3) Drone attacks on Catholic church and customary gathering in Intan Jaya Regency injure five civilians and trigger mass displacement
https://jubi.id/pacnews/2026/west-papuan-national-liberation-army-tpnpb-claims-one-indonesian-soldier-killed-in-retaliatory-attack-after-two-members-die/
1) West Papuan National Liberation Army (TPNPB) Claims One Indonesian Soldier Killed in Retaliatory Attack After Two Members Die
IN PACNEWS READING TIME: 2 MINS READ MAY 19, 2026 0
Author : Piter Lokon
Editor : Nuevaterra Mambor
Dekai, Jubi— The West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization Regional Defense Command XVI Yahukimo (TPNPB-OPM Kodap XVI Yahukimo) stated that two of its members from the Yamue Battalion, Marten Heluka and Yoper Payage, were killed in a firefight with Indonesian security forces in Dekai, the capital of Yahukimo Regency, on Sunday (17 May 2026) at around 2:00 a.m. Papua time.
Kodap XVI Yahukimo Operations Commander, Kopitua Heluka, said TPNPB later carried out a retaliatory attack that allegedly killed one Indonesian military personnel.
The statement was delivered by Kopitua Heluka in a press release issued by the TPNPB National Commission on Monday (18 May 2026).
“Operations Commander of TPNPB Kodap XVI Yahukimo, Major Kopitua Heluka, together with Operations Commander of the TPNPB Yamue Battalion, Major Dejang Heluka, and all TPNPB troops from the Yamue Battalion announce their grief over the deaths of two TPNPB members,” Kopitua Heluka wrote in the statement.
He said the two deceased fighters were among the best soldiers of Kodap XVI Yahukimo who had fought for the Papuan nation and homeland. TPNPB therefore officially declared a period of national mourning.
“We also express our gratitude to the parents, relatives, and family members of the late Yoper Payage and Marten Heluka, who entrusted their children to TPNPB for military training and combat against Indonesian military forces in Yahukimo, in order to reclaim the independence of the Papuan nation from Indonesian colonialism,” Kopitua Heluka said.
According to him, Yoper Payage and Marten Heluka had long been involved in armed operations in Yahukimo. For their service and sacrifice, he said, they deserved to be regarded as heroes of the Papuan struggle who died on the battlefield.
Yamue Battalion Operations Commander Dejang Heluka stated that TPNPB Kodap XVI Yahukimo would never hesitate or retreat from armed conflict until Indonesia recognizes Papuan independence.
Meanwhile, the TPNPB National Commission Headquarters, through TPNPB spokesperson Sebby Sambom, also announced national mourning over the deaths of the two fighters.
Sebby Sambom urged Papuans, from youth to elders, to remain loyal and willing to sacrifice in the struggle for Papuan independence.
“If we continue to be colonized, then killings, torture, and exploitation of Papua’s natural resources will continue, while Papuans remain poor on their ancestral land,” Sebby Sambom said.
He also called on all TPNPB forces across 36 regional commands throughout Papua, as well as Papuans supporting independence, to defend their homeland.
“Expel Indonesian colonialism from Papua and reclaim the independence of the Papuan nation,” he said.
As of now, there has been no official statement from the Indonesian police or military regarding TPNPB’s claim that one Indonesian military personnel was shot dead. (*)
—————————————————————
2) ‘Pesta Babi (Pig Feast)’ Documentary Seen as Public Education on Papua’s Challenges
Manokwari, West Papua — Member of Indonesia’s Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) for West Papua, Filep Wamafma, said the documentary film Pesta Babi serves as an important educational medium to open public discussion about the various issues currently faced by people in Papua.
Filep Wamafma made the remarks after attending a public screening of the documentary at the School of Law (STIH) campus in Wosi, Manokwari Regency, West Papua, on Monday (18 May 2026).
The screening was organized by the academic community from Manokwari School of Law in collaboration with academics from Universitas Papua. Participants included students, lecturers, activists, and members of the public.
According to Wamafma, social conflicts arising from competition over natural resources and economic interests occur not only in Papua but also in many parts of the world. However, he stressed that Papua’s problems have unique characteristics requiring serious attention.
“This is a real global phenomenon, but each region has different problems. This film provides a concrete picture of the issues currently faced by Papuan society,” Wamafma said.
