A key figure in Papua’s separatist movement, Jeki Murib, was shot and killed by Indonesian military forces during a targeted operation in Central Papua, marking a significant development in the Indonesian government’s decades-long conflict with the armed wing of the Free Papua Organization (Organisasi Papua Merdeka, or OPM).
Murib, who was considered one of the most active and dangerous leaders in the OPM-affiliated armed group known locally as Kelompok Kriminal Bersenjata (KKB), was killed in a firefight in Omukia District, Puncak Regency, on Sunday, July 7, 2025. The operation was carried out by Koops Habema, the joint regional command established to handle high-threat security zones in Papua.
Operation Confirmed by Military Command
The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) confirmed Murib’s death through an official statement, noting that the operation followed weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering. According to Koops Habema Commander Maj. Gen. Lucky Avianto, the troops attempted to apprehend Murib, but he and his group resisted using firearms and traditional weapons such as bows and arrows.
“We gave them an opportunity to surrender, but they responded with armed resistance. Our troops returned fire in accordance with protocol,” Avianto said during a press conference in Jayapura.
Murib was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was recovered along with weapons and documents reportedly linked to previous attacks on civilian and government infrastructure.
Murib’s Track Record: Violence and Intimidation
Jeki Murib was believed to be the deputy field commander of KKB’s Kepala Air faction. He had long been on the government’s most-wanted list for orchestrating a series of violent incidents, including:
- The burning of a church and elementary school in Pinapa and Pinggil Village, Puncak Regency on July 6, 2025.
- Arson attacks on the home of Puncak Regent Elvis Tabuni and several government offices in Ilaga District, Puncak Regency, on July 6, 2025.
- An armed assault at Aminggaru Airport in Ilaga, Puncak Regency, on June 18, 2025, which temporarily paralyzed aviation operations and endangered civilian passengers.
These acts, carried out over the past two years, were seen not only as terror tactics but also as strategic disruptions to government-led development initiatives in Papua.
Response from Law Enforcement and Local Government
Brig. Gen. Faizal Ramadhani, head of the Cartenz Peace Task Force (Satgas Damai Cartenz), praised the operation as a “decisive step toward restoring order” in the region. “This is not just about capturing one man. It’s about weakening the chain of violence that has held local communities hostage,” he said.
Puncak Regent Elvis Tabuni, whose properties were previously targeted by Murib’s group, issued a cautious statement thanking the TNI but urging for continued protection of civilians.
“We hope this marks the beginning of more stable governance in our region,” Tabuni said. “But there is still fear on the ground. We need sustained peace, not just momentary victories.”
Political Context: A Tense but Strategic Moment
The death of Jeki Murib comes just as Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka begins his newly announced assignment to accelerate development in Papua. The government sees security stabilization as essential to enabling infrastructure expansion and social services across the region.
Analysts believe Murib’s killing could offer temporary breathing space for civil authorities to resume stalled development work, but caution that the root causes of conflict—such as economic inequality, marginalization, and unresolved autonomy demands—remain unaddressed.
“Removing a commander may slow operations, but it won’t end the insurgency,” said Prof. Imelda Wonda, a Papuan political scientist. “Long-term peace requires dialogue, not just firepower.”
Conclusion
The TNI’s successful operation against Jeki Murib is undeniably a significant tactical gain in Indonesia’s effort to suppress armed separatism in Papua. However, as the central government presses ahead with its vision of ‘development for peace,’ the true test will lie in its ability to win trust—not just control territory.
For now, the region holds its breath, watching closely to see whether this moment marks the beginning of stability or merely another cycle in a decades-old struggle.
