Three individuals identified by Indonesian authorities as members of the TPNPB-OPM’s Aikum Battalion have been detained by Indonesian military personnel in Maybrat, Papua Barat Daya (Southwest Papua), in an operation that highlights continuing efforts to improve security in conflict-affected parts of the region.
The three men, identified as Matius Aisasior, Yeremias Aisasior, and Zakarias Aikingking, were apprehended by the Indonesian Navy’s 9th Marine Infantry Battalion Task Force (Satgas Yonif 9 Marinir) in Kampung Franeway, Aifat Timur Jauh District, Maybrat Regency. Matius was identified by military authorities as the battalion commander, Yeremias as his deputy, and Zakarias as a member of the group.
The operation followed a period of intelligence gathering, field surveillance, and monitoring of movements around the Franeway forest area. According to the operational account published by Radar Pati and Cenderawasih Pos, personnel deployed to the area after receiving information about the group’s movements in mid-October 2026. The military said the three men eventually surrendered without resistance when troops approached the location where they had gathered.
The development was confirmed by Lieutenant General Lucky Avianto, Commander of the Joint Regional Defence Command III (Pangkogabwilhan III), in a statement reported by Indonesia’s national news agency ANTARA on October 31.
Beyond the arrests themselves, the operation has broader significance for security conditions in Papua Barat Daya, where violence and intimidation have affected communities, infrastructure projects, and the movement of civilians. Indonesian authorities have emphasized that protecting residents remains a central priority while continuing to encourage members of armed groups to abandon violence and return to civilian life.
Intelligence Gathering Preceded the Operation
The operational account published by Radar Pati provides a more detailed chronology of the activities leading to the apprehension.
According to that report, the initial information was received on October 18, 2026. It concerned the movements of the Aikum Battalion, led by Matius Aisasior, and indicated that members of the group were seeking to leave their previous hiding area in the Aisnak Forest, Moskona District, Teluk Bintuni Regency.
The report linked the group’s movements to security operations conducted on October 3 and October 9. It said the group was believed to have come under pressure following those operations and was attempting to move away from the forest area.
Military personnel also received information about communication activity believed to be associated with one of the group’s members. A mobile phone signal was reportedly detected through the Kumurkek telecommunications base station, with the signal direction identified in the eastern sector of Ainesra Forest.
The information was subsequently used to support the preparation of a field operation by the 9th Marine Infantry Battalion Task Force.
Rather than immediately approaching the suspected location, personnel organized surveillance and observation activities. The operational account stated that two teams were deployed to conduct reconnaissance and remain in position around the relevant forest sectors.
Troops Deployed to Topo and Ainesra
The next stage began in the early hours of October 22, when personnel started infiltrating the operational area at approximately 2 a.m. local time.
Between October 22 and 23, the teams conducted observation activities around Kampung Topo and the Ainesra sector. Their deployment was subsequently extended to the Ainesra Forest area between October 24 and 25.
The operation involved monitoring the surrounding environment before approaching the locations believed to be associated with the group.
According to the report, a drone was used during surveillance on October 24 at approximately 2 p.m. Personnel observed several unidentified individuals bathing in a small stream in the Franeway Forest area.
The aerial observation also identified women and children in the vicinity. The operational account stated that no weapons were visible at that particular moment.
The presence of families and other civilians in the area was an important element of the situation described in the report. It indicated that the location was not simply an isolated position occupied by armed personnel but an area where other people were also present.
Following the observation, military personnel adjusted their positions and divided into forward and rear security elements as they moved closer to the area.
Final Surveillance Identified Matius Aisasior
On October 25, surveillance continued from a distance of approximately 100 meters.
At around 12.30 p.m., personnel reportedly observed several unidentified individuals cooking and carrying out administrative activities. The operational report stated that no weapons were visible during this observation.
At approximately 4 p.m., a person identified by the surveillance team as Matius Aisasior was seen near the stream. He was reportedly not carrying a weapon at the time.
Observation continued into the evening. At approximately 6 p.m., three individuals were seen walking towards a main road while carrying flashlights. They were subsequently observed heading towards a house in Kampung Franeway.
According to the operational account, the three individuals were not carrying firearms or bladed weapons when they were observed moving towards the house.
The information enabled the teams to identify the location where the individuals had gathered. Personnel then prepared to approach the house.
Three Men Surrendered Without Resistance
At approximately 6.30 p.m., two teams carried out an interception at the house in Kampung Franeway.
The operational report identified the three individuals as Matius Aisasior, Yeremias Aisasior, and Zakarias Aikingking. They were detained without resistance, according to the account.
The team commander subsequently reported the result to the commander of the 9th Marine Infantry Battalion Task Force at around 7 p.m. A quick reaction force from the TK Aisa team then moved towards the location using tactical vehicles.
By approximately 7.15 p.m., the three men had been secured at the TK Aisa post.
The sequence, as described in the operational report, suggests that the military sought to establish the identities and movements of the individuals before carrying out the interception. The report also stated that personnel used a persuasive approach during the operation.
However, there is a discrepancy in the dates reported by different sources. The detailed operational account published by Radar Pati and Cenderawasih Pos identifies October 25 as the date of the interception. ANTARA’s report, quoting Lucky Avianto, states that the arrest took place on Thursday, October 29. The available reports do not explain the difference, so both dates are retained here rather than treating them as definitively reconciled.
