Tuesday, July 8, 2025

1) Kapendam: It is Not True that the TNI Used the Puncak Regent's House as a TNI Post


2) Indonesia, Papua New Guinea eye stronger defense ties  

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A google translat.
Original Bahasa link

1) Kapendam: It is Not True that the TNI Used the Puncak Regent's House as a TNI Post

Author: Larius Kogoya
Editor: Alberth Yomo
Published July 8, 2025
Last updated: July 8, 2025 4:21 pm





The burning of the house of Puncak Regent, Elvis Tabuni, and the Omukia District Office, Puncak Regency, Central Papua, is seen. IST

Jayapura, Jubi – The Head of Information for the XVII/Cenderawasih Military Command (Kapendam), Colonel Inf Candra Kurniawan, stated that the TPNPB and its sympathizers always seek justification and spread hoax issues when carrying out their actions. This is in response to the TPNPB's statement about the Puncak Regent's house, which they say was used as a TNI Post.

"It is not true that the TNI used the Puncak Regent's house and the District Office as a TNI headquarters or post," said Kapendam Candra Kurniawan to Jubi via text message when asked for confirmation, Tuesday (8/7/2025).

According to Candra, on July 6, 2025, the TPNPB carried out a house burning action in the Omukia District area, Ondugura Village, and one of the buildings that was burned was allegedly a house that was once occupied by the Puncak Regent.

"Security forces took action against the OPM who carried out the burning action, as a firm step by the TNI to protect the community," he said.
Previously, the management of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) National Commission Headquarters stated that the TPNPB Regional Defense Command (Kodap) XVIII Puncak Ilaga was responsible for burning two houses belonging to the Puncak Regent, Elvis Tabuni, and the Omukia District Office, Puncak Regency, Central Papua, on Sunday (6/7/2025).
The statement was conveyed by the TPNPB Spokesperson, Sebby Sambom, through a press release received by Jubi some time ago.

Sebby Sambom said that the TPNPB troops burned the house and office because they were suspected of having been used as military posts by Indonesian authorities to launch operations in the Omukia District area.
"The reason we burned them was because the Indonesian military always used village halls, school buildings, hospitals, churches, and district offices and then turned them into military posts at will. So we burned down the houses and the Omukia District Office," he said.
The TPNPB spokesperson appealed to the Puncak Regent, TNI Commander, Pangdam XVII/Cenderawasih, Koops Habema, Ops Damai Cartenz, and all elements of the Indonesian Government military who are carrying out special operations in Papua, to immediately stop using civilian buildings in conflict areas.
"All civilian buildings that were once occupied by Indonesian military personnel in war zones, TPNPB is ready to execute all of them. Because President Prabowo Subianto and TNI Commander Agus Subiyanto have deployed military troops and taken over the function of civilian buildings as state defense posts. For us, this has violated international humanitarian law," he said.

Regarding the TPNPB's claim of burning the regent's house and district office, which are referred to as TNI headquarters,
TPNPB Affirms Burning of Puncak Regent's House Was Not Due to Political Opponents
TPNPB Spokesperson, Sebby Sambom, said that the information circulating among the Puncak community, that the burning of the regent's house and district office was carried out by political opponents, is not true. He emphasized that the action was purely carried out by the TPNPB Kodap XVIII Ilaga, and his party is fully responsible for the incident.
"We, the TPNPB troops, are the ones who burned it. So the burning of the Puncak Regent's house, Elvis Tabuni, and the Omukia District Office is our responsibility, not political opponents," he said.

Several field leaders said that among the Puncak community there is a growing issue that those responsible for the burning are the Regional Commander of Kodap XVIII Ilaga, Brigadier General Peni Murib, and the field command troops from Kepalah Air to Muarah.
Sebby Sambom stated that according to the report from the war field command, Lesmin Waker, which was conveyed via a voice recording clip in the Intelektual Puncak group, it was very clear that the burning of the house of Regent Elvis Tabuni and the district office was an order from the TPNPB leadership, namely General Goliat Tabuni, Major General Titus Murib, and Brigadier General Peni Murib.
"Our reason is clear, on the orders of the leadership because the TNI/Polri used the house and district office as a military post. So, there is no connection with practical politics," he said. (*)



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2) Indonesia, Papua New Guinea eye stronger defense ties  
July 8, 2025 22:56 GMT+700

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The governments of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) are exploring ways to strengthen and expand their cooperation in security and defense.

According to a press release issued by the Indonesian Defense Ministry here on Tuesday, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and his PNG counterpart Billy M. Joseph exchanged views on bolstering bilateral defense ties during a meeting in Port Moresby, PNG, on Monday.

