Human rights defenders, victims’ families, lawyers and civil society organisations continue to raise concerns over persistent impunity for alleged human rights violations committed by Indonesian security forces in West Papua. Despite public protests, legal complaints and disciplinary proceedings in several cases, meaningful criminal accountability remains limited. Recent developments demonstrate growing demands for independent investigations, transparent judicial processes and an end to the structural barriers that have long prevented justice for victims.
Broader concerns regarding impunity remain closely linked to Indonesia’s military justice system. During proceedings before the Constitutional Court on 28 April 2026, the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS) argued that as long as members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) accused of ordinary criminal offences continue to be tried before military courts, impunity will persist. KontraS cited numerous historical cases, including killings in West Papua, where military courts imposed comparatively lenient sentences. The organisation also highlighted the military prosecution of four intelligence officers accused of carrying out the acid attack against human rights defender Andrie Yunus, arguing that civilian courts are necessary to guarantee equality before the law and public confidence in judicial independence.
As general concerns over structural impunity in Indonesia continue, human rights organisations, lawyers, relatives and solidarity groups in Wesst Papua continue to fight for justice for the victims of security force violence. Most Human rights cases are not timely investigated due to institutional barriers and lack of political will. Investigations often result in disciplinary police proceedings or military tribunals, where perpetrators get away with lenient sentences, as the following compilation of recent cases illustrates.
The developments documented across these cases illustrate persistent structural obstacles to accountability for alleged human rights violations committed by Indonesian security forces in West Papua. Although internal disciplinary proceedings, public demonstrations and legal complaints have generated increasing pressure for accountability, victims’ families and civil society organisations continue to report slow investigations, limited transparency and the absence of meaningful criminal prosecutions. Human rights organisations continue to call for independent investigations, civilian judicial oversight where appropriate, and effective remedies that comply with Indonesia’s obligations under international human rights law.
Dogiyai Police Shooting: Internal police process and its outcome
Indonesian police have discharged or demoted twelve officers over the killing of six civilians in Dogiyai, Central Papua, but human rights activists warn that the internal disciplinary process is being used to substitute for criminal accountability. Human rights organisations are calling for the case to be brought before a Human Rights Court as a gross human rights violation. Between 31 March and 2 April 2026, five civilians were killed and at least three others wounded by live ammunition in Moanemani, the capital of Dogiyai regency in Central Papua. The events have become known as the “Dogiyai bloody tragedy.”
On 7 May 2026, the Central Papua Regional Police (Polda Papua Tengah) convened a hearing of the Police Professional Ethics Commission (KKEPP) against twelve members of the Dogiyai district police (Polres Dogiyai). The outcome, reported by several media outlets on 13 May 2026, was that four officers were dishonourably discharged and eight were demoted.
Of the eight demoted, one (AS) received a two-year demotion for knowing of an assault and failing to act. Six others (JRR, AFK, GLY, JFN, WD and JF) received two-year demotions for involvement in the burning of vehicles. The Kamuu sub-district police chief (YHA) received a three-year demotion for inadequate supervision of his officers. Suartika added that all of the sanctioned officers have appealed. He said the appeal notifications were received on 11 May 2026, that the officers were given 21 days to prepare their submissions, and that an appeals commission would be formed.
The case has also triggered widespread public mobilisation. Throughout May 2026, demonstrations were organised in Jakarta, Jayapura and Nabire demanding transparent investigations, the establishment of an independent fact-finding team, accountability for those responsible and an end to military operations across Papua. Protesters warned that the Dogiyai case must not become another unresolved incident contributing to the long-standing pattern of impunity in the region.
Ebenius Tabuni Shooting: Six months without progress
On 31 March 2026, LBH Papua publicly criticised the Papua Regional Police for failing to make meaningful progress in the investigation into the shooting of student Ebenius Tabuni during a protest in Jayapura on 15 October 2025. According to the organisation, an official criminal complaint had been filed in October 2025, yet six months later investigators had failed to identify suspects or provide transparency regarding the status of the investigation. LBH Papua described the delay as evidence of institutional neglect and warned that prolonged inaction risks reinforcing impunity for unlawful police violence. The organisation called for an independent investigation, criminal prosecutions where appropriate and oversight by Komnas HAM and the Indonesian Ombudsman.
