ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – 18 employees of PT Freeport Indonesia were trapped for three days in the rugged terrain of Tower 270, Tembagapura District, Mimika Regency, Central Papua, under direct threat from the armed group Free Papua Movement (OPM). Fortunately, the Indonesian military (TNI) successfully evacuated them unharmed.
Colonel (Navy) Agung Saptoadi, Head of TNI Public Information, stated that the rescue operation was carried out without any casualties, despite extremely challenging conditions and high levels of threat.
“This rescue operation was conducted in extreme terrain with limited time as a crucial factor. All personnel trapped were safely rescued without any casualties,” Agung said on Monday, January 12, 2026.
The evacuation was carried out covertly, navigating mountains over 2,500 meters above sea level.
The TNI task force also deployed cargo drones to deliver medical supplies and essential logistics, ensuring the workers’ conditions remained stable throughout the operation.
After two days, Tower 270 – a critical national asset – was secured, and all workers were evacuated safely and under control.
The incident highlights the TNI’s capability to respond to armed threats in Papua while maintaining the operation of strategic companies in conflict-prone areas. (AT Network)
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