“This visit affirms both countries’ commitment to enhancing non-pact defense cooperation based on equality and mutual respect,” head of the ministry’s information bureau, Brigadier General Frega Ferdinand Wenas Inkiriwang, said.

He said that Sjamsoeddin and Joseph discussed concrete steps to accelerate the implementation of the mutually ratified Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA), including through the establishment of a joint working group.

According to Inkiriwang, the agreement could translate into initiatives such as joint military exercises, soldier exchange programs for educational purposes, and technology exchange.

He expressed confidence that the DCA will further strengthen the harmonious ties between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea and contribute to Indonesia’s efforts to enhance its defense posture and protect national sovereignty.

According to the Papua New Guinean National Information Center, the DCA was signed on March 12, 2010, by then-defense minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro and then-PNG defense minister Bob Dadae.

While Indonesia ratified the DCA in 2012, the implementation of the agreement stalled for a long time, partly due to the pending ratification by PNG, whose National Parliament eventually endorsed it on February 14 last year.

Despite the delay, the Indonesian government is continuing to lend concrete support to the PNG Defense Force.

“The assistance rendered includes provision of military band, training of PNG Defense Force personnel at the Indonesian military staff college, and providing assistance to the PNG Defence Force CASA rehabilitation program,” the information center said.

Related news: Indonesian, S Korean pilots test fly KF-21 Boramae jet

Related news: Indonesia weighs acquisition of Chinese J-10C fighter jets



Translator: Walda M, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono

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Monday, July 7, 2025

1) Indonesian Navy wants to evict residents in Manokwari:

 


2) Human rights organisations report Nduga killing case to Komnas HAM, LPSK, and Military Police



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1) Indonesian Navy wants to evict residents in Manokwari:

Cases / Indonesia, West Papua / 7 July 2025 
On 25 June 2025, 18 civilian families residing in the Sanggeng and Reremi areas in the Manokwari Regency were reportedly ordered to vacate their homes by the Indonesian Navy’s Facility Maintenance Command (Fasharkan TNI AL). The order, based on a notice letter (B/183/VI/2025) dated 23 June 2025, has been criticised as unlawful and intimidatory. The affected houses are officially recognised assets of the Manokwari Regency Government, and the residents possess valid occupancy permits. The Manokwari Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy (LP3BH Manokwari) has condemned the order, urging the Fasharkan TNI AL to halt any actions that intimidate community members in Sanggeng and Reremi.
According to the eviction notice, the 18 families shall leave their homes by 30 June 2025. LP3BH Manokwari director, Mr Jan Christian Warinussi, pointed out that the residents possess an Official Residence Occupancy Permit issued on 1 March 2002 (Number: 012/490), confirming their legal right to inhabit the properties. Furthermore, an official letter from former Regent Drs. Dominggus Mandacan (Number: 030/1326, dated 21 December 2006) confirms that the houses belong to the Manokwari Regency Government and were only loaned to the Indonesian Navy’s Fasharkan. The letter explicitly prohibits Fasharkan from evicting residents without prior consent from the local government.
The dispute dates back to 1 March 2002, when the Manokwari Regency Government issued official occupancy permits (Number: 012/490) to the residents, legally entitling them to inhabit the houses. This was reaffirmed on 21 December 2006, when then-Regent Drs. Dominggus Mandacan issued a letter (Number: 030/1326) clarifying that the houses were government-owned assets temporarily loaned to Fasharkan TNI AL, and that no evictions could take place without government consent. Despite this, on 23 June 2025, Fasharkan issued a notice (B/183/VI/2025) ordering 18 families to vacate the premises by 30 June 2025. In response, on 25 June 2025, LP3BH Manokwari denounced the eviction order as unlawful and intimidatory, urging immediate dialogue between all stakeholders.
Forced evictions without due process, consultation, and legal justification breach General Comment No. 7 of the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Moreover, the intimidation and coercion of civilians by military actors undermine principles of democratic governance and the rule of law.



