Indonesia: Security forces, rebels clash at Aminggaru Airport, Puncak Regency, Papua Province, the evening of April 11

Event

Indonesian soldiers and police clashed with insurgents at Aminggaru Airport in Ilaga District, Puncak Regency, Papua Province, the evening of April 11. The incident occurred after the rebels, who are reportedly members of the group led by Guspi Waker, torched a helicopter at the facility. The aircraft's ownership is not immediately clear.

Local authorities will almost certainly maintain heightened security measures in the impacted area over the coming days. Security forces may deploy additional personnel and erect barriers on the approach to the airport. Localized transport disruptions are possible.

Aminggaru, Ilaga District, is around 102 km (63 miles) northeast of Timika.

Context

The fighting follows several incidents involving armed groups in Papua Province, including Intan Jaya and Puncak regencies, since early January. Armed organizations typically target Indonesian soldiers, police officers, and workers and facilities of foreign-owned resource extraction companies, specifically PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI), whose operations are centered on Mimika Regency. The incidents point to the continued tension between the people in Papua and Indonesian authorities, as people in Papua accuse the Indonesian central government of racial discrimination and that it does not sufficiently develop the provinces' infrastructure.