First Separatist Attack in 2025 Claims the Life of One Police Officer in Papua Highlands
In a tragic turn of events, a police officer lost his life in the first separatist attack of 2025 in the Papua Highlands. The incident took place in the PT AMO area in Yalimo, where the armed separatist group known as the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) ambushed the police patrol team.
Details of the Attack
The victim, Briptu Iqbal Anwar Arif, was a member of the Peace Operation Task Force Cartenz. On Friday, January 17, 2025, while conducting a security patrol near PT AMO, Briptu Iqbal Anwar was fatally shot by the separatist group. Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani, head of the Peace Operation Task Force Cartenz, confirmed the tragic incident and expressed condolences to the fallen officer’s family.
During the patrol, the team encountered an obstruction on the road, prompting them to investigate. As they approached the site, gunshots rang out from the right side of the road, hitting Briptu Iqbal Anwar. Despite efforts to save him, the officer succumbed to his injuries on the spot.
Response and Aftermath
Following the attack, Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani stated that Briptu Iqbal Anwar’s body was promptly evacuated and flown to Jakarta for burial. This incident marks the beginning of a deadly trend in 2025, with armed separatist groups targeting security forces in the region.
The Peace Operation Task Force Cartenz reported a total of 16 security personnel casualties in 2024, including 10 Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) members and eight police officers. Additionally, 28 civilians lost their lives due to separatist attacks in the same period.
Impact on Security Forces and Community
The loss of Briptu Iqbal Anwar highlights the dangers faced by security personnel operating in conflict-prone areas like Papua. The continuous threat of separatist attacks not only endangers the lives of officers but also undermines the safety and stability of the local communities.
As authorities investigate the incident and work to enhance security measures, the sacrifice of Briptu Iqbal Anwar serves as a solemn reminder of the risks faced by those dedicated to maintaining peace and order in challenging environments. Our thoughts are with his family and colleagues during this difficult time.