Bokondini Shooting: Family seeks independent investigation
2) Indonesian Military to Reinforce Troops in Papua After Pilot Killing
Reporter Dede Leni Mardianti July 5, 2026 | 12:31 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) will be adding defense personnel in several vulnerable areas in Papua. The increase in the number of troops comes in the wake of the shooting of a pilot and the burning of an AMA airline aircraft in Balinggaman, Sobaham District, Yahukimo, Papua on Thursday, July 2, 2026.
The Commander of the Joint Regional Defense Command III, Lieutenant General Lucky Avianto, stated that security posts in the area are currently limited, including at the site of the shooting incident. He said, "It's true that there is no security post in Balinggaman, where the shooting of pilot Nicholas Gosselin took place," as reported by Antara on Sunday, July 5, 2026.
According to Lucky, the nearest security post from the location of the incident is about 40 kilometers away, in mountainous terrain. Lucky mentioned that the situation is similar to the attack on the Smart Air aircraft at the Korowai Airport in Boven Digoel Regency, South Papua on February 12, which resulted in the deaths of two crew members.
Based on this, Lucky stated that TNI will evaluate which areas require additional security posts, especially in regions that serve as pioneer flight services. He said that they will coordinate with Bishop Yanuarius You of Jayapura. "Perhaps we can collaborate to identify the areas that require additional security posts and reinforcement of personnel," he said.
Prior to this, American pilot Nicholas F. Goselin was shot dead by the West Papuan National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement or TPNPB-OPM. Nicholas was shot while flying the PT AMA aircraft in the Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Highlands, on Thursday, July 2, 2026.
The spokesperson for the TPNPB headquarters, Sebby Sambom, stated that the shooting of the American pilot and the burning were carried out by the TPNPB Kodap XVI Yahukimo militia led by Elkius Kobak. The aircraft piloted by Nicholas was executed due to suspicion of transporting logistical support for the TNI forces in Papua.
"We shot as an ultimatum so that no more Indonesian airlines fly over Papua land," said Sambom in a written statement on Friday, July 3, 2026.
He explained that 36 defense regional commands (Kodap) of TPNPB have issued flying bans in their respective areas to all airlines operating in Papua. This ban is an anticipation by TPNPB against the arrival of non-organic TNI troops in Papua.
According to Sambom, Indonesian airlines that operate in Papua, including the PT AMA aircraft that was burned in Yahukimo, are often used to transport personnel or logistics for TNI to remote points in Papua. "They bring TNI, deliver logistics, and weapons to carry out military operations that oppress the Papuan people. We prohibit that," he said.
28 years since the Biak Massacre-and the conflict in West Papua
escalates
On the 6th July in 1988, 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.
28 years later and no Indonesian security force member has ever been charged or brought to justice for the human rights abuses committed against peaceful West Papuan demonstrators.
Joe Collins of AWPA said, “not only has no military personal ever been brought to justice but the killing of Papuans in the territory continues and in fact the conflict is escalating”.
West Papuan people continue to be arrested, intimated and killed by the security forces. There are ongoing clashes between the TPNPB and the Indonesian military with casualties on both sides. As a result of these clashes , the Indonesian security forces carry out operations in the area causing local people to flee in fear for their lives. It’s the internal refugees bearing the brunt of the conflict. According to Human Rights Monitor there are over 122,00 internal refugeesin West Papua as of June 2026.
Collins said , as the situation in West Papua deteriorates , we can expect more Papuans to flee from their villages for safety.
In the latest incidentan American pilot, Nicholas F. Gosselin was killed and the Associated Mission Aviation (AMA) plane he was flying was destroyed.
The incident occurred at the Kampung Balinggama airfield, Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Mountains Province.
A West Papua National Liberation Army(TPNPB) spokesperson , Sebby Sambom said that the TPNPBmembers fromthe Yahukimo Regional Command, were responsible for the shooting and for setting fire to the aircraft. He pointed out that previously the TPNPB had issued an ultimatum prohibiting all civilian aircraft from entering the TPNPB region.