He encouraged students, especially law students, to approach the issues raised in the documentary through academic and constitutional perspectives.
Students, he said, should develop systematic analytical thinking by examining facts, legal norms, conducting analysis, and drawing conclusions.
Wamafma, who also chairs STIH Manokwari, rejected claims that screenings of documentaries such as Pesta Babi were prohibited by the government.
He said that during a meeting with officials from the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs on 13 May 2026, there was no ban on screening the film.
“The central government has never prohibited this film from being shown. This is part of public education. We can discuss, debate, and express opinions. Those being criticized also have the right to respond. That is the principle of checks and balances,” he said.
Wamafma also highlighted conditions in Papua after Indonesia’s reform era, saying the region had not experienced significant improvement. Instead, conflicts had continued to grow, including alleged human rights violations, social conflict, and disputes involving indigenous communities and investors.
“We once believed that after reform Papua would undergo major positive changes. But in reality, the problems continue to increase and the impacts are felt directly by the people,” he said.
Regarding investment, Wamafma stated that regional development requires both domestic and foreign investment. However, he emphasized that investment must comply with the Constitution and respect the existence and rights of indigenous communities.
He criticized practices that allegedly disregard indigenous rights, including intimidation and inadequate compensation for customary land use.
“If indigenous communities are forced to relinquish land for inhumane compensation, then there is a violation of the Constitution and the Papua Special Autonomy Law,” he said.
Wamafma also raised concerns over internal fragmentation within Papuan society, which he said is often exploited by certain groups to weaken indigenous solidarity.
According to him, differing positions within communities are frequently used to undermine collective efforts to defend rights over land and natural resources.
He urged Papuans to continue pursuing justice through democratic and lawful means.
“I am optimistic that the more people watch this film, the more people will be moved and think critically. Write opinions, build social movements, and voice aspirations through the available legal and political channels,” Wamafma said.
Meanwhile, Victor Rumere, an academic from Universitas Papua, criticized the limited involvement of indigenous communities in investment processes in forest areas.
He argued that various state policies, including large-scale regulations such as the Omnibus Law, had narrowed indigenous communities’ ability to defend their territorial rights.
Speaking after the film screening, Rumere said regulations reducing regional authority had directly affected protections for indigenous peoples, particularly those dependent on forests.
“For indigenous communities, forests are not merely territory. They are identity, natural pharmacies, and food sources. When they are sick, they seek medicine in the forest. When facing food shortages, the forest becomes their source of life,” he said.
Rumere argued that investment projects in indigenous territories are often framed as development and economic growth, while local communities are not fully involved in decision-making.
“We do need investment to encourage economic growth, but there must be proper communication. There are communities living in those areas who have rights over their living spaces,” he said.
He stressed that globally there is already consensus on the importance of involving indigenous peoples before investments are carried out in their territories.
Investors and outside parties, he said, should openly explain the purpose, benefits, and impacts of projects.
“When communities are not given enough information, they do not know what benefits they will receive. In some cases, when they question incoming investments, they instead face pressure,” he said.
Rumere said indigenous communities require support and advocacy to better understand their rights over land and forests.
“At a minimum, communities must know what investments are entering, who the actors are, and what the impacts and benefits will be. That way they can determine whether the investment is worth accepting,” he said.
He expressed hope that the Pesta Babi documentary would raise public awareness about the importance of protecting indigenous peoples.
“If communities have sufficient information, they will have bargaining power to negotiate and defend their rights before they are exploited by outside parties,” Rumere said.
Another academic from Universitas Papua, Sepus Fatem, highlighted what he described as serious threats facing Papua, including ecological destruction, agrarian conflicts, land grabbing, and the involvement of security forces in large-scale food estate projects.
Fatem argued that major investments entering Papua were facilitated by the weakened position of indigenous peoples caused by fragmentation among customary institutions.
“Many indigenous institutions have emerged, but decision-making no longer lies with institutions truly recognized by the people. This weakens our internal position because friction occurs,” he said.
In the context of Indonesia’s National Strategic Projects (PSN), Fatem said the government was relying on legal frameworks such as the Job Creation Law, also known as the Omnibus Law, to accelerate investment while overlooking key principles.
He identified three major concerns: exemptions from environmental permits such as AMDAL and UKL-UPL assessments; projects allegedly inconsistent with spatial planning regulations; and the neglect of the principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) for indigenous communities.
