1) IDP Update March’26: More military operations trigger new displacements and dampen the prospects of return

 

2) CSI statement at the UN Human Rights Council: Military operations exacerbate humanitarian crisis- in West Papua

3) Churches, rights groups oppose military’s battalion base in Papua

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1) IDP Update March’26: More military operations trigger new displacements and dampen the prospects of return

Human Rights News, Reports / Indonesia, West Papua / 27 March 2026 

Between January and March 2026, human rights defenders and local media covered new internal displacements in West Papua due to new security force raids and the increasing presence of military personnel in the central highlands. As of late March 2026, more than 107,039 civilians across multiple regencies remained internally displaced due to military operations and armed conflict (see table below).  Armed violence and military raids occurred in remote areas of West Papua, which are mainly inhabited by indigenous Papuans. The vulnerability of indigenous Papuans to internal displacement and state violence is further exacerbated by the tendency of security forces to racially profile and stigmatize indigenous Papuans as supporters or members of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB).

Incidents triggering new internal displacements reportedly occurred in the regencies Mimika, Puncak, Intan Jaya, Tambrauw, Nabire, and Yahukimo.  An unknown number of indigenous Papuans were internally displaced due to armed conflict incidents in the Boven Digoel Regency in February 2026, and tribal warfare in the Kapiraya District of Paniai Regency in early March 2026.

Across all displacement sites, conditions remain consistently severe. Displaced populations face critical shortages of food, medicine, clean water, and shelter. Those taking refuge in forests are particularly vulnerable, with little to no humanitarian assistance reaching them, while individuals housed in temporary camps contend with dangerous overcrowding, limited resources, and a near-total breakdown of normal daily life.

HRM observed a significant raise in arbitrary detentions in conflict zones like Yahukimo, Intan Jaya , or Tambrauw since January 2026. Moreover, ongoing military operations reportedly involving battle drones, mortars and air raids in civilian populated areas across the central highlands (read sections Intan Jaya and Puncak below)  violate principles of distinction between combatants and non-combatants and  have resulted the cessation of daily activities and paralysation of health and education services. Such patterns cause fear among local communities and encourage the civilian population to leave these areas.

Christian Solidarity International (CSI) expressed their concerns over the growing numbers of IDPs due to increased military activity at an UN human Rights Council Session on 25 March 2026. Moreover, CSI noted that military operations in West Papua are closely linked to large-scale resource extraction projects involving nickel, gold, and industrial plantations. CSI supported the call made by the World Council of Churches  (WCC) at a UN Human Rights Council side event on March 4 2026.  Both organisations urge the Indonesian government to extend invitations to the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council and to facilitate a visit by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.”

Tambrauw

On 18 March 2026, joint Indonesian military and police forces conducted raids in the districts Fef and Bamus Bama, Tambrauw Regency, South West Papua province. Security force personnel reportedly detained at least 12 villagers without warrants. The military operation followed a violent incident on 16 March 2026 in the Jokbu Village, during which members of the West Papua National Liberation Aremy (TPNPB) killed two health workers. An unknown number of people in the districts Fef and Bamusbama reportedly fled to the forest or sought shelter with relatives in the Tambrauw’s main town Fef. Following the incident, local human rights defenders observed a second wave of displacement to the city of Sorong after additional security forces were deployed to Fef.

Detainees with their hands bound and visible injuries, lying on the floor at the Tambrauw Police Headquarters in Fef, 18 March 2026

Full update

https://humanrightsmonitor.org/reports/idp-update-march26-more-military-trigger-new-displacements-and-dampen-the-prospects-of-return/

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https://humanrightsmonitor.org/news/csi-statement-at-the-un-human-rights-council-military-operations-exacerbate-humanitarian-crisis-in-west-papua/

2) CSI statement at the UN Human Rights Council: Military operations exacerbate humanitarian crisis- in West Papua

Human Rights News / Indonesia, West Papua / 27 March 2026 

Christian Solidarity International (CSI) has called on the Indonesian government to grant international observers access to West Papua, warning that ongoing military operations in the region are driving a mounting humanitarian crisis. Speaking in an oral statement at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on 25 March 2026, CSI representatives, Mr Joel Veldkamp, reported that the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in West Papua has risen to 105,000  up from 85,000 just one year ago. The sharp increase, he argued, reflects an acceleration of Indonesian military activity in the territory.

