Indonesia: Increased security in Papua province following security incidents September 21

Event

Security forces announced that they were increasing patrols in the Intan Jaya district of Papua province on Monday, September 21, following several security incidents in recent days linked to separatist groups. On Saturday, September 19, a soldier was killed after being shot in an attack by suspected separatists in an ambush in the district. A local pastor was also reported to have been killed in a separate attack in the same area on Saturday whilst tending his livestock.

The incidents follow several similar attacks in the area in recent weeks, including the killing of a soldier near Sugape and a local motorcycle taxi driver on Thursday, September 17.

Further separatist attacks are likely in the Intan Jaya area in the medium term.

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.