In a recent development in Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) have debunked claims by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) that they killed 11 TNI soldiers. Contrary to the circulating rumors, the TNI clarified that the 11 individuals were not soldiers but gold miners working in the area. The hoax gained traction after the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM) alleged that the 11 Yahukimo residents were Indonesian intelligence operatives.
TNI’s Head of Information Center, Brigadier General Kristomei Sianturi, addressed the issue in an interview on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. “Propaganda or deceitful tactics like these have often been spread by the KKB. This includes the claim that these 11 people were soldiers. Soldiers have their names recorded and registered,” he stated, dismissing the false narrative.
The spread of such misinformation highlights ongoing tensions in the region, where separatist groups like the KKB and TPNPB-OPM frequently clash with Indonesian forces. The TNI emphasized that these hoaxes are part of a broader strategy to mislead the public and escalate conflict.
TNI, KKB, Yahukimo, Papua Pegunungan, hoax, gold miners, TPNPB-OPM, Indonesian soldiers, propaganda, misinformation, Kristomei Sianturi, separatist conflict, Papua violence.
