TNI Refutes TPNPB-OPM's Allegation of Using Children in Espionage

April 15, 2025 | 04:44 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian National Army (TNI) has dismissed the allegations made by the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) regarding the involvement of children in espionage operations in Papua.

The Head of the TNI Information Center, Brigadier General Kristomei Sianturi, stated that the allegations are baseless and are a propaganda effort by TPNPB-OPM to gain public sympathy.

"The closeness of the TNI to children in Papua is aimed at thwarting the infiltration of violent ideologies," said Kristomei in a text message on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.

He further explained that the soldiers' closeness to children and vulnerable groups in Papua is aimed at creating a safe environment. According to him, this step is a preventive measure by the TNI to break the chain of conflict.

Kristomei elaborated that in addition to protection, the TNI is also involved in territorial development, such as assisting in the improvement of education, health services, and the development of the younger generation.

"This is a form of commitment to protect and end prolonged conflicts in Papua," he said.

Ironically, Kristomei pointed out that it is actually the TPNPB-OPM that frequently involves children and women in their military activities, including espionage and logistical support. “This kind of propaganda has been used repeatedly,” he said.

Previously, Sebby Sambom, spokesperson for TPNPB headquarters, claimed that the TNI and Indonesian National Police (Polri) often engages children and women in their territorial operations, particularly for intelligence gathering.

Sambom alleged that their purpose is to collect information on the location and strength of TPNPB battalions.

“They use children and mothers to avoid drawing suspicion. But indigenous Papuans will not betray us,” said Sambom.

He continued to explain that in this involvement, the TNI-Polri uses coercion or deceives children and women with incentives. Because of these threats and coercion, Sambom claimed, many children later choose to stay and seek refuge in the TPNPB militia headquarters.

"They are not safe outside. We have warned that this is a matter between combatants. Do not use children to spy on us," he said.

Tempo previously reported that children in Papua are at risk of becoming militia members. The article, published on Sunday, April 13, highlighted that children caught in the conflict are victims of violence.

Frits Ramandey, Head of the Secretariat Office of the Papua Regional National Commission on Human Rights, confirmed the presence of child militias in the region, based on his communication with the TPNPB through intermediaries.

He stated that while these children are still closely connected to the militia, “Their involvement is not direct,” said Frits.

Frits also reminded both TPNPB-OPM and the TNI-Police of the rules set out in international humanitarian law, specifically the 1949 Geneva Convention IV and the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child.

These conventions, he explained, explicitly prohibit the involvement and participation of children in armed conflict.

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