In a decisive operation hailed as one of the most significant counterinsurgency successes in Papua in recent years, Indonesian security forces shot and killed Enos Tipagau, a notorious commander of the Free Papua Movement (Organisasi Papua Merdeka—OPM), during a gunfight at Baitipa Village, Baitipa District, Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua Regency on Friday, July 5, 2025. The operation was jointly executed by the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), Koops Habema, and Indonesian National Police, Satgas Damai Cartenz—elite units deployed to restore peace in Papua’s conflict-ridden highlands.
According to official sources, Enos Tipagau was cornered at a secluded hideout after days of coordinated intelligence gathering. The encounter erupted into a fierce exchange of gunfire, resulting in Enos Tipagau’s death and the dispersal of his loyalist unit.
Brigadier General Izak Pangemanan, Commander of Satgas Damai Cartenz, confirmed the operation in a press conference Saturday morning. “We have neutralized Enos Tipagau, one of the masterminds of the recent wave of terror attacks in Papua. This is not only a strategic victory for our forces but also a critical step toward ensuring the safety and freedom of Papuan civilians who have long suffered from his violent campaigns.”
A Warlord of Fear: Enos Tipagau’s Violent Legacy
Enos Tipagau, believed to be in his early 30s, had earned infamy as the OPM’s operational commander in Intan Jaya and surrounding areas. He was linked to a long list of crimes spanning nearly a decade—atrocities that devastated local communities and disrupted public services.
Among the most gruesome incidents associated with Enos Tipagau and making him a high-value target for the Indonesian counterterrorism unit include:
- February 15, 2021: Involved in a gunfight in Mamba Village, Intan Jaya Regency, which resulted in the death of a TNI soldier, the late Prada Ginanjar.
- February 8, 2021: Involved in the shooting of a civilian named Ramli NR.
- October 26, 2021: Involved in a gunfight in Mamba Village, Sugapa District, which resulted in injuries to Asep Herman (a TNI member) and Yoakim Majau (6 years old) and a fatality, Apertinus Sondegau (2 years old).
- Enos Tipagau was also known to have ordered Undius Kogoya to send weapons and stated that his group was ready to carry out an attack.
- October 29, 2021: involved in the burning of a kiosk and an ambulance belonging to Bilorai Airport, which occurred in the airport complex, Intan Jaya Regency.
- Enos Tipagau was arrested by the ODC-2022 Task Force in Timika, Mimika Regency, on February 5, 2022. He was sentenced to three years in prison but escaped on February 17, 2023.
- Enos Tipagau was believed to involve several criminal acts, including arson attacks in schools and churches, smuggling to procure weapons and ammunition, and extortion of civilians.
The Final Operation: From Intelligence to Impact
The operation that ended Enos Tipagau’s life was the result of a joint intelligence campaign led by Koops Habema and Satgas Cartenz. Military drones, local informants, and surveillance patrols had been monitoring movement in Intan Jaya’s dense jungles for weeks.
On July 5, 2025, acting on credible intelligence, joint forces moved in on a remote settlement believed to be Enos Tipagau’s hideout. As security forces approached, the militants opened fire, prompting a tactical response from the TNI. The shootout lasted nearly an hour before the area was secured.
“We were under strict orders to minimize collateral damage and avoid harming civilians,” said a senior military source. “The operation was conducted with precision and discipline, reflecting our commitment to law, order, and human rights.”
Enos Tipagau’s body was later evacuated to Timika, and his identity was confirmed through facial recognition and intelligence records. A cache of weapons and separatist documents was seized at the site.
Relief and Cautious Hope Among Civilians
In Intan Jaya and nearby regencies such as Paniai and Nabire, the death of Enos Tipagau was met with a mixture of relief, grief, and cautious optimism. Many residents view his demise as a long-overdue reckoning with the armed terror that has disrupted daily life, caused school closures, and blocked access to health services.
“We have prayed for peace for years,” said Yonas, a local pastor in Sugapa. “This man brought only violence. His death, while tragic, might be the start of something better for our children.”
Community leaders urged the government to follow security gains with tangible development, such as rebuilding infrastructure damaged during past OPM assaults.
Government and Security Officials Speak Out
In Jakarta, Indonesian officials hailed the operation as a turning point in the state’s ongoing efforts to neutralize armed separatist threats in Papua while emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to peace.
“Security enforcement alone is not enough,” said Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Hadi Tjahjanto. “We must follow this success with inclusive dialogue, development, and the protection of Papuan cultural identity. That is President Prabowo’s directive—peace with dignity.”
The TNI also used the occasion to urge remaining separatist elements to surrender. “There is still time to return to the fold of the Republic,” said Maj. Gen. Iwan Setiawan of Koops Habema. “We are ready to welcome those who lay down their weapons and contribute to a peaceful Papua.”
A Broader Strategy for Peace
The killing of Enos Tipagau aligns with Indonesia’s broader strategy in Papua, combining security operations with accelerated development initiatives—including infrastructure expansion, healthcare access, education reform, and digital connectivity—particularly in underdeveloped areas like Intan Jaya.
Satgas Damai Cartenz has also been actively promoting cultural diplomacy, trauma healing, and reconciliation efforts, including outreach to tribal leaders and youth groups. These programs aim to counter separatist narratives and foster trust between the central government and indigenous Papuans.
Conclusion
The elimination of Enos Tipagau sends a powerful message: that violent extremism and armed separatism will not be tolerated, especially when they target civilians and obstruct progress. For the people of Papua—many of whom are weary of conflict—the event may mark a fresh opportunity to move forward toward lasting peace, justice, and inclusion within the Republic of Indonesia.
Yet the path ahead remains complex. With sporadic violence still reported in other regions and lingering grievances among some indigenous communities, real peace will require a sustained commitment to reconciliation, dignity, and development. As Enos Tipagau’s chapter closes, a new one begins—one that must be written with courage, compassion, and unity.
