning the driver in Paniai shows that OPM indeed has no heart; they are barbaric and cruel, causing the community to suffer and Papua to deteriorate,” he emphasized.
This incident highlights the ongoing violence and tension in the region, with civilians often caught in the crossfire of the conflict between separatist groups and the Indonesian government forces.