“There is no consultation between indigenous communities, corporations, or the state. They simply enter, heavy equipment begins operating, and then there is seizure of living space and violence,” he said.
Fatem argued this contradicted the spirit of Papua’s Special Autonomy Law, which should function as a special legal framework for development policies in Papua.
“Central government regulations should adapt to Papua’s Special Autonomy framework, not the other way around,” he said.
As a solution, Fatem urged indigenous communities to map and formally register their customary territories through clan- and community-level deliberations.
According to him, this is important so the state clearly recognizes both the legal subjects and legal objects of customary land, preventing arbitrary takeover.
He also pointed to areas such as Merauke and South Sorong, where communities were already being affected by the arrival of large-scale heavy equipment.
Referring to the documentary, Fatem described land-clearing projects in South Papua as a serious ecological threat.
“This film reminds us that we need a collective struggle to protect and care for Papua. Today, Papua is not in a good condition,” he said.
Fatem stressed that Papua’s future must be built upon four principles: recognition, welfare, justice, and affirmative action.
He called on all sectors of society — academics, students, communities, and government — to build constructive dialogue for Papua’s future.
“Too many Papuans have died on this land. There must not be more victims. The solution is dialogue,” Fatem said.
The public screening of Pesta Babi at the STIH Manokwari campus concluded peacefully and was followed by a public discussion session. (*)
3) Drone attacks on Catholic church and customary gathering in Intan Jaya Regency injure five civilians and trigger mass displacement
Human rights and humanitarian law analysis
Two victims receive medical treatment at the Bilogai General Hospital on 17 May 2026
Document ID: HRM-CAS-066-2026
Region: Indonesia > Central Papua > Intan Jaya > Agisiga
Total number of victims: 5
| # | Number of Victims | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1. | 1 | Pit Pogau | male | adult | Indigenous Peoples | freedom of religion, ill-treatment, right to life |
| 2. | 1 | Robert Nabelau | male | adult | Indigenous Peoples | freedom of religion, ill-treatment, right to life |
| 3. | 1 | Pius Pogau | male | adult | Indigenous Peoples | freedom of religion, ill-treatment, right to life |
| 4. | 1 | Piter Nabelau | male | adult | Indigenous Peoples | freedom of religion, ill-treatment, right to life |
| 5. | 1 | Erwin Mirip | male | adult | Indigenous Peoples | ill-treatment, right to life |
Perpetrator: Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces > Indonesian Military (TNI)
Issues: indigenous peoples, security force violence
Sources:
Suara Papua
Detik Papua
Jelata News
Alleged arbitrary detention of civilians by Indonesian military forces in Sugapa District, Intan Jaya
Arbitrary arrest of five Intan Jaya IDPs accused of being affiliated with TPNPB in Nabire
Enforced disappearance in Intan Jaya - Yonif 509 Balawara Yudha military members accused
Extrajudicial execution of indigenous Papuan during military operation in Intan Jaya
Conflict escalation in Intan Jaya comes with civilian casualties and further internal displacement
Firefight between security forces and TPNPB in Intan Jaya result in death of minor, one in coma
Indigenous Papuan allegedly shot dead during military operation in Intan Jaya
Indigenous woman injured by bullets during armed clash in Intan Jaya
Indonesia intensifies security operations in WP - In Agisiga, Intan Jaya raids come with disappearance and torture
Joint security forces torture minor during armed clash in Intan Jaya - other residents allegedly tortured and houses burnt
Editor : Nuevaterra Mambor
Jayapura, Papua — The Solidarity of Paniai Students Across Indonesia in Jayapura, Papua held a free speech forum at the Paniai Dormitory in Jayapura City on Monday (18 May 2026) night, voicing opposition to the proposed establishment of several new autonomous regions (DOB) in Paniai Regency, Central Papua.
The students stated that during a demonstration at the Paniai Regional Legislative Council (DPRK) office on 19 January 2026, an agreement was reached to form a special committee (pansus) tasked with delivering the aspirations of the Paniai people to the central government.
The aspirations include rejecting the proposed DOB expansion, which they argue does not align with Law No. 23 of 2014, to be submitted to Indonesia’s Ministry of Home Affairs.
They also called for the revocation of mining permits and special mining permits (IUP/IUPK), which they claim violate Law No. 32 of 2009 concerning environmental impact assessments (AMDAL). This demand is intended to be delivered to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM).
