Jayapura, Jubi — The Papua Law Enforcement and Human Rights Coalition has called on all parties involved in the armed conflict in Puncak Regency, Central Papua, to ensure the protection of civilians.
The appeal follows reports that at least nine civilians were killed and others injured by gunfire in recent days.
The coalition comprises several organizations, including the Legal Aid Institute Papua (LBH Papua), the Papua Human Rights Advocacy Association (PAHAM Papua), the Institute for Research, Analysis and Development of Legal Aid (ALDP), the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission of the Papua Synod (KPKC Sinode Tanah Papua), the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation of the Order of Friars Minor Papua (JPIC OFM Papua), Elsham Papua, Yadupa, the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI), the Legal Aid Institute Papua Merauke (LBH Papua Merauke), the Legal Aid Institute Papua Sorong Office (LBH Papua Pos Sorong), the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence Papua (KontraS Papua), and Tong Pu Safe Space (Tong Pu Ruang Aman).
According to the coalition, field reports indicate that a tragic incident in Pogoma District resulted in deaths and injuries among civilians who were not involved in the armed conflict. Among the victims was a five-year-old child who reportedly sustained a gunshot wound to the chest, while survivors are said to be experiencing severe psychological trauma.
“The identified victims who died or were injured include Wundili Kogoya (36), Kikungge Walia (55), Pelen Kogoya (65), Tigiagan Walia (76), Ekimira Kogoya (47), Daremet Telenggen (55), Inikiwewo Walia (52), Amer Walia (77), and Para Walia (5),” the coalition said in a press release issued Friday (April 17, 2026).
The coalition argues that the presence of civilian casualties indicates a violation of the right to life, as stipulated in Article 9(1) of Law No. 39/1999 on Human Rights, which guarantees every person the right to live, to defend their life, and to improve their standard of living. It also stated that the incident reflects violations of the right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, as outlined in Article 33(1) of the same law.
Furthermore, the involvement of children among the victims suggests a failure to uphold provisions under Article 62(1) of Law No. 35/2014 on Child Protection. The coalition noted that the armed conflict between the Indonesian security forces (TNI-Polri) and the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) has broadly undermined civilians’ right to safety, as guaranteed under Article 30 of Law No. 39/1999.
Based on statements from both TNI-Polri and TPNPB reported in various media outlets, the coalition said military sweeps targeting the Free Papua Movement (OPM) led to operations in Guamo Village, Pogoma District, resulting in casualties,
property damage, and fear among civilians.
The coalition stated that this indicates a violation of international humanitarian law in the armed conflict between TNI-Polri and TPNPB in Puncak, as stipulated under Article 3(1)(a) of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, which Indonesia has ratified through Law No. 59/1958.
The coalition emphasized that TNI-Polri and TPNPB, as parties to the conflict, are obligated to protect civilians in accordance with Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions.
“On that basis, it indicates that violations of international humanitarian law have occurred in the armed conflict between the Indonesian security forces and the West Papua National Liberation Army in Puncak Regency, as stipulated under Article 3(1)(a) of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, which were adopted into Indonesian law through Law No. 59 of 1958 on the State of the Republic of Indonesia’s participation in all Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949,” the coalition said.
Therefore, invoking its authority under Article 100 of Law No. 39 of 1999 on Human Rights, the Papua Law Enforcement and Human Rights Coalition emphasized that the Indonesian security forces and the West Papua National Liberation Army, as parties to the armed conflict, are obligated to protect Papuan civilians in accordance with Article 3 of the 1949 Geneva Conventions.
The coalition also urged the President of the Republic of Indonesia to immediately end the political conflict between Indonesia and Papua in order to halt the armed violence that continues to claim civilian lives, in line with Article 46(2)(b) of Law No. 2 of 2021.
Furthermore, the coalition called on the Speakers of the House of Representatives and the Regional Representative Council to ensure the implementation of Article 3(1)(a) of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, as mandated under Law No. 59 of 1958, in defense and security policies across Papua.
