TNI Information Chief Says Civilian Spy Accusations Are Mere Terror and Intimidation

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Head of the TNI Information Center (Kapuspen) Major General Muhammad Nas denied claims that civilians shot by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) in Papua were TNI spies.

"That claim always comes up. When you look at it, it’s nothing more than terror and intimidation," Muhammad Nas said at Silang Monas Field, Jakarta, Sunday (9/20/2026).

He added that such accusations have been made multiple times before.

In fact, the civilians who become victims of shootings often help the Papuan community.

"We often see incidents like these. Several times it’s been said that they are TNI spies or intelligence agents, but clearly they are community members trying to make a living or even assisting the economy of the Papuan people themselves," he explained.

Muhammad Nas revealed that there have been no changes in TNI operations following the recurring shooting cases in Papua.

However, he emphasized that efforts to pursue the shooters will continue.

"For now, we are still running the same operational pattern, but activities, operations, and pursuits are intensified. There is no change in the operations yet," he stated.

TNI Commander General Agus Subianto stressed the importance of collaboration in resolving the conflict in Papua.

"I believe solving Papua’s issues is not only the responsibility of TNI; everyone must collaborate. Regional governments, ministries, because it’s similar to all other regions," the Commander said at Silang Monas Field, Jakarta, Sunday (9/20/2026).

Agus mentioned that his forces have been deployed to secure the Papua region.

However, he acknowledged that Papua’s vast area presents a unique challenge for the troops in maintaining security.

"We have deployed units in Papua. Papua is indeed very vast, with extensive and extremely mountainous terrain," he said.

It is known that the KKB claimed the pickup driver shot dead in Jayawijaya Regency, Papua Highlands, was a TNI spy.

Similar accusations were made by the KKB when they shot three civil servants from the Jayawijaya Regency Agriculture Service.