JAKARTA — Six people, including teachers and health workers, were killed in an attack allegedly carried out by an armed group in Papua on Friday, March 21, 2025. The incident, which took place in Anggruk District, Yahukimo Regency, has led to the evacuation of dozens of humanitarian workers to safer areas.
A total of 46 teachers and health workers stationed in the region were flown to Wamena, Jayawijaya Regency, and Sentani, Jayapura Regency, using a small aircraft operated by Adventist Aviation Indonesia. The move was taken in response to the growing threats faced by educators and medical personnel in the conflict-ridden area.
“According to the latest information, 38 people have been flown to Jayapura, while eight remain in Wamena,” said Zet Saalino, a representative of the Toraja Family Association (IKT) in Papua Province, who visited the evacuees at Mess Advent Doyo Baru in Jayapura Regency.
The Indonesian military confirmed that four of the six victims have been identified. “They include three teachers and one healthcare worker: Ms. T, Ms. F, Mr. F, and Ms. I. The identities of the remaining two victims are still being verified,” said Colonel Candra Kurniawan, spokesman for Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih.
This attack is not an isolated incident. Several other districts surrounding Anggruk, including Heriyapini, Kosarek, Ubalihi, Nisikni, Disteik, Walma, and Kabiyanggama, have also requested evacuations, signaling a growing threat to those working in public service sectors.
The separatist group, the West Papua National Liberation Army–Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM), has claimed responsibility for the attack. In a press statement, their spokesman, Sebby Sembom, stated that they had targeted homes they believed to be intelligence posts and killed six individuals they accused of being part of the state apparatus.
Violence in Papua has persisted for decades, with separatist groups seeking independence clashing with Indonesian security forces. The escalation of attacks on teachers and medical workers raises concerns that the long-standing conflict is expanding, endangering civilians serving in remote areas.
The Indonesian government has yet to issue an official statement on its next course of action in response to the attack. However, the large-scale evacuation of humanitarian workers from the region underscores the increasing level of threat. ***
