Indonesian military kills OPM leader Hermanus Hogajau in Papua clash

The Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) confirmed that Hermanus Hogajau, also known as Pontianus Hogajau, was killed during an armed clash with military personnel in the Agisiga Subdistrict of Intan Jaya, Central Papua. The engagement occurred in the early hours of Friday, September 25.

Hogajau, identified as the commander of the TPNPB-OPM Kodap III Balamai Dulla, was killed alongside three subordinates: Malobega Hogajau, Eselon Hogajau, and Aguni Hogajau. Lt. Gen. Lucky Avianto, Commander of the Joint Regional Defense Command III, stated that Hogajau was a prominent and violent figure accused of various human rights abuses, including the rape of village women and health workers, robbery, kidnapping, and the burning of schools and churches.

The military reported that Hogajau initiated the confrontation by firing hundreds of rounds from a machine gun at TNI personnel. The operation involved the 315 Garuda Infantry Battalion and the Taipur Team of the Habema Joint Operations Command, who had reportedly intercepted plans for the group to enter residential areas in ten villages.