West Papua’s indigenous population is overwhelmingly Christian, making it a distinct enclave within Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation. The region was transferred from Dutch to Indonesian administration in 1962,  more than a decade after Indonesian independence, a handover that sparked an independence movement that persists to this day.

According to CSI, the military operations are closely linked to large-scale resource extraction projects involving nickel, gold, and industrial plantations. “These projects are dispossessing the indigenous Papuan people of their lands on a massive scale, and threaten devastating ecological damage,” Veldkamp said. He added that the region has been largely closed to foreign journalists, independent observers, and international human rights bodies.

CSI is calling on Indonesia to facilitate a visit by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and to extend invitations to relevant UN special procedures; steps the organisation says are essential for ensuring accountability and transparency in the region.

CSI’s statement echoed calls made at a UN Human Rights Council side event on March 4 2026, hosted by the World Council of Churches, which was also attended by a representative of the Indonesian government. WCC Director for International Affairs Peter Prove urged the Indonesian government to “extend invitations to the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council and to facilitate a visit by the High Commissioner for Human Rights.”

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https://www.ucanews.com/news/churches-rights-groups-oppose-militarys-battalion-base-in-papua/112469

3) Churches, rights groups oppose military’s battalion base in Papua

The military taking over the indigenous people's land violates several legal provisions protecting rights of Papuans 

 By Ryan Dagur Published: March 25, 2026 11:54 AM GMT 

Thirteen human rights and aid organizations, including church groups, have urged the Indonesian military to halt the construction of a new battalion base in Papua Province, arguing it could seize indigenous land and trigger conflicts.

The organizations jointly released a statement on March 25, saying the Territorial Development Infantry Battalion plans to build a base on 56 hectares of customary land in Oridek, Biak Numfor Regency, which belongs to nine indigenous clans.

The statement said the construction “has the potential to trigger a broader agrarian conflict."

The land release is legally flawed. The land is owned by nine clans of the Biak tribe who have never sat down to discuss it with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the coalition said.

The coalition of rights groups includes the Papua Legal Aid Institute, the Papua Franciscan Commission for Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation, and the Synod of Protestant Churches.

The military’s move “blatantly violates several legal provisions protecting the rights of indigenous Papuans,” said Emanuel Gobay, a rights activist, and coalition partners told UCA News.

A 2021 law — the Special Autonomy for Papua — explicitly states that providing customary land for any purpose must be done through consultation with indigenous communities and with their agreement, Gobay said.

"In this case, this has been clearly ignored," he said.

Besides, the Oridek area has been designated as a protected forest and contains water sources for residents of Biak town.

The military has also not obtained the required licenses from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry for construction in the area, Gobay said.

He said they reported the matter to the Papua representative of the Indonesian National Human Rights Commission.

Apolos Sroyer, representing the Biak indigenous community, said they oppose the construction because the presence of soldiers "seriously disrupts the community's activities."

He said some community members “held limited and closed meetings with the military, then released the land" without informing most people about it.

The new battalion is part of President Prabowo Subianto’s plan to create 100 units across the country, with the Papua region receiving 25 of them, the largest portion.

He also plans for 400 more before the end of his first term in October 2029. These battalions, he said, are not designated as combat forces but as civil-military development units.

Head of the Indonesian Army Information Service, Brigadier General Donny Pramono, told the media that he understands the differing opinions, but the battalion development is meant to support the region and “to strengthen food security and territorial development." 

He said the construction is planned on land “legally owned, and has been officially donated by its owner to the Indonesian Army."

Christian-majority Papua has experienced conflict and violence since the 1960s, when Indonesia took control of the territory after ending Dutch colonial rule.

A referendum to decide Papua's future was viewed as rigged in favor of Indonesia.

The National Commission on Human Rights documented 115 cases of violence in 2025, killing 130 people and injuring 88, most of them civilians. This marks an increase from 85 cases with 71 deaths in 2024.

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1) Talking Indonesia: Papua, development and politics from below

2) Indonesian troops seize arms after clash in Central Papua 

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Uni Melbourne Indonesia at Melbourne

1) Talking Indonesia: Papua, development and politics from below 

 BY JEMMA PURDEY

26 MARCH 2026

In his inauguration speech in October 2024, President Prabowo Subianto reiterated his campaign pledge to “achieve food security in the shortest possible time”. 

He was not the first Indonesian president to make such a declaration. For Jokowi’s administration, too, and now Prabowo’s, West Papua occupies a central place in its ambitions to achieve both food and energy security, with the rollout of massive sugarcane and palm oil plantations to meet increasing biofuel targets, as well as mega rice production. These plans involve the clearing and development of hundreds of thousands of hectares of forests, the customary lands of the indigenous peoples of these regions. 

