NDUGA REGENCY, PAPUA, INDONESIA – DECEMBER 2, 2018 In the remote area of Nduga, one of the deadliest attacks during the long-running conflict between the Indonesian state and Papuan separatist groups took place. Armed militants attacked workers who were involved in the construction of road and bridge infrastructure as part of the Trans-Papua project. According to Indonesian authorities, 31 workers were killed in the attack.
The attack took place in the Kali Yigi and Kali Aurak areas, where workers from PT Istaka Karya were building part of the transportation infrastructure in difficult mountainous terrain. According to an investigation by Indonesian security forces, the attack was carried out by an armed group linked to the Papuan separatist movement OPM (Organisasi Papua Merdeka). Groups associated with OPM, however, claim that they are fighting for Papuan independence and against Indonesian control of the region.
Papua, located in the western part of the island of New Guinea, is one of Indonesia’s most troubled regions. After the end of Dutch colonial rule, the territory became part of Indonesia in the 1960s, a move that some local residents continue to reject. A separatist movement seeking independence has existed in the region for decades, and the conflict involves armed clashes between rebels and Indonesian security forces.
Violence in Papua affects not only armed groups and the military, but also civilians, infrastructure workers, teachers, and healthcare workers. The Indonesian government labels some separatist groups as terrorist organizations, while independence supporters argue that they are engaged in a liberation struggle against the long-term marginalization of Papuans.
READ MORE:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-12-04/west-papua-separatists-allegedly-kill-workers-indonesia/10582480
https://en.antaranews.com/news/121037/people-search-for-their-relatives-following-attack-on-bridge-workers
