TNI rescues 18 Freeport Indonesia’s workers after three-day standoff
Tuesday, January 13 2026 - 08:01 AM WIB
The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) have rescued 18 employees of PT Freeport Indonesia who were stranded for three days at Pos Tower 270 in the Tembagapura District, Mimika Regency, Central Papua, amid threats from the armed group known as the Free Papua Movement (OPM).
According to the TNI Information Center (Puspen TNI), the rescue operation was completed on Saturday, January 10, 2026, following a planned and covert operation conducted in mountainous terrain at elevations exceeding 2,500 meters above sea level. The area is classified as an object of national vital interest.
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Habema Operations Commander, Major General Lucky Avianto, said the operation was carried out under high-risk conditions with limited time and difficult access. TNI troops advanced quietly through extreme terrain to reach the stranded workers.
To support the operation and maintain the workers’ condition, the task force deployed aerial support, delivering medical supplies and logistics using cargo drones. After two days of operations, TNI forces regained control of Pos Tower 270 and evacuated all 18 workers safely.
Lucky confirmed that there were no casualties among the workers or security personnel involved in the operation.
Editing by Alexander Ginting