Papua separatists posted photos showing the site where they killed an American pilot and set fire to his plane in the restive region. Supplied: Facebook(Supplied: Facebook) ( ABC)
Sebby said that the group believes that civilian aircraft are regularly being used to transport Indonesian troops and military logistics into Papua’s interior to support military operations although the AMA and the military have denied this.
Joe Collins said , “what’s of real concern now is the military might conduct another security force operation to hunt for the TPNPB members in the area which will only result in more internal refugees and more villagers arrested and intimidated”.
Already the Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago has condemned the attack. The ministry, says Djamari, will encourage the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) and the National Police (Polri) to continue pursuing the perpetrators and take firm action, and in an ANTARA News report the Commander of the Joint Regional Defense Command (Kogabwilhan) III, Lieutenant General Lucky Avianto, said the Indonesian Military (TNI) will deploy additional security personnel to several vulnerable locations in Papua following the fatal shooting.
Statements such as this are not helpful and only create anxiety in the Papuan population.
The Biak Massacre
In brief.
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.
If Canberra was reluctant to raise the massacre with Jakarta 28 years ago, nothing has really changed and Canberra is still reluctant to raise the human rights situation in West Papua with Jakarta.
Increasing awareness.
It is very rare that the main stream media covers the issue of West Papua. However, a new documentary film has achieved major coverage around the world . The documentary, film , “ Pesta Babi: Kolonialisme di Zaman Kita” (Pig Feast: Colonialism in Our Time) is about the impacts of deforestation in South Papua . It follows the local Papuan communities resisting the loss of their land and livelihoods due to a government-backed National Strategic Project. The National Strategic Project is a massive food and energy project in southern Papua and particularly in the Merauke region. The project includes industrial food estates and sugarcane plantations, causing the destruction of millions of hectares of forest and customary Indigenous land.
There has been a number of crackdowns on some venues screening the film by the authorities because of its controversial nature. It’s this controversy that has led to the coverage in the mainstream media.
So far, the film has screened over 2000 times in Indonesia and overseas including in New Zealand and Australia.Since it was released online it has had more than 13 Million views.
What is really encouraging is the film is bringing awareness to the Indonesian population and although it might not increase support for independence for West Papua amongst Indonesians, it will cause outrage about the ongoing environmental destruction and the human rights abuses. A good start.
1) US Embassy assists repatriation of pilot's body to Jakarta
July 4, 2026 16:37 GMT+700
Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA) - The repatriation of the body of Nicholas F. Goselin, an American pilot killed in Papua, is being facilitated by the United States Embassy in Jakarta, according to an official of PT Associated Mission Aviation (AMA).
Goselin, who had been flying with the aviation mission for three years, was one of 16 pilots employed by the company.
"We have flown Nicholas' body to Jakarta on a GIA (Garuda Indonesia Airways), and the US Embassy will handle the subsequent arrangements," President Director of PT AMA Bob Kayadu told ANTARA here on Saturday.
The pilot was fatally shot in an attack by an armed criminal group (KKB) in Sobaham Subdistrict, Yahukimo District, Papua Pegunungan Province, on Thursday (July 2).
He was piloting an AMA Pilatus Porter aircraft when the attack occurred shortly after he landed at Balinggama Airstrip.
Following the shooting, the armed group set the aircraft on fire, rendering it completely inoperable.
Prior to the incident, AMA operated a fleet of eight Pilatus Porter and Cessna Caravan aircraft. "Currently, AMA is left with seven aircraft and 15 pilots, which includes several other foreign nationals," Kayadu noted.
He stated that Thursday's attack marked the first time an AMA aircraft had been targeted in the company's 67-year history of serving the Papuan region.
He also emphasized the company's strict neutrality, pointing out that the AMA fleet exclusively serves local civilian communities in the remote hinterlands of Papua.
The airline has never transported personnel from the Indonesian Military (TNI), the National Police (Polri), or armed groups.
“AMA only provides public services to the community, helping them to visit various isolated regions that can only be accessed by small aircraft," he said.