Resource extraction at such a scale by the state and the corporations is backed by military force, often rendering the indigenous communities helpless to respond. But some are fighting back. So just what recourse do the customary owners of the forests of Papua have to resist and take a stand, in the face of such powerful forces? 

In this week’s episode, Jemma chats with Rassela Malinda, a PhD candidate at the University of Melbourne who lived and worked with indigenous communities in Papua and whose research gives us rare insights into their struggles from below. She previously worked with the NGO Yayasan Pusaka Bentala Rakyat, whose report she draws on in this podcast.

In 2026, the Talking Indonesia podcast is co-hosted by Dr Jemma Purdey from the Australia-Indonesia Centre, Dr Clara Siagian from the University of College London, Dr Jacqui Baker from Murdoch University,  Dr Elisabeth Kramer from the University of New South Wales, and Tito Ambyo from RMIT.

Talking Indonesia Audio …………….

https://indonesiaatmelbourne.unimelb.edu.au/talking-indonesia-papua-development-and-politics-from-below/

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https://en.antaranews.com/news/409866/indonesian-troops-seize-arms-after-clash-in-central-papua

2) Indonesian troops seize arms after clash in Central Papua 

 March 26, 2026 08:30 GMT+700

Firearms, ammunition, and the Morning Star flag secured by the Indonesian National Armed Forces Joint Command (Koops TNI) from a KKB base around Topo Village, Nabire District, Central Papua. /ANTARA/HO-Koops TNI Documentation

Jayapura (ANTARA) - Indonesian troops seized firearms and ammunition after a clash with suspected armed separatists in Central Papua, the military said on Wednesday, as security forces step up patrols in the restive region.

A joint patrol under the Indonesian Military Operations Command, or Koops TNI, recovered two firearms and 22 rounds of ammunition of various calibers from a house believed to have been used as a base by an armed criminal group (KKB) in the Topo area of Nabire District.

Koops TNI spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Wirya Arthadiguna said the weapons were found after troops engaged in a firefight with suspected members of the group near Topo village on Saturday.

“Before discovering the house later identified as a KKB base, there was an exchange of fire in the Topo area,” Wirya said in a statement issued in Jakarta.

He said troops initially detected suspicious activity at a site believed to be used by the group. As soldiers approached the site, a firefight broke out, prompting the suspects to flee into nearby forested areas.

After securing the area, troops found a house containing firearms, ammunition, a Morning Star flag, and other equipment believed to belong to the group.

“The items seized include a P1 pistol, an air rifle, 14 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition, and eight rounds of 9 mm ammunition,” Wirya said.

The military did not report any casualties and said the situation had been brought under control.

Security forces in Papua frequently conduct patrols in areas considered prone to attacks by armed groups, which the government classifies as criminal separatists.

Wirya said Koops TNI Papua remains committed to intensifying patrols to maintain stability and protect civilians from threats posed by armed groups.

“Koops TNI is committed to maintaining security stability in Papua and protecting the public from threats, particularly from armed groups, through measured actions in line with procedures,” he said.

Authorities have increased operations in recent years as part of broader efforts to contain violence and ensure security in the region. The military said patrols would continue to maintain a conducive environment and prevent further disruptions to public safety.

Related news: Central Papua Police plan Brimob expansion to reinforce security

Related news: Indonesian military liberates Papuan village, neutralizes 14 rebels

Translator: Evarukdijati, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Primayanti

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1) LIA YEWEN: 'OUR LIVES DON'T MATTER TO THE INDONESIAN GOVERNMENT’

2) LP3BH urges police to protect civilians following shootout in Maybrat

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https://newint.org/indigenous-peoples/2026/lia-yewen-our-lives-dont-matter-indonesian-government

This article is from the March-April 2026 issue

1) LIA YEWEN: 'OUR LIVES DON'T MATTER TO THE INDONESIAN GOVERNMENT’

 25 March 2026

Maxine Betteridge-Moes

Indigenous land defender Lia Yewen speaks to Maxine Betteridge-Moes about living under the shadow of Indonesia’s occupation of West Papua.

People who defend the land are being killed at an alarming rate. According to human rights group Global Witness, 2024 was the deadliest year on record, with a total of 324 land and environmental defenders killed or disappeared.1 Indigenous