It also urged the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, its Papua representative office, and the Indonesian Child Protection Commission to immediately establish an independent fact-finding team to investigate alleged gross human rights violations, potentially constituting crimes against humanity under Article 9 of Law No. 26 of 2000, in Puncak Regency.
In addition, the coalition called on the Governor of Central Papua to fulfill and uphold the human rights of civilians in Puncak Regency in accordance with Article 45(1) of Law No. 2 of 2021.
Finally, the coalition urged the Regent of Puncak and the Puncak Regional House of Representatives to ensure the protection and fulfillment of the human rights of Papuan civilians in the regency, as mandated under Article 45(1) of Law No. 2 of 2021. (*)
Rights groups and Church-based organizations have called for justice and safeguarding of human rights after
fighting between security forces and armed rebels left at least nine civilians killed in Indonesia's restive
Christian-majority Papua region.
In a statement on April 17, the Papua Coalition for Law Enforcement and Human Rights condemned the
killing of civilians, including a five-year-old, in clashes between Indonesian forces and the West Papua
National Liberation Army (TPNPB) in Pogoma of Central Papua province.
The coalition said those killed were villagers not involved in the fighting. The statement was signed by
several Church-based groups, including the Papua Franciscans' Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation
Commission (JPIC
Victims included elderly people and children, while others were injured and forced to flee their homes,
leaving communities traumatized and displaced, it said.
Civilians are once again bearing the heaviest burden of a conflict they did not choose, the coalition added.
The groups urged all sides to respect the 1949 Geneva Conventions, which require the protection of people
who do not take part in hostilities.
The killing of children underscores the failure to provide special protection to minors as required under
Indonesian law and international humanitarian standards, the coalition said.
This is not merely a security issue, but a humanitarian crisis, the coalition said.
These events challenge our shared moral responsibility to uphold human dignity. No political objective can
justify the loss of innocent lives, it said.
The security forces and rebels issued statements accusing each other of the violence.
Military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Wirya Arthadiguna said troops were deployed after receiving reports
from residents about security disturbances in the area.
Our patrol units moved quickly to secure the area and prevent further threats to civilians, he said in a statement.
However, the rebels accused Indonesian forces of conducting aerial military operations, including the use of
helicopters, in Pogoma starting April 13.
TPNPB spokesperson Sebby Sambom said the operations led to civilian casualties and forced villagers to flee.
The Indonesian military did not confirm the use of airstrikes.
Emanuel Gobay from the rights coalition urged Indonesia's National Human Rights Commission, its Papua
office, and the Indonesian Child Protection Commission to establish an independent fact-finding team to
investigate the violence.
He appealed to the national government to seek a political solution to the long-running Papua conflict,
warning that continued militarization would only deepen civilian suffering.
The latest violence came just weeks after deadly unrest in neighboring Dogiyai regency, also in Central Papua,
where violence erupted following the killing of a police officer.
The unrest began on March 31, when the body of police officer Jufentus Edowai was found in a ditch in front
of a Church in Moanemani, Dogiyai.
Rights groups said at least five civilians were killed in revenge actions in the following days.
In a report released on March 26, Human Rights Monitor said that more than 107,000 civilians have been
internally displaced across Papua since January due to military operations and armed conflict.
Church leaders and humanitarian organizations have urged the authorities to halt military operations in civilian
areas and ensure access for humanitarian aid.
Indonesia annexed Papua in the 1960s following the end of Dutch colonial rule. A consequent referendum in
favor of Indonesia is largely considered a sham.
The annexation and militarization triggered an armed pro-independence movement. Decades of fighting
between rebels saw thousands killed and tens of thousands displaced.
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3) Nine civilians, including a toddler, reported killed in shooting during military operation in Puncak
Author : Larius Kogoya
Editor : Nuevaterra Mambor
Jayapura — At least nine civilians, including a five-year-old child, have reportedly been killed and dozens more
injured in a shooting incident during a military operation in Puncak Regency, Central Papua.