Military Confirms the Arrests
Lieutenant General Lucky Avianto confirmed that the 9th Marine Infantry Battalion Task Force had detained three members of the TPNPB-OPM group in Maybrat.
According to ANTARA, Matius Aisasior was identified as the group’s battalion commander, while Yeremias Aisasior was described as his deputy. Zakarias Aikingking was identified as another member.
Lucky explained that the operation began with intensive monitoring of the group’s movements in Papua Barat Daya. Personnel detected Matius after he left the Aisnak Forest area in Moskona, which was suspected of being used as a hiding place by the group.
Troops then followed his movements to a house in Kampung Franeway, where Yeremias and Zakarias were already waiting.
The military commander said the interception was carried out through a persuasive approach and that the three men surrendered without resistance.
In a separate statement reported by Radar Pati, Lucky emphasized that persuasion remained an important part of the military’s approach in Papua.
He also stressed that military operations were conducted in accordance with applicable rules of engagement and national legislation.
“Sebagaimana kita ketahui bersama, beberapa waktu yang lalu kita berhasil menangkap beberapa tokoh, OPM, dan sebagian juga ada yang menyerahkan diri kembali ke pangkuan Ibu Pertiwi,” Lucky was quoted as saying.
His statement referred to a broader pattern of arrests and individuals choosing to leave armed groups. It also reflected the military’s stated intention to encourage further surrenders rather than relying exclusively on force.
Allegations of Violence Against Communities
Indonesian military authorities have linked Matius Aisasior’s group to a number of alleged violent incidents in Papua Barat Daya.
According to Lucky’s statement reported by ANTARA, the group was affiliated with an OPM network led by Denni Moss. The commander alleged that members of the network had been involved in attacks on security posts, assaults against workers on the Trans Bintuni road project, and intimidation and violence against local residents, particularly Indigenous Papuans.
These allegations are significant because insecurity can affect communities far beyond the immediate locations where armed confrontations take place.
Road construction workers, local traders, transport operators, and residents may face disruption when violence or threats make it difficult to move safely. Infrastructure projects can also experience delays, affecting the delivery of services and economic opportunities in remote districts.
Nevertheless, the allegations against the three detained individuals should be distinguished from proven criminal findings. The available reports describe the military’s assessment of the group’s alleged activities but do not provide judicial findings establishing individual responsibility for each incident.
Any further legal proceedings should therefore establish the facts and individual roles in accordance with applicable Indonesian law.
Security and Civilian Protection in Papua Barat Daya
The arrests come amid continuing security challenges in parts of Papua Barat Daya, including Maybrat and surrounding areas.
For residents, security is closely connected to everyday activities. Children need to attend school, health workers need to reach communities, traders need to transport goods, and construction workers need to carry out projects without intimidation or threats.
In areas where armed violence has occurred, restoring confidence requires more than military deployments. It also involves protecting civilians, maintaining access to public services, and ensuring that development activities can continue safely.
The military’s statement that civilian safety remains its priority is therefore an important part of the wider security agenda. The effectiveness of such an approach will depend on how consistently that commitment is implemented in the field, including through respect for the rights and safety of all residents.
At the same time, the military has called on other TPNPB-OPM members who remain in forested areas or elsewhere to lay down their weapons, approach military posts, and return to civilian life within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.
Lucky expressed hope that all parties would contribute to building a safer, more peaceful, and prosperous Papua.
A Call for Peace and a Return to Civilian Life
The apprehension of Matius, Yeremias, and Zakarias represents an operational development for Indonesian security forces in Maybrat. It also provides an opportunity to reinforce the importance of peaceful alternatives for individuals who remain involved in armed groups.
For communities affected by violence, a lasting improvement in security must be reflected in daily life. Families need to feel safe in their villages, children need uninterrupted access to education, and public infrastructure must be available to support economic and social activity.
The government’s broader development objectives in Papua will be easier to achieve when residents can participate in economic activity without fear of violence or intimidation. Security and development are therefore closely connected, particularly in remote areas where access to roads, health services, and education can already be challenging.
The military’s emphasis on persuasion and surrender may contribute to this process if accompanied by lawful procedures, civilian protection, and appropriate pathways for reintegration where applicable.
Conclusion
The detention of Matius Aisasior, Yeremias Aisasior, and Zakarias Aikingking by the 9th Marine Infantry Battalion Task Force demonstrates the Indonesian military’s continued efforts to address armed-group activity in Maybrat, Papua Barat Daya. The operation followed days of surveillance and culminated in the three individuals being secured without reported resistance. Indonesian authorities have also used the occasion to reiterate their preference for persuasive engagement and their call for other armed-group members to abandon violence.
However, the broader measure of success will be whether improved security translates into safer communities, uninterrupted public services, and stronger opportunities for local development. Protecting civilians, ensuring that allegations are handled through lawful procedures, and encouraging peaceful reintegration will remain essential. Ultimately, lasting stability in Papua requires more than successful security operations. It requires an environment in which residents can live safely, pursue education, develop their livelihoods, and take part in building a peaceful and prosperous future within Indonesia.
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