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2) Human rights organisations report Nduga killing case to Komnas HAM, LPSK, and Military Police

Human Rights News / Indonesia, West Papua / 7 July 2025 
On 12-13 June 2025, a coalition of NGOs has officially filed the extra-judicial execution and mutilation of Mr Abral Wandikbo, a 27-year-old indigenous farmer from Yuguru Village in Nduga Regency, to the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) (see video below, source: CSO Coalition), the Military Police (MP), and the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK)  in an attempt to seek justice through formal channels.
The case has gained momentum following the submission of detailed evidence documenting Mr Wandikbo’s arbitrary detention, torture, and extrajudicial execution by Indonesian military (TNI) personnel between  22-25 March 2025. The coalition presented a report arguing that Mr Wandikbo was arrested based solely on an unclear photograph showing a Papuan man holding a weapon. Military Police Colonel Jefri B Purba confirmed receiving the reports and stated that investigations are currently underway, marking a crucial step toward accountability.
The civil society coalition has presented six key demands that extend beyond individual accountability to address systemic issues in West Papua. These include classifying the case as a gross human rights violation requiring a pro justitia investigation under Law No. 26/2000, ensuring perpetrators face trial in civilian rather than military courts, and ending the militaristic approach to conflict resolution that has displaced tens of thousands of indigenous Papuans. The coalition also demands full media and humanitarian access to West Papua, compensation for affected families, and reconstruction of damaged infrastructure, including schools and health centers that were destroyed by military personnel.
This case emerges amid recent aggravation of armed conflict between Indonesian security forces and armed guerilla groups in the Papuan highlands that have threatened the security of the largely Indigenous population, with extrajudicial killings surging since 2019, peaking at 17 cases in both 2023and 2024. The legal proceedings surrounding Wandikbo’s death represent a critical test of Indonesia’s commitment to human rights accountability in West Papua, particularly given the international attention the case has attracted through organizations like Amnesty International. 

CSO Coalition files judicial execution of Abral WandikboCoalition to Komnas HAM in Jakarta, report


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Sunday, July 6, 2025

Legends of a Nuclear-Free and Independent Pacific – Octo Mote

 

https://asiapacificreport.nz/2025/07/06/legends-of-a-nuclear-free-and-independent-pacific-octo-mote/

Legends of a Nuclear-Free and Independent Pacific – Octo Mote

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1) 27 years after Biak massacre in West Papua, human rights crisis worsens


2) SW Papua wants to build state university to answer educational needs  

3) Ministry to implement recommendations from Papua higher-ed colleges  



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Asia Pacific Report

https://asiapacificreport.nz/2025/07/06/27-years-after-biak-massacre-in-west-papua-human-rights-crisis-worsens/

1) 27 years after Biak massacre in West Papua, human rights crisis worsens

By  - 
  
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Asia Pacific Report

Australian solidarity activists today marked the 27th anniversary of the Biak massacre in West Papua and have warned the human rights crisis in the Indonesian-ruled Melanesian region is deteriorating.

No Indonesian security force member has ever been charged or brought to justice for the human rights abuses committed against peaceful West Papuan demonstrators.

According to Elsham Papua, a local human rights organisation, eight people were killed and a further 32 bodies were found near Biak in the following days. However, some human rights sources put the death toll at about 150.

“Twenty seven years later, the human rights situation in West Papua continues to deteriorate,” said Joe Collins of the Australia West Papua Association (AWPA) in a statement today.

“West Papuan people continue to be arrested, intimidated and killed by the Indonesian security forces.

“There are ongoing clashes between the TPNPB [West Papua National Liberation Army] and the Indonesian security forces with casualties on both sides.


“As a result of these clashes, the Indonesian security forces carry out sweeps in the area, causing local people to flee in fear for their lives.

‘Bearing the brunt’
“It’s the internal refugees bearing the brunt of the conflict.”

According to the AWPA statement, 6 July 1998 marked the Biak massacre when the Indonesian security forces killed scores of people in Biak, West Papua.

The victims included women and children who had gathered for a peaceful rally. They were killed at the base of a water tower flying the Morning Star flag of independence.

Citizens-Tribunal-AWPA-680wide.png

The Citizens’ Tribunal . . . a people’s documentation and record of the Biak atrocities. Image: Citizens’ Tribunal

As the rally continued, many more people in the area joined in with numbers reaching up to about 500 people.

The statement said that from July 2 that year, activists and local people started gathering beneath the water tower, singing songs and holding traditional dances.

“On July 6 the Indonesian security forces attacked the demonstrators, massacring scores of people,” said the statement.

Internally displaced
Human Rights Monitor reported in its June update that more than 97,721 people in West Papua were internally displaced as a result of armed conflict between Indonesian security forces and the TPNPB.

Human Rights Watch in a media statement in May 2025 reported that renewed fighting between the security forces and the TPNPB was threatening West Papua civilians.

“As the West Papuan people struggle for their right to self-determination, they face great challenges, from the ongoing human rights abuses to the destruction of their environment,” said Collins in the statement.

“However, support/knowledge for the West Papuan struggle continues to grow, particularly in the Pacific region,” he said.

“If some governments in the region are wavering in their support, the people of the Pacific are not.