2) TNI to boost security deployment in vulnerable Papua areas
July 4, 2026 17:36 GMT+700
Jayapura (ANTARA) - Commander of the Joint Regional Defense Command (Kogabwilhan) III, Lieutenant General Lucky Avianto, said the Indonesian Military (TNI) will deploy additional security personnel to several vulnerable locations in Papua following the fatal shooting of AMA Airways pilot Nicholas F. Goselin in Balinggama, Sobaham Sub-district, Yahukimo District, Papua Pegunungan Province.
There was no security post at the location when the shooting occurred on Thursday (July 2), Lucky told ANTARA in Jayapura on Saturday.
According to him, the nearest security post is located about 40 kilometers from the scene across mountainous terrain.
Lucky said a similar situation occurred during the attack on a Smart Air aircraft at Korowai Airstrip in Boven Digoel District, South Papua Province, on February 12, 2026, in which two crew members were killed.
The TNI will therefore evaluate security arrangements in areas without security posts, particularly those served by pioneer aviation routes.
"We have conveyed this to Jayapura Bishop Yanuarius You. We hope to collaborate in identifying areas that require additional security personnel and reinforced security measures," Lucky said.
The collaboration is expected to strengthen protection for local communities while ensuring the continuity of essential services in remote areas.
"The deployment of security personnel at these locations is expected to provide a greater sense of security so that communities can continue to receive essential services," he said.
Earlier, on Friday (July 3, 2026), personnel from the Habema Joint Operations Command (Koops Habema) evacuated the body of AMA Airways pilot Nicholas F. Goselin, who was shot dead by an armed criminal group (KKB) shortly after landing a Pilatus Porter aircraft at Balinggama Airstrip in Sobaham Sub-district, Papua Pegunungan Province.
3) Minister condemns killing of US pilot, pursues armed group in Papua
July 3, 2026 20:48 GMT+700
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago has condemned the brutal attack by an armed criminal group (KKB) that killed a United States pilot, Nicholas F Goselin, in Papua Pegunungan on Thursday (July 2).
"I strongly condemn the burning of the aircraft and the heinous act against the AMA aircraft pilot, which is strongly suspected to have been carried out by the KKB," Djamari said in a press release received here on Friday.
According to Djamari, the perpetrators must be dealt with firmly, as they had killed someone and threatened the security of the Papuan people.
The ministry, says Djamari, will encourage the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) and the National Police (Polri) to continue pursuing the perpetrators and take firm action.
He also called on the TNI and Polri to strengthen airport security to ensure the safety of flight activities in Papua.
Meanwhile, the Habema Joint Regional Defense Command is currently pursuing the separatist group that killed Goselin in Balinggama Village, Yahukimo District, Papua Pegunungan Province.
The pursuit operation was launched after the Habema Command successfully evacuated the body of the US pilot from the shooting site.
"The evacuation operation involved 10 Habema Command personnel, supported by two Caracal helicopters. The entire process was carried out by prioritizing security and precision, considering that the operation took place in a mountainous area with a high level of difficulty," Head of Information of the Habema Command Lieutenant Colonel Inf. Wirya Arthadiguna said.
After the evacuation, Wirya said the pilot's body was taken to Timika, Central Papua, to be handed over to the authorities in accordance with applicable procedures.
Wirya said the security officers had identified the group responsible for Goselin's death.
"The murder of the pilot and the burning of the PT AMA aircraft were carried out by the OPM XVI/Yahukimo group led by Elkius Kobak," Wirya added.
The Habema Command is gathering various leads to determine the location of the separatist group. At the same time, Habema personnel have also been deployed to tighten surveillance at the shooting site.
The effort is to prevent any follow-up attacks that could threaten the local residents.
The officers also conduct patrols and continue to synergize with all related elements to ensure public security and secure the pioneer flight services in Papua.
The killing occurred on Thursday (July 2) at 06:50 a.m. Eastern Indonesia Time after the aircraft landed at Ipdeheik Airstrip, Balinggama Village, Sobaham Subdistrict.