In addition, they protested the takeover of customary land by the Indonesian military (TNI), which they say contradicts Article 18B Paragraph (2) of the 1945 Constitution, with plans to submit the complaint to the Ministry of Defence.
However, according to the students, the DPRK Paniai special committee, student representatives, and several community leaders have yet to travel to Jakarta to convey those aspirations to the relevant ministries.
They said the delay was caused by the absence of budget support that should have been allocated to the special committee team by the Paniai Regency Government under Regent Yanpit Nawipa’s 2025–2030 administration.
The students and indigenous communities of Paniai specifically rejected the proposed formation of Moni Regency, East Paniai Regency, West Paniai Regency, Wedauma Regency, and Auyatadi Regency. They said these demands would be submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs and Commission II of the House of Representatives (DPR RI).
They also demanded the revocation of mining permits held by companies including PT Freeport Indonesia, PT Irja Eastern Mineral, PT Nabire Bhakti Mining, PT Kotabara Mitratama, and PT Benliz Pacific.
Furthermore, the students urged the Corruption Eradication Commission to immediately investigate public officials in Paniai allegedly involved in gratification practices and the unilateral signing of mining permits without the involvement of indigenous communities.
The group also rejected the use of public facilities by the TNI and demanded the return of customary land claimed by the military for the construction of military posts and a district military command (Kodim) in Bibida and Komopa districts. They said this aspiration would be submitted to the Ministry of Defence. (*)
Nuevaterra Mambor
Sentani, Jubi — Jayapura Regency has recorded the second-highest number of malaria cases in Indonesia after Mimika Regency, according to local authorities.
Jayapura Deputy Regent Haris Richard Yocku said there were 71,542 malaria cases recorded in Jayapura Regency in 2025, accounting for approximately 10.1 percent of the total malaria cases nationwide.
The figure places Jayapura Regency as the region with the second-highest malaria burden in the country. The local government acknowledged that malaria control efforts in the regency continue to face serious challenges.
According to Yocku, as of March 2026, malaria screening coverage had only reached 33.62 percent of the first-quarter target.
Meanwhile, the malaria positivity rate remained at 16.33 percent, far above the national elimination standard of below five percent.
The data was presented by Yocku during the opening of the Training of Trainers (TOT) Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) program for accelerating malaria elimination in Jayapura Regency, held in Sentani on Monday (18 May 2026).
“This shows that malaria transmission is still actively occurring in communities and requires a faster, more massive, and more community-centered response,” Yocku said.
He stated that the regional government is targeting one million malaria tests annually, or around 84,000 tests per month.
Based on that target, approximately 250,125 tests should have been conducted between January and March 2026. However, actual implementation only reached 69,423 tests.
Yocku said the government continues to promote the TOKEN EDAT strategy — Find, Treat, and Control — as a key approach to accelerating malaria elimination. However, he stressed that the effort cannot rely solely on health workers.
“Malaria cannot be solved only by community health centers and healthcare workers. Malaria control requires the active involvement of communities, local volunteers, village leaders, schools, churches, youth, women, and all elements of society,” he said.
Through the PLA training program, participants are encouraged to map mosquito breeding sites, increase malaria testing in high-risk areas, monitor mosquito net use, support patients in completing treatment, and maintain environments free of malaria vectors.
Meanwhile, Lilien Suebu said Jayapura Regency remains the second-largest contributor of malaria cases in Papua after Mimika.
Based on committee reports, malaria cases in 2025 reached 71,545, with an Annual Parasite Incidence (API) of 409.18 per 1,000 residents and a positivity rate of 13.79 percent.
Suebu said the increase in recorded cases over the past two years coincided with massive malaria testing through the TOKEN program. At the same time, the positivity rate has begun to decline.
“Cases have increased because of the massive testing effort, while the positivity rate is showing a decline,” Lilien Suebu said.
She added that accelerating malaria elimination is not only focused on patient treatment, but also on controlling mosquito vectors through cross-sector cooperation and community participation.
The malaria TOT PLA training was attended by 35 participants from various sectors, including the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda), the Community and Village Empowerment Office (DPMK), the military, police, health schools, religious leaders, community leaders, village representatives, and healthcare workers.
The three-day training runs from 18–20 May 2026 with funding support from Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance and Indonesia’s Ministry of Health. (*)