Pacific support ‘unwavering’
Jakarta has been targeting Pacific leaders with aid in a bid to convince them to stop supporting the West Papuan struggle.

Civil society and church groups continue to raise awareness of the West Papuan situation at the UN and at international human rights conferences.

“The West Papuan people are not going to give up their struggle for self-determination,” Collins said.

“Time for the countries in the region, including Australia, to take the issue seriously. Raising the ongoing human rights abuses with Jakarta would be a small start”.

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2) SW Papua wants to build state university to answer educational needs  
July 6, 2025 18:25 GMT+700

Sorong, Southwest Papua (ANTARA) - The Southwest Papua Provincial Government has proposed the establishment of a state university to the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology as an important step in addressing the region's educational needs.

Governor of Southwest Papua Elisa Kambu, speaking here on Sunday, said the proposal to establish a state university in Indonesia’s 38th province is important to accommodate the aspirations of residents seeking access to relevant study programs.

“We aim to establish a state university with new study programs not yet available at other campuses,” he explained.

The governor acknowledged that the high public interest in pursuing higher education in Southwest Papua is often hampered by the limited availability of study programs aligned with local welfare development and labor market demands in the region.

The provincial government has prepared a 71-hectare campus site complete with facilities and academic administration systems to support the proposal.

“Although there are already many private universities, the presence of a state university will expand equitable access to higher education for the people of Southwest Papua,” Governor Kambu stated.

On Friday (July 4), the governor formally submitted the region’s proposal to build a state university to Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto during a visit to Sorong.

Minister Yuliarto affirmed his side's commitment to supporting the founding of a state university in Southwest Papua and expressed appreciation for the provincial government's effort to advance education.

“We are determined to ensure that Papuan children have access to quality, inclusive, and relevant higher education,” he said.

He also announced that the ministry would follow up on the proposal by first initiating the off-campus study programs (PSDKU) featuring fields not yet available in the region, such as mining, mineral processing, and metallurgy, in collaboration with top universities in the country.

Related news: Ministry to implement recommendations from Papua higher-ed colleges

Related news: Papua can drive national development forward: Minister

Related news: West Papua eyes enhanced teacher quality, educational facilities

Translator: Yuvensius, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala


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3) Ministry to implement recommendations from Papua higher-ed colleges  
July 6, 2025 16:41 GMT+700

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology said it would follow up on recommendations resulting from the working meeting of private university foundation leaders and rectors in Papua.

Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto, in a statement here on Sunday, affirmed the ministry’s commitment to implement the meeting's outcomes.

“Before establishing a state university, we can (first) open the off-campus study program (PSDKU). Next year, we can immediately begin recruitment for study programs not available at private universities,” he said.

Minister Yuliarto emphasized the urgency of introducing academic programs aligned with Papua's abundant natural resources and the needs of local communities.

He also stated that the ministry is ready to appoint major universities such as the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), University of Indonesia (UI), and Gadjah Mada University (UGM) to provide assistance in applying the new study programs.

To support these efforts, he called on local governments to allocate regional scholarships without hesitation, as his side has the full support and facilitation for them.

According to him, this joint effort is not only about increasing the participation in higher education rate, it is also about ensuring justice and equal access to higher education for all Indonesians, especially in Papua.

“To all higher education institution leaders, your role is strategic and noble, which is educating the nation’s children. These young talents, who will advance Papua in the future, are the result of your dedication,” Yuliarto said.

In response, Southwest Papua Governor Elisa Kambu expressed full support for the ministry's commitment to expanding higher education access in the region.

He noted that the presence of state universities is vital for offering quality study programs and improving local human resource capacity.



Translator: Sean, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala

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Saturday, July 5, 2025

AWPA Statement. 27 years since the Biak massacre-and the oppression continues.

Australia West Papua Association (Sydney)

 

Statement 6 July 2025

 

 

27 years since the Biak massacre-and the oppression continues.

 

 

The 6th July marks 27 years since the Biak Massacre when the Indonesian security forces massacred scores of people in Biak, West Papua.  The victims, included women and children who had gathered for a peaceful rally. They were killed at the base of a water tower flying the Morning Star flag. 


                                      


 

No Indonesian security force member has ever been charged or brought to justice for the human rights abuses committed against the peaceful West Papuan demonstrators. 

 

From the 2nd July in 1998,  activists and local people started gathering  beneath the water tower, singing songs and holding traditional dances. As the rally continued, many more people in the area joined in with numbers reaching up to 500 people.  On the 6 July the Indonesian security forces attacked the demonstrators, massacring scores of people.





