Human Rights Activist in Papua Condemns TPNPB-OPM Shooting at Hospital Complex

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Director of the Papua Justice and Human Integrity Foundation, Theo Hesegem, has condemned the attack near a hospital by the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM). According to Theo, the attack on police officers at the Wamena Regional Hospital, Jayawijaya Regency, Papua, on Wednesday night, May 28, 2025, violates international humanitarian law.

Theo stated that public places should not be disturbed even in situations of conflict. "As a human rights defender, I am deeply concerned about the shooting that occurred at the Wamena Hospital," said Theo in a written statement on Saturday, May 31, 2025.

Hospital areas, schools, churches, and mosques should be left undisturbed. "Even if they are enemies, those in the hospital area must be protected," Theo said.

Theo mentioned that an attack on healthcare facilities will disrupt the psychology of all patients and hospital staff. Therefore, he considered the shooting in the area of Wamena Hospital a violation of human rights because international humanitarian law prohibits attacks on vital objects for human survival.

Theo said international humanitarian law guarantees special protection for hospitals during armed conflict. Hospitals, including health facilities and units, must not be attacked. "Warring parties are also prohibited from attacking medical personnel."

Therefore, Theo urged TPNPB-OPM to refrain from further shooting up hospital areas. "The West Papua National Liberation Army should respect and comply with international humanitarian law," said Theo.

The shooting incident occurred in front of the Wamena Hospital, Jayawijaya Regency, Papua, on Wednesday night, May 28, 2025. TPNPB-OPM spokesperson, Sebby Sambom, claimed that two officers were shot.

He referred to the police officers as military personnel. "They were killed due to the 10-meter shooting distance," said Sebby in a written statement.

Chief of the Operation Cartenz' Peace, Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani, mentioned that the shooting victim was Police Brigadier Marsidon Debataraja. Unlike Sebby, Faizal only mentioned one victim from the shooting incident.

According to Faizal, Marsidon was shot by an unknown person while in a patrol car after transferring an accident victim to Wamena Hospital. "This is an intolerable, heinous criminal act," said Faizal in a written statement on Thursday, May 29, 2025.

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