The aircraft was burned after the perpetrators' attack, while the pilot was declared dead after being shot at the location.
4) Three helicopters deployed to evacuate slain US pilot
July 3, 2026 11:48 GMT+700
Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Habema Joint Operations Command deployed three helicopters on Friday to evacuate the body of American pilot Nicholas F. Goselin, 29, who was killed in an attack by armed separatists in the eastern Papua region, a military spokesperson said.
Lieutenant Colonel Inf. Wirya Artadiguna, spokesperson for the Habema Joint Operations Command, said the helicopters were dispatched to recover Goselin's body. Goselin was a pilot for PT Associated Mission Aviation (AMA).
"The team departed Timika at 6:45 a.m. Eastern Indonesia Time, and we hope the evacuation proceeds safely and smoothly," Wirya told ANTARA by telephone from Jayapura on Friday.
Wirya said preliminary information indicated the 29-year-old American pilot died from gunshot wounds inflicted by the separatists, although authorities were awaiting confirmation from personnel at the scene.
"The plan is to fly the body directly to Jayapura," Wirya said.
The attackers also set fire to the Pilatus aircraft, registration PK-RCY, after it landed at Balinggama airstrip following a flight from Wamena carrying seven passengers.
The seven passengers on the Associated Mission Aviation flight were identified as Eston Sobolim, Kluenang Sobolim, Toni Balingga, Elina Sobolim, Ona Sobolim, Lisenia Balingga and Vaince Amo Hoso.
Yahukimo Police Chief Senior Adjunct Commissioner Zet Salino said the attackers belonged to the Free Papua Movement (OPM), whose armed wing is officially classified by Indonesian authorities as an armed criminal group (KKB).
He said the attack occurred in Balinggama village, accessible only by air and located about 30 minutes by plane from Dekai, the capital of Yahukimo District.
Violence linked to the decades-long separatist insurgency in Papua has intensified in recent years, with attacks targeting civilians, infrastructure workers and Indonesian security forces.
One of the highest-profile incidents was the abduction of New Zealand pilot Phillip Mark Mehrtens in Nduga District on Feb. 7, 2023, by fighters led by Egianus Kogoya.
Mehrtens was held captive for more than 18 months before being released in September 2024.
5) The autopsy results state that the AMA pilot died from gunshot wounds
by News Desk 4 July 2026 in West Papua Reading Time: 3 mins read
Jayapura, Jubi – Autopsy results at Bhayangkara Hospital in Kotaraja, Jayapura City, Papua Province, state that the pilot of an aircraft belonging to Associated Mission Aviation (AMA), Nicholas F. Goselin (29), died as a result of gunshot wounds.
This was confirmed by the Head of Bhayangkara Hospital, Senior Commissioner Dr. Rommy Sebastian, during a press conference following the autopsy of the victim’s body at Bhayangkara Hospital in Kotaraja, Jayapura City, Papua, on Friday night (7/3/2026).
According to Rommy Sebastian, the autopsy results showed the presence of wounds and a fracture of the lower jawbone on the right side caused by blunt force trauma, and only one gunshot.
There was a gunshot wound with a diameter of 9 millimeters, and gunpowder residue was found near the victim’s neck. However, the type of weapon and bullet used could not yet be identified.
He said open wounds were also found on the head, forehead, left cheek, and the area around the right ear. There were abrasions on the right side of the head, signs of fractures on the upper jawbone on both the left and right sides, and a fracture of the lower jawbone on the right side caused by blunt force trauma.
“The open wound found on the left cheek is consistent with a gunshot entry wound, with the muzzle of the weapon positioned perpendicular to the surface of the skin. So it entered from the left side, then exited on the right side, causing the [victim’s] right cheekbone to fracture,” said Rommy Sebastian.
Rommy Sebastian explained that X-ray results on the victim’s body showed a fracture in the deep base structure of the skull.
“This is what caused the victim to die instantly, or die very quickly,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Public Relations Task Force of Cartenz Peace Operation (ODC) 2026, Senior Commissioner Yusuf Sutejo, expressed deep condolences over the shooting of the American pilot and the burning of the aircraft belonging to PT AMA at the airstrip in Balinggama Village, Sobahan District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Highlands, on Thursday (7/2/2026).