Joe Collins of AWPA said, "27 years later, the human rights situation in West Papua continues to deteriorate.  West Papuan people continue to be arrested, intimated and killed by the security forces. There are ongoing clashes between the  TPNPB  and the Indonesian security forces with casualties on both sides. As a result of these clashes ,   the Indonesian security forces  carry out sweeps  in the area causing local people to flee in fear for  their lives. It’s the internal refugees bearing the brunt of the conflict”.   





Humanitarian volunteers from the Yahukimo Student Association or HMY bring aid while distributing basic necessities to refugees in Halihalo-IST. (photo Jubi)




Villagers fleeing fighting between the Indonesian military and the West Papuan militants to Sugapa, the capital of Intan Jaya regency. © 2025 Suara Papua 




Human Rights Monitor reported in its June update that there were more than 97,721 people in West Papua internally displaced as a result of armed conflict between Indonesian security forces and the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB).

and 

Human Rights Watch in a media statement  in  May 2025 reported that  renewed fighting between the security forces and the TPNPB was threatening  West Papua Civilians.

 


As the West Papuan people struggle for their right to self-determination, they face great challenges, from the  ongoing human rights abuses to the destruction of their environment.

 

However, support/knowledge for the West Papuan struggle  continues to grow particularly in the Pacific region.  If some governments in the region are wavering in their support (Jakarta is targeting the Pacific leaders with aid, to convince them to stop supporting the West Papuan struggle), the people of the Pacific are not. Civil society and church  groups continue to raise awareness of the West Papuan situation at the UN and at  international human rights conferences.  


Joe Collins said, "the West Papuan people are not going to give up  their struggle for self- determination. Time for the countries in the region including Australia to take the issue seriously. Raising the ongoing human rights abuses with Jakarta would be a small start".


Ends

Background

The Biak Citizens Tribunal 

https://www.biak-tribunal.org


SA PU NAMA PENGUNGSI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WjFZ37QP3Q&list=PLLP13ptib2AODaYeEuFKHivElCB_EUdDv&index=2


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Friday, July 4, 2025

1) Security-backed intimidation of indigenous community in Sayosa Timur linked to timber exploitation

 


2) Environmental destruction and indigenous rights violations: The Nickel mining crisis in Raja Ampat

3) In bed with a (pig’s) head- packages of dead animals intimidate media and activists 

4) Papua govt calls for prioritizing locals in healthcare recruitment 

5) Papua can drive national development forward: Minister  
6) Ministry targets 24 type C hospitals in Papua  



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Human Rights Monitor

https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/security-backed-intimidation-of-indigenous-community-in-sayosa-timur-sorong-linked-to-timber-exploitation/

1) Security-backed intimidation of indigenous community in Sayosa Timur linked to timber exploitation

Cases, Human Rights News / Indonesia, West Papua / 4 July 2025 





Indigenous residents have reported ongoing intimidation and harassment by Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) officers stationed at PT Mancaraya Argo Mandiri (MAM) and PT Siliwangi Karya Sejahtera (SKS) in the Sayosa Timur District, Sorong Regency, Papua Barat Daya Province. On 27 May 2025, residents erected a traditional blockade (see photos, source; Suara Papua) in protest against what they described as constant surveillance, threats, and coercive restrictions on their right to sell their timber freely. The Brimob unit forcibly dismantled the barrier without consulting the local community. Residents are reportedly pressured to sell all timber exclusively to the two companies and face armed questioning when travelling to their gardens, causing widespread fear and trauma among the community.
According to local accounts, including statements by community leaders, Brimob personnel have carried out arbitrary checks. Some elders were allegedly given state-issued weapons for staged photographs, raising concerns about potential criminalisation or manipulation. Traditional hunting and gathering activities have been severely disrupted due to the heavy presence of armed personnel. The situation escalated when the community re-erected traditional barricades after the initial structure was destroyed. Despite a meeting held on 28 June 2025 between the community, Sorong Regency government, local legislative bodies (DPRD and MRP PBD), and police, residents remain dissatisfied with the unilateral actions of Brimob personnel and the lack of accountability.
The community demands the withdrawal of Brimob from company premises, a review of the operating licences of PT MAM and PT SKS, and legal consequences for officers involved in acts of intimidation. Their demands include the immediate asphalting of local roads to facilitate community mobility and a transparent, inclusive process for resolving conflicts over land and economic rights.
The case reflects broader patterns of militarised resource extraction in West Papua, where state security forces are deployed to serve corporate interests rather than public safety, in clear violation of both Indonesia’s constitutional protections and international human rights law. The intersection of extractive industry interests and militarised state presence in indigenous territories accelerates the marginalisation of indigenous communities in West Papua. The loss of access to their land makes indigenous communities particularly vulnerable to impoverishment.

