Two Shootings in a Week in Trans-Papua, Four Civilians Dead: How Safe Is the Vital Route?

Violence has once again erupted in Papua Pegunungan. A public transport driver, Aris Sanda, was killed in a shooting on the Wamena-Nduga stretch of the Trans-Papua road in Jayawijaya Regency on Tuesday (15/9/2026). The victim's body was found charred inside a burned car. The West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) claimed responsibility for the attack.

This is the second such incident in the past week. Previously, three civilians were reported killed in a similar incident in the same area. The Head of Information for the Habema Operations Command, Lieutenant Colonel Wirya Arthadiguna, confirmed the discovery of the victim's body burned along with the vehicle. So far, there are no further details on the chronology of the attack.

This series of attacks raises a fundamental question: how safe is the Trans-Papua route for civilians? The hundreds-of-kilometers road connecting Wamena and Nduga is the economic and logistical lifeline of the central highlands. Trade, distribution of staple goods, and population mobility depend heavily on the route. When security on this route is disrupted, the impact is not only local but could also destabilize supply in surrounding regencies.

In a broader context, the escalation of violence in Papua Pegunungan tests the government's ability to balance security operations and civilian protection. So far, the security approach in Papua has often drawn criticism for being seen as sacrificing human rights and failing to address the root of the problem. The presence of armed groups such as TPNPB-OPM shows that the conflict has not been resolved politically.

"We found the victim's body charred inside a burned car," said Lieutenant Colonel Wirya Arthadiguna, as quoted from an official statement.

The impact of this insecurity is not only direct. Public transport drivers, traders, and residents wanting to travel are the most vulnerable groups. They are often targeted because they are seen as representatives of the state or for economic reasons. In addition, access to health and education services in remote areas could be hampered if the transport route is no longer safe.

Local governments and security forces need to take concrete steps immediately. Increased patrols, securing hotspots, and dialogue with community leaders are among the options that could be considered. However, without resolving the root of the conflict, the potential for further violence remains open. Civil society is also demanding safety guarantees, not just promises.

Going forward, public attention will be on the government's response. Will there be a comprehensive evaluation of the security strategy in Trans-Papua? Or will this incident pass without significant improvement? What is clear is that civilian safety must not be gambled in the vortex of a protracted conflict.