Armed clashes between Indonesian security forces and the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPN PB) in Intan Jaya’s largest town Sugapa on 26 October 2021, resulted in the death of a two-year-old infant, Melpianus Sondegau. Another minor named Yoakim Majau, 6, sustained a bullet injury during the incident. Helpers brought both victims to the local health centre but were forced to return home as the health centre was already closed and health workers were not present. Witnesses claim that the shots came from the direction of the military command (Koramil) in Sugapa. The firefights lasted from the late afternoon until 9:00 pm. The security situation in Sugapa remains tense.
Melpianus Sondegau died several hours after the attack due to a bullet wound in the stomach (see photo on top, source: YKKMP). Yoakim Majau sustained a bullet injury in the back (see image below, source: YKKMP). According to the first information received, both victims were inside their houses as the shooting occurred. The bullets reportedly pierced the wall. A bullet reportedly injured a military member during the firefights.
Photo of a bullet wound on Yoakim Mujau’s back