“This autopsy was carried out to help clarify the incident more clearly,” said Yusuf Sutejo.
He said his side would carry out further investigation related to processing the crime scene and other matters, in order to complete the case file to clarify the incident.
He emphasized that regarding the allegation that the AMA airline was used to transport TNI-Polri personnel, Yusuf said this was a form of provocation and propaganda.
His side had already communicated with the AMA airline. The airline stated that it had been serving the interior of the Land of Papua for 67 years, and that this was the first time such an incident had occurred.
“So [the airline] PT AMA is purely carrying out religious activities, activities related to churches, especially in the interior of Papua,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Law Enforcement Task Force of ODC 2026, Senior Commissioner Era Adinta, said that following the incident, his side immediately carried out investigations, interviews, examinations, and monitored social media.
Their preliminary conclusion is that the act was carried out by the West Papua National Liberation Army, or TPNPB, Regional Defense Command, or Kodap XVI Yahukimo.
“This is a new armed criminal group [KKB], namely the Bakusip. KKB group led by M. Balingga. Based on monitoring on social media, [they] stated they are subordinates of Elkius Kobak [of] Kodap XVI Yahukimo. However, regarding the connection with Elkius Kobak, we will look into it further,” said Era Adinta.
According to Era Adinta, after the incident, Elkius Kobak’s group issued a statement claiming responsibility for the shooting of the pilot, and a photo of the perpetrator on top of the AMA aircraft after it had landed was also found.
“We can confirm that [the perpetrator] is M. Balingga, [who belongs to] a new [group]. We know the Bakusip KKB group is new and its profile is new, so there isn’t much we recognize about them,” he said. (*)
6) Four civilians reported killed in shootings in Intan Jaya over the past week
by News Desk 3 July 2026 in Human Rights Reading Time: 2 mins read
Jayapura, Jubi – Four civilians in Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua Province, have reportedly been killed in separate shooting incidents over the past week, including an unborn child. The incidents occurred between June 29 and July 2, 2026.
A Jubi source in Intan Jaya, Marten Weya, identified the victims as shepherd Elianus Agimbau, young man Okto Tigau, and Melkiana Duwitau, who was seven months pregnant.
Duwitau and her unborn child were killed after she was struck by gunfire while inside her home in Sugapa, the capital of Intan Jaya Regency, on Thursday (July 2).
“Over the past week, non-organic Indonesian military personnel in Intan Jaya have allegedly killed four civilians. One of them was an unborn child who died in the womb,” Weya told Jubi in a voice message on Friday (July 3).
According to Weya, the series of deadly incidents sparked growing public anger in Intan Jaya, culminating in widespread protests following the deaths of Duwitau and her unborn child.
Thousands of residents, joined by students and university students, staged a protest on Friday, calling on the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the shootings.
“We, the people of Intan Jaya, demand that this case be fully investigated and resolved immediately,” Weya said.
Protesters carried the bodies of Duwitau and her unborn child—who was delivered during emergency surgery at Intan Jaya Regional General Hospital (RSUD)—to the Sugapa football field on Friday afternoon before taking them to the family home in Wandoga Village, Sugapa District.
Weya, who served as the protest’s field coordinator, said residents, school students, and university students demanded that those responsible for the shootings be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The demonstrators also urged the Intan Jaya Regency Government to facilitate an independent investigation into what they alleged were human rights violations.
They further called on the local administration to arrange direct talks involving students and other community representatives with Indonesia’s Minister of Defence and President regarding what they described as a military emergency in Intan Jaya.
Weya said that if alleged human rights violations and shootings of civilians continue, residents would demand that Intan Jaya Regency be administratively reintegrated into Paniai Regency, from which it was originally carved out.
A university student in Intan Jaya, Yance Pogau, said Duwitau was taken to Intan Jaya Regional General Hospital after she was shot.
Medical staff performed emergency surgery to deliver the baby in an attempt to save its life. However, the fetus had already died in the womb. (*)
