Interim President: Two Papuans killed as ULMWP commemorates OPM declaration

June 30, 2026

Today, we commemorate the 55th anniversary of the independence declaration of the OPM at Markas Victoria on July 1, 1971. This historic declaration, the second in the history of West Papua, was a critical moment in our struggle – a powerful rejection of Indonesian colonisation and the Act of No Choice that enabled it. As enshrined in our constitution, the ULMWP recognises all such declarations as legitimate.

Ongoing Indonesian brutality reminds us why we must uphold the spirit of 1971. In Titigi village, Intan Jaya yesterday (29th June), Indonesian soldiers opened fire on two minors, Duad Hagismijau (aged 18) and Kiko Hagismijau (aged 16). The youngsters, who are now being treated in hospital, were working on the construction of a Catholic Church in their village when the attack began. More than 2000 villagers were displaced by this latest display of colonial violence, adding to the 122,000+ refugees dispersed throughout West Papua.

Intan Jaya is a warzone. The Titigi assault was followed by further drone attacks on Danggoa Village – already the site of a previous drone-executed civilian killing – and Dangomba Village, Hitadipa District. On the same day, the TNI opened fire on two Papuan civilians near a military base by the Dogabu river, also in Hitadipa. One of them, a minor named Sandibega Agimbau, was hit by an “Asoka” shell; the other, a shepherd called Edianus Agimbau, suffered gunshot injuries and later died of his wounds. His last words, as recorded by Mr Agimbau, were “I cannot walk any further”.

Later that same day, the military claimed yet another victim, this time in Tolikara Regency. A man named Krona Penggu was shot and killed by Indonesian soldiers near the Tolikara border. The ULMWP demands that Indonesia immediately withdraws its colonial military from Intan Jaya and across the highlands, in order to allow refugees to return to their homes. They must also immediately cease using drones to drop bombs on Papuan civilians, a direct contravention of international law. 

Through our Provisional Government, the ULMWP is carrying forward the spirit of the Provisional Government declared by Jacob Prai and Seth Rumkorem in 1971. With our government-in-waiting, our cabinet, Regional Executives, and thousands of representatives, we stand ready and waiting to take control of our country.

As we reflect on 1971 and the sacrifices we have made in 60 years of Indonesian rule, I invite our people to unite. West Papua is one spirit, one people, one soul. Only unity will bring us to the promised land.

Benny Wenda
Interim President
ULMWP