Road block erected by community in the Sayosa Timur District, Sorong Regency, Papua Barat Daya Province


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Human Rights Monitor

https://humanrightsmonitor.org/news/environmental-destruction-and-indigenous-rights-violations-the-nickel-mining-crisis-in-raja-ampat/

2) Environmental destruction and indigenous rights violations: The Nickel mining crisis in Raja Ampat

Human Rights News / Indonesia, West Papua / 4 July 2025 
The pristine waters and biodiversity-rich islands of Raja Ampat, Papua Barat Daya Province, are facing a devastating environmental and human rights crisis as multiple nickel mining companies destroy one of the world’s most ecologically significant marine areas in the world. Despite Raja Ampat’s recognition as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2023 and its status as the heart of the global coral triangle, containing 75% of the world’s coral species, the Indonesian government has permitted extensive mining operations across several small islands. The mining operations are violating both national law and international conservation standards.
Between 8-27 June 2025, widespread protests erupted across Indonesia as indigenous communities, environmental activists, and civil society organizations demanded an end to the destructive mining practices that have already cleared over 500 hectares of forest and natural vegetation. The environmental damage extends far beyond deforestation, with mining waste causing severe sedimentation that affects the coral reefs, contaminated coastal waters, and destroys the marine ecosystems that indigenous communities in Raja Ampat depend upon. On Manuran Island, mining operations by PT Anugerah Surya Pratama have created visible pollution plumes that flow directly into village areas during high tide, while residents on Gag Island report being afraid to swim due to fears of skin diseases caused by contaminated waters.
The human rights implications of these mining operations are profound and systematic. Indigenous communities have been denied their fundamental right to free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) regarding mining activities on their ancestral lands. The operations have divided communities, with mining companies reportedly offering financial incentives to secure local support while those who resist face intimidation and marginalization. Traditional livelihoods dependent on fishing and sustainable tourism are under threat, forcing communities into economic vulnerability and dependence on unstable mining employment. The government’s failure to consult with affected communities before issuing permits violates international indigenous rights standards and Indonesia’s constitutional protections for customary communities.
The legal framework governing these operations reveals the extent of governmental complicity in the violations. All mining activities on small islands in Raja Ampat directly contravene Article 35(k) of Law No. 1 of 2014 on Coastal Area and Small Islands Management, which explicitly prohibits mineral mining that causes environmental damage or harm to surrounding communities. Despite this legal prohibition, at least five companies, namely PT Gag Nikel, PT Anugerah Surya Pratama, PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa, PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining, and PT Nurham, have been granted mining permits covering thousands of hectares across the archipelago. When Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia visited the region in June 2025, he was met with massive protests at Sorong Airport, forcing him to exit through a back door to avoid demonstrators demanding the immediate revocation of all mining permits.
Civil society responses have highlighted the broader pattern of environmental injustice and corporate impunity. The Papua Coalition for Law Enforcement and Human Rights has accused government officials of maladministration for interfering with proper environmental monitoring procedures, while indigenous groups have organized coordinated protests across multiple cities demanding not only the cessation of mining in Raja Ampat but the end of all extractive projects throughout West Papua. Some activists like Paulina, a 24-year-old woman from the  Kabare Village, have faced arrest for peaceful protests, yet continue protesting.
Following sustained public pressure and international scrutiny, the Indonesian government announced on 10 June 2025, the revocation of mining permits for four companies operating in Raja Ampat: PT Anugerah Surya Pratama, PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining, PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa, and PT Nurham. However, this decision has been met with skepticism from environmental groups and indigenous rights advocates who view it as inadequate and potentially reversible. Significantly, PT Gag Nikel, the largest operation owned by state-owned PT Antam, was permitted to continue operations under increased monitoring, raising concerns about the government’s commitment to genuine environmental protection versus protecting state corporate interests. Greenpeace Indonesia criticized the decision as merely “a ploy to quell protests,” noting that the fundamental legal violations remain unaddressed and that operations could potentially resume once public attention diminishes.
The destruction of Raja Ampat represents not merely an environmental catastrophe but a systematic violation of indigenous rights and environmental justice. The crisis in Raja Ampat serves as a critical test case for whether Indonesia will uphold its commitments to indigenous rights and environmental conservation or continue to sacrifice irreplaceable ecosystems and indigenous communities for corporate interests. Only the complete revocation of all mining permits and the recognition of indigenous land rights can prevent further destruction of this globally significant marine ecosystem.

