Catholic teacher killed in an attack by Papuan separatists

Rosalia Rerek Sogen, 30, from the diocese of Larantuka, was shot in an attack by a group of militiamen along with other colleagues and health workers. The rebels consider them to be ‘undercover soldiers’ in the Yahukimo region, where tension with the army has skyrocketed. Dozens of people have been evacuated to Jayapura for fear of possible similar actions.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) - A Catholic teacher in the Indonesian province of East Nusa Tenggara has been killed in a violent attack by Papuan independence militiamen.

Rosalia Rerek Sogen, 30, from the diocese of Larantuka, died in a raid in the district of Anggruk - in the Yahukimo region - in which eight other people - other teachers and health workers - were seriously injured.

The attack took place while the group was going about their daily duties. They were suddenly ambushed by members of a separatist armed group known as the Eden Sawi-cum-Sisipa Battalion.

According to local military sources, the attackers set fire to a classroom and the teachers' dormitory after their demands for money were not met. Mrs Rosalia was allegedly burnt alive.

The separatist group justified the attack by claiming that the teachers and health workers were undercover military personnel. This statement followed an earlier declaration by the head of the Indonesian Armed Forces, General Agus Subiyanto, who claimed that the military were deployed in the area to guarantee the safety of the civilians.

The local army spokesman, Colonel Candra, rejected this accusation, insisting: ‘They are all professional teachers’.

The spokesman for the armed separatist group Sebby Sambom replied by ordering all ‘undercover’ agents to leave the Yahukimo region immediately. He also threatened further attacks. ‘We urgently ask the Indonesian president Prabowo not to launch counterattacks against innocent civilians‘, added Sebby.

In response to the separatists’ action, the Indonesian army evacuated dozens of teachers and health workers from high-risk areas, including Heriapini, Kosarek, Ubalihi, Nisikni, Walma and the Kabianggam district.

So far, at least 58 people, including four children, have been airlifted from Wamena to Papua's capital, Jayapura. The authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, as tension in the region remains high.