Papuan Separatists attacked the Indonesian Army Post Battalion 133/YS in Maybrat Regency, Southwest Papua. One soldier died and another was in critical condition as a result of the attack.

Task Force members initially finished carrying out Christmas services at Kisor Church, Kampung Bousah, South Aifat, Maybrat, on Christmas Day 2023. They then headed to the Army Post in Bousah to carry out guard duty until 10 shots were heard.

“After carrying out Christmas worship activities, Indonesian soldiers who were on guard at the post were shot dead by Papuan Separatists. This happened at 14.00 WIT and there were two victims, one died and one was injured.” said Indonesian Soldier Totok Sutriono.

The two members who were shot were named Pratu Frangky Gulo and Kopda Hendrianto. Both of them were immediately evacuated to the nearest hospital.

“Two personnel, Pratu Frangky Gulo, received gunshot wounds to the right side of the stomach (they were conscious) and they were operated on and Kopda Hendrianto died from a gunshot to the head,” he said.

Totok condemned the actions of Papuan Separatists who carried out attacks during the Christmas celebrations. “But what happened here was that the situation was still Christmas day, but in my opinion an incident like this was not good. The Indonesian soldiers finished their Christmas worship activities. Then someone was on guard at the post, but was shot dead by Papuan Separatists,” he said.

The body of Kopda Hendrianto, who was the victim of the Papuan Separatist shooting, was returned to Jambi Province. The victim’s body was flown by plane.