Mining operations in Raja Ampat

Indigenous communities in various locations carried out protests against the Nickel mines in Raja Ampat throughout June’25


Map of Raja Ampat Geopark



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3) In bed with a (pig’s) head- packages of dead animals intimidate media and activists 

TAPOL 04 July 2025



Summary
  • Seven incidents of dead animals being sent to people between 19th March and 19th June.
  • Journalists, students and environmental activists targeted in a new wave of intimidation.
  • Intimidation started as TNI law was being passed and continued with targeting of activists in Sumatra and Papuan students and activists across Indonesia

In the last few months, a disturbing trend has become apparent in a string of incidents across Indonesia: the sending of innocuous packages that contain the corpses of dead animals. Whilst the actors, cases and context of each incident may differ, the very fact this newly prominent technique was used to intimidate them displays a commonality in tactics that hides the perpetrator and is designed to cause an atmosphere of fear. The parallels of the recipients of these packages shows a trend of targeted intimidation designed to cause fear and silence those speaking out against embedded interests.

Tempo Media were the first to be hit by this new wave of dead animal packages. On 19th March, a package containing a rotting pig’s head addressed to Francisca (‘Cica’) Christy Rosana, a Tempo journalist and one of the hosts of the popular podcast Bocor AlusPolitik, which critically covers some of the biggest stories in Indonesian politics, was sent to Tempo’s office. An Instagram account, @derrynoah, threatened that the pig’s head would be followed up by burning down Tempo’s offices, as well as a targeting of her family. A package containing six headless mice was also sent to the office on 22nd March. As this sequence of events occurred in the run-up to the passing of the controversial TNI (Military) Law, which she and the podcast had been critically covering, it seemed likely to be an attempt to intimidate and silence criticism of the new law, and allow it to pass without opposition.

A second incident affected Delima Silalahi, an environmental activist based in North Sumatra, who received a package containing a bloody carcass of a bird addressed to her at her house on 30th May. Delima and others had demanded the closure of PT Toba Pulp Lestari, a company that had been accused of causing an ecological and social crisis in the community through its deforestation activities. The timing and target of the package coincides again with the fact that someone was speaking up on an issue against vested interests.

Furthermore, Papuan students across Indonesia received packages across Indonesia on three separate occasions in June. On 6th June in Denpasar, Bali, two packages were received by students, containing rotting pig’s heads. One of the packages, addressed to Wemison Enembe, had a note saying it contained the book Papua Bergerak (Papua on the Move), which turned out to be false. The book itself had already been part of an intimidation campaign, when its launch on 18th May was disrupted by people who had received a hoax invitation claiming that they were handing out money and groceries at the event. Wemison himself is the chair of the Bali chapter of the Papuan Student Alliance (Aliansi Mahasiswa Papua, AMP). The alliance, both in Bali and nationally, has organised a number of protests in the past several years. The second package was delivered later in the evening to another residence full of Papuan students, this time addressed to Yuberthinus Gobay, a member of the national executive of the same organisation. The timing and recipients of these packages bear the hallmarks of attempts to intimidate Papuan students activists and their supporters from carrying out further protests.



Incident Map 19th March to 19th June. Background map Source: OpenStreetMap

This was followed up on 18-19th June with another package, this time with threatening notes and a dead chicken and chicken droppings, to other members of AMP in Yogyakarta. Thirdly, also on 19th June, AMP members in Surabaya received a package containing a dead monitor lizard, after receiving threats from an unknown phone number and seeing threatening posters plastered around the city. This arose after their participation in protests against militarism in West Papua.  

This renewed surge is not entirely without precedent. Veronica Koman, a human rights defender and lawyer, had boxes sent to her and her family threatening retribution for her work, including a dead chicken with a message stating that anyone ‘hiding’ her “would end up like this”. Nevertheless, the increasing prevalence of this tactic has contributed to a climate of fear amongst the media and human rights defenders. This is very worrying and needs to be taken seriously by the Indonesian Government, as is their duty, as the suspicion of collusion hangs over these incidents where those receiving the packages have been critics of government policy or the actions of oligarchs. TAPOL calls upon the police force to condemn these acts in the strongest possible terms and to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice. 

 

Image: Alliance of Papuan Students

Themes
Business & Human Rights
 
Freedom of Expression & Association
 
Justice
 
West Papua

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https://en.antaranews.com/news/364105/papua-govt-calls-for-prioritizing-locals-in-healthcare-recruitment

4) Papua govt calls for prioritizing locals in healthcare recruitment 
 July 4, 2025 22:25 GMT+700

Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA) - The Papua government has urged the Ministry of Health to devise affirmative policies that prioritize indigenous Papuans in filling medical personnel vacancies in the province.

