OPM Rebels in the West Papuan Province of Indonesia have shot down an Indonesian military helicopter as the Pro-independence movement continues to fight against one of the world’s biggest military forces.
The helicopter is said to be owned by TNI (Indonesian Military) and shot down by the TPNPB group of the OPM – the National Liberation Army for West Papua.
The event occurred on April 24th, 2019 in the Derakma District, Ndugama Papua area.
According to reports, these facts have been deliberately covered up by the Indonesian authorities. The police and military in Indonesia have never released any reports on this incident.
The demand for Independence for West Papua has gone on for many years and thousands of lives and properties have been lost.
The report was initially released by the Spokesman of KOMNAS TPNPB-OPM, Mr. Sebby Sambom.
Mixed Reactions from Neighboring Melanesian Countries
Following the event, there have been mixed reactions from around the world.
In the neighboring Papua New Guinea, people have celebrated with the OPM (Operasi Papua Merdeka) rebels calling this a triumph from a suppressed minority ethnicity who suffered atrocities and human rights abuse for too long.
On the PNG Anti-corruption Movement page, a member applauded the OPM of a successful operation calling the Indonesian Military as illegal occupants in West Papua.
“Blow more of those helicopters out of the air” commented another member. Neighboring Melanesian countries have been divided in terms of support for West Papua.
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