Indonesia: Two soldiers killed in attack in Papua December 17

Event

At least two Indonesian soldiers were killed in a suspected separatist militants ambush in the Intan Jaya Regency (Papua) on Tuesday, December 17. The incident occurred at around 15:30 (local time) when approximately ten armed militants attacked soldiers and local residents near Kulapa Village. The militants reportedly exchanged gunfire with the soldiers. A heightened security presence is expected. Similar attacks cannot be ruled out.

Context

A low-level separatist guerrilla rebellion is ongoing in Papua and West Papua since Indonesian independence in the 1960s. Violent protest erupted in Papua in August, prompting authorities to deploy around 6000 additional military and police personnel in the region.

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 their home governments, and avoid all public demonstrations.