Acting Regional Secretary of Papua Suzana Wanggai said here on Friday that many local Papuan youth now possess medical skills.

“We request special affirmative action for Papuan children in the recruitment of health workers, especially at central government hospitals such as those in Jayapura,” she said at the groundbreaking ceremony for Kwaingga Hospital in Keerom District, Papua.

Wanggai noted that indigenous Papuan youth have shown strong competence in the health field and should be given opportunities for recruitment through affirmative policies.

“We hope that staffing for this hospital, which is under the auspices of the Ministry of Health, will prioritize the local community,” she added.

She explained that recruiting health workers from Papua would help address the urgent issue of hospital staffing shortages and therefore, improve healthcare services for the community.

Related news: Ministry targets 24 type C hospitals in Papua

“Medical personnel from outside Papua often request transfers after a few years due to family reasons. This is not a matter of discrimination; it is about ensuring continuity of care. We need health workers who are willing to stay and serve in Papua,” she emphasized.

Meanwhile, Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin affirmed his commitment to supporting indigenous Papuan general practitioners who wish to pursue specialist training through scholarship programs.

He also urged the local government to collect data on local medical personnel so they can be prioritized in the government’s medical education programs.

“We are ready to help. If there is a doctor whose education is funded by the regional government but later requests a transfer, report it to me. We can hold their practice license,” he said. 

Related news: Restoring health, education services in Yahukimo: minister


Translator: Qadri, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution


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https://en.antaranews.com/news/363969/papua-can-drive-national-development-forward-minister

5) Papua can drive national development forward: Minister  

July 4, 2025 16:18 GMT+700

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto expressed confidence that the Papua region can play a central role in Indonesia's journey toward a better future.

"I am not here for a mere working visit, as I intend to demonstrate my genuine commitment and dedication (to this region). I am convinced that this spirit will live on," the minister noted in an official statement cited here on Friday.

Yuliarto made the statements during a public lecture at Cendrawasih University in Jayapura, Papua Province, on Thursday (July 3).

The minister emphasized that his visit serves as a testament to his respect and gratitude for the people of Papua for their unwavering spirit and hope for progress despite facing myriad challenges.

Speaking to over one thousand students, academicians, and local community figures, he highlighted the importance of the people of the easternmost region of Indonesia supporting the transformation of the higher education system, fostering self-reliance, and driving innovations.

Addressing students, Yuliarto stressed their vital role in transforming local universities into engines of progress and sources of solutions for social and economic challenges.

He underlined that campuses should not only generate high-quality human resources but also emerge as prolific research centers in support of the formulation and implementation of strategic policies.

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology offers a variety of initiatives to boost access to universities for all citizens, including those in Papua, such as the Indonesia Smart College Card (KIP Kuliah).

Furthermore, the ministry has introduced the Higher Education Affirmation Scholarship for students with disabilities, as well as the Indonesian College Student Dormitory (AMN) Scholarship, which reserves a minimum quota of 40 percent for Papuan students.

In addition, the Directorate of Learning and Student Affairs is working to launch a guideline for the establishment of units dedicated to students with disabilities at universities.

Related news: Indonesia, Russia forge deeper relations in higher education

Related news: Govt prioritizes scholarships for lecturers in remote areas



Translator: Sean F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Arie Novarina


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6) Ministry targets 24 type C hospitals in Papua  
July 4, 2025 18:47 GMT+700


Papua (ANTARA) - The Health Ministry aims to establish 24 type C hospitals across Papua to provide high-quality healthcare for local residents.

"I received a directive from the president to establish type C hospitals in 514 districts and cities, and in Papua, it is targeted to build some 24 hospitals," Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin stated at the groundbreaking ceremony for Kwaingga Hospital in Keerom, Papua, on Friday.

The minister explained that these hospitals are part of the Quick Win programs. Sadikin expects the 24 hospitals to be completed in two years.

Related news: Papua's Jayapura General Hospital to improve healthcare access

The minister stated that President Prabowo Subianto is keen to reduce lengthy referral processes. These measures are intended to ensure that diseases can be treated locally, without the need for patients to travel to provincial hospitals.

"As a result, fewer patients will need to be referred to provincial hospitals, or even sent outside Papua for treatment," Sadikin noted.

He expected the regional government to also support the initiative by preparing medical and health personnel, so that healthcare services offered can be more optimal.

The minister stated that human resources will complement other aspects being improved, such as upgrading hospital equipment. 

Related news: Army providing free healthcare services to native Papuans in Kimaam

Translator: Qadri Pratiwi, Mecca Yumna Ning Prisie
Editor: Rahmad Nasution


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