28 Mar 2019 | 12:47 PM UTC
Indonesia: Papua rebels threaten further attacks March 28
Papuan rebels release video on March 28 threatening more attacks on a highway project; increased militant activity likely in the coming weeks and months
Event
Independence fighters in Indonesian Papua released a video on Thursday, March 28, threatening to conduct more attacks on a highway project in the province. The video was reportedly produced in mid-March in the Nduga regency of Papua province. Increased militant activity, including attacks against road workers and security forces, are likely in Papua in the coming weeks and months, particularly in and near the Nduga regency.
Context
Suspected members of the National Liberation Army of West Papua (TPNPB) attacked soldiers guarding the construction project in the Nduga area on March 7, killing three soldiers. The Indonesian government is attempting to complete a 4300 km (2670 mi) Trans-Papua Highway from Merauke (Papua province) to Sorong (West Papua province). Militants have killed 95 people throughout the construction period, including 16 workers and one soldier during an attack in Nduga in December 2018.
TPNPB has been engaged in a low-level guerrilla rebellion since the province was integrated into Indonesia in the 1960s.
Advice
Individuals in Indonesia are advised to remain vigilant and exercise caution when traveling to Papua and West Papua, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities (e.g. travel permits) and home governments, and avoid all nonessential travel to Nduga regency and its surrounding areas. Travel to Papua and West Papua requires a permit and many Western governments advise against nonessential travel to the provinces due to the threat of civil unrest and violence.
