Indonesian military denies role in Papua church bombing

The May 17 bombing in the courtyard of St Paul Nabuni Catholic Church in Mbamogo village in Intan Jaya left four people injured. The incident followed several drone‑related attacks reported in Papua.

Wirya Arthadiguna, spokesperson for Indonesian military (TNI) Habema Operation Command, rejected allegations circulating on social media that soldiers may have been linked to the May 17 bombing. He said that the grenade fragments found at the scene “do not match the standard equipment used by the TNI”.

Wirya also dismissed claims that drones were used in the attack.

“The TNI does not use armed drones to attack civilians, especially in places of worship. The TNI always prioritises a humanist security approach and protects the people of Papua,” he said.

He urged the public not to spread unverified information. The TNI, he added, has coordinated with Church leaders to assist victims and promised “transparent updates based on verified facts from the field”.

The bombing deeply shocked Catholic communities associated with the church, which is under the Diocese of Timika.

Tino Mote, chairman of Catholic Youth in Central Papua, urged national leaders to intervene. He called the incident “a brutal act of terror by irresponsible individuals” and urged President Prabowo Subianto, the TNI commander, and the national police chief to order a full investigation.

He also called on lawmakers to visit Intan Jaya.

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Indonesian military denies role in Papua church bombing (UCA News)