Papua Rebels and Indonesian Police exchange fire in the Nduga region, Papua Pegunungan Province, Indonesia. The shootout occurred on Monday, May 29, 2023.

Police Grand Commissioner Adjutant Rio Alexander Panelewen as Head of Police Station Nduga, said the gunfight that occurred last Monday started with the case of Papua Rebels asking for money and pointing guns at civilians. Papua Rebels had entered shops owned by civilians to ask their money.

One of the residents reported to the police, and based on this information, the police came to the scene. Papua Rebels members tried to escape when police crossed the location and there was gunfire from Monday morning to afternoon.

Rio said that when the shooting occurred, none of the police officers were injured. While in the Papua Rebels groups it is suspected that someone was hit by a bullet. Investigation after the gunfire, the police found bloodstains that were suspected to be the result of a gunshot wound. “When we combed the traces of their escape, we found traces of blood,” he said.

Rio suspected that the Papua Rebels involved in the shooting were the group led by Yotam Bugiangge. Yotam is a retired Indonesian Army, who initially joined the Egianus Kogoya group, but the two split up. Papua Rebels led by Yotam has around 25 members,” said Rio.

After the shooting occurred, 156 civilians from Nogolait Village, Papua Pegunungan Province were forced to flee to Kenyam District, the capital of Nduga Regency, Papua Mountains. Civilians were temporarily accommodated at the Siloam Church. Civilians are afraid to stay in their homes because previously Papua Rebels asked for money and aim the gun,” said Rio.