Indonesia: Security forces thwart militant attack on airport in Intan Jaya regency (Papua province) October 7

Event

Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) thwarted an attack by suspected armed separatist militants on Bilogai-Sugapa Airport (UGU) in the Sugapa district (Intan Jaya regency; Papua province) on Wednesday, October 7. Following previous threats by armed separatist groups to carry out attacks on various targets, including airports, two men carrying rifles were spotted coming out the bush around UGU. A TNI patrol fired warning shots, causing the armed suspects to flee. Patrols have been increased following the incident. On the same day in Sugapa district, a church pastor was shot in Emondi by unknown gunmen. The pastor is being treated for their wounds in hospital. No group has claimed responsibility for either attack, although armed separatist groups are known to operate in the area.

An increased security presence is expected in the Sugapa district in the coming days, particularly around UGU.

Context

A low-level separatist guerrilla rebellion has been ongoing in Papua and West Papua since Indonesian independence in the 1960s.

Advice

Those in Intan Jaya and Papua province in general are advised to exercise a high level of vigilance and report any suspicious activity or items to security forces. Travelers should monitor local media sources for related updates and heed all directives issued by local authorities.