West Papua Rebels Burn Down Elementary School Allegedly Used by Indonesian Forces

On Wednesday, May 1, 2024, the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) burned down an elementary school building in Pogapa, Homeyo District, Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua. The attack was carried out by a group led by Keny Tipagau and Aprianus Bagubau. TPNPB spokesperson Sebby Sambom stated, "The troops burned down the school building because the school building was used by the Indonesian military and police. Apart from that, TNI members are also teachers at the school."

Why this matters: The destruction of educational facilities in Papua has severe consequences for the region's already struggling education system, exacerbating the existing disparities in access to quality education. The ongoing conflict between the West Papua National Liberation Army and the Indonesian government threatens the future of an entire generation of Papuan students, with far-reaching implications for the region's social and economic development.

The incident occurred just one day after the OPM attacked the nearby Homeyo Police Station on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, killing a civilian. The police station attack, believed to have been carried out by Kodap VIII Kemabu led by Undius Kogoya and Aibon Kogoya, took place approximately 50 meters from the targeted elementary school.

Footage from the Cartenz Peace Force Task Force showed the school engulfed in flames and smoke on Wednesday morning. The burning was followed by an exchange of gunfire between security forces and OPM members. Fortunately, the attack on the school building did not result in any casualties.

This latest incident adds to the OPM's growing record of terror attacks targeting educational facilities in Papua. Over the past three years, the group has burned down 17 schools in regions such as Intan Jaya, Puncak, and Bintang Mountains. Since 2021, the OPM has targeted elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools, disrupting the education of countless students in the area.

The attack on the elementary school in Pogapa occurred on theeve of National Education Day, which is celebrated annually on May 2 in Indonesia. This timing raises serious concerns about the safety and security of students and teachers in the region, with the ongoing conflict between the Indonesian government and the West Papua National Liberation Army continuing to have a profoundly negative impact on education in Papua.

The West Papua National Liberation Army, known also by the name Free Papua Movement (OPM), has been fighting for independence from Indonesia since the 1960s. The group has been accused of committing various human rights abuses and acts of violence against civilians, including attacks on schools and other public facilities. In response, the Indonesian government has maintained a heavy military presence in the region, leading to clashes and escalating tensions.

The ongoing conflict leaves the future of education in Papua uncertain. The burning of schools not only disrupts the learning process but also instills fear in students and teachers, making it difficult for them to continue their educational pursuits. The international community has called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and the protection of civilians, particularly children, in the affected areas.

The attack on the elementary school in Pogapa is the latest in a series of incidents that have targeted educational facilities in Papua. With 17 schools burned down in the last three years, the ongoing conflict between the West Papua National Liberation Army and the Indonesian government continues to have a devastating impact on the region's education system. As Sebby Sambom, spokesperson for the TPNPB, stated,"The troops burned down the school building because the school building was used by the Indonesian military and police. "This incident serves as a sobering illustration of the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and the protection of civilians, especially children, in the affected areas."

Key Takeaways

• TPNPB burned down an elementary school in Pogapa, Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua on May 1, 2024.
• The school was allegedly used by Indonesian military and police, leading to the attack.
• This is the 18th school burned down by OPM in Papua since 2021, disrupting education for countless students.
• The ongoing conflict between OPM and the Indonesian government threatens the future of education in Papua.
• The international community calls for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and protection of civilians, especially children.