On June 4, 2025, two construction workers, Rahmat Hidayat (45) and Saepudin (39), both from Purwakarta, West Java, were fatally shot while working on the construction of the Gereja Kristen Injili (GKI) Imanuel Church in Kwantapo Village, Asotipo District, Jayawijaya Regency, Papua. The attack was allegedly carried out by the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM), led by Egianus Kogoya.
Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants, armed with automatic weapons, opened fire on the workers without warning. One victim was shot in the head, while the other sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the armpit. The brutality of the attack has left the local community in shock and mourning.
Markus Murib, a local resident who survived the incident, expressed his anguish: “We are just ordinary people who want to live in peace. We don’t want to be victims of a conflict that isn’t ours.”
Community Outrage and Condemnation
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from religious leaders, local authorities, and community members. Reverend Eduard Su, Chairman of the Baliem Yalimo Klasis, stated, “The church is a place of peace, not a battlefield. This act is a desecration and an affront to our faith.”
Jayawijaya Deputy Regent Ronny Elopere emphasized that such actions are not part of a legitimate struggle but constitute acts of terrorism. He assured that local authorities, in coordination with national security forces, are committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice.
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A Pattern of Violence
This incident is part of a broader pattern of violence attributed to the TPNPB-OPM. In April 2025, at least 11 gold miners were killed in Yahukimo Regency. While the TPNPB-OPM claimed the victims were undercover military personnel, Indonesian authorities confirmed they were civilians.
Human rights organizations have documented numerous violations by the TPNPB-OPM, including kidnappings, destruction of infrastructure, and attacks on workers. These actions have instilled fear among local populations and disrupted efforts to develop the region.
Calls for Humanitarian Law Compliance
In response to the escalating violence, experts have urged the Indonesian military (TNI) to adhere to international humanitarian law when conducting operations against the TPNPB-OPM. Cahyo Pamungkas, a researcher at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), highlighted the importance of distinguishing between combatants and civilians to prevent further human rights abuses.
The Path Forward
The tragic killing of Rahmat Hidayat and Saepudin underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to address the conflict in Papua. This includes ensuring the protection of civilians, holding perpetrators accountable, and fostering dialogue to achieve lasting peace in the region.
As Papua continues to grapple with violence and unrest, the voices of its people—seeking peace and security—must be at the forefront of any resolution efforts.
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Conclusion
The brutal killing of two church construction workers in Wamena by the TPNPB-OPM highlights the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis in Papua. This incident is not isolated but part of a broader pattern of attacks targeting civilians, creating fear and instability in the region. While the perpetrators justify their actions as part of a struggle for independence, such acts constitute clear violations of human rights and humanitarian law.
The tragedy underscores the urgent need for a balanced and humane approach to resolving the conflict—one that includes the protection of civilians, accountability for all actors involved, and sincere efforts toward peace and dialogue. Without addressing the root causes of the conflict and prioritizing the welfare of innocent people, violence will only continue to rob Papua of peace and development.