A local source, Yumbunik Murib, said the fatalities occurred following what he described as an indiscriminate
attack by Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) personnel in Tenoti and Kumikomo villages, Kembru District,
on Tuesday (April 14, 2026).
“The victims died from gunshot wounds after a widespread assault by security forces across several villages in
Kembru
District. Nine individuals have been identified, evacuated, and laid to rest according to customary Lani
traditions,” Murib told
Jubi by phone on Friday (April 17, 2026).
The deceased have been identified as Wundilina Kogoya (36), Kikungge Walia (55), Pelen Kogoya (65),
Tigiagan Walia (76), Ekimira Kogoya (47), Daremet Telenggen (55), Inikiwewo Walia (52), Amer Walia (77),
and a toddler, Para Walia (5).
Murib added that dozens of others, ranging from children to adults, sustained injuries. Some victims are receiving
treatment at Mulia Regional Hospital, while others are being cared for at home. Several of the injured—identified as
Onde Walia (5), Aliko Walia (5), Nokia Kogoya (21), Anite Telenggen (19), and Daniton Tabuni—have been documented,
though the full number of casualties remains unclear.
Two of the injured, Anite Telenggen and Onde Walia, have been referred to hospitals in Jayapura and Nabire for further
treatment.
According to Murib, the reported casualties do not include those in Kembru, Makuma, and Nilome villages, where
evacuation efforts have yet to take place due to the continued presence of TNI forces in the area. Local residents have
called on the military to allow access for evacuation teams.
Murib added that dozens of others, ranging from children to adults, sustained injuries. Some victims are receiving
treatment at Mulia Regional Hospital, while others are being cared for at home. Several of the injured—identified as
Onde Walia (5), Aliko Walia (5), Nokia Kogoya (21), Anite Telenggen (19), and Daniton Tabuni—have been documented,
though the full number of casualties remains unclear.
Two of the injured, Anite Telenggen and Onde Walia, have been referred to hospitals in Jayapura and Nabire for
further treatment.
According to Murib, the reported casualties do not include those in Kembru, Makuma, and Nilome villages, where
evacuation efforts have yet to take place due to the continued presence of TNI forces in the area. Local residents have
called on the military to allow access for evacuation teams.
Murib also noted that the Kembru District had been designated as a refuge area for internally displaced persons from
surrounding districts, including Pogoma, which had previously been agreed upon as a conflict zone between the West
Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) and Indonesian security forces.
“Residents had been living and carrying out daily activities in Kembru, which served as a safe zone. Suddenly, the
military launched a gunfire, targeting civilians in a displacement area,” Murib alleged.
He further claimed that the military operation began on Monday (April 13) with aerial bombardments using three
helicopters targeting a TPNPB base in Guamo village, Pogoma District, followed by combined air and ground
assaults in Kembru the next day.
As of now, Murib said, local authorities have yet to reach the affected areas to assess the situation or provide
humanitarian assistance. Many residents have reportedly fled into the forest.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Military has denied responsibility for the civilian casualties. Colonel Tri Purwanto,
spokesperson for the Cenderawasih Military Command, stated that the attack in Puncak was carried out by the
Free Papua Movement (OPM).
He said the group had allegedly shot three civilians—a woman and two children—in Sinak District. In response,
TNI personnel, alongside local authorities and the Indonesian Red Cross, evacuated the victims to Mulia Hospital
for treatment.
“We strongly condemn acts of violence against civilians allegedly committed by OPM. Civilians must be protected
and should never be targets of violence,” Tri said in an official statement on Thursday (April 16, 2026).
However, the attempt to obtain further clarification from the TNI’s Habema Operations Command spokesperson,
Lt. Col. Wirya Arthadiguna, regarding the reported deaths in Kembru District, had not received a response at the
time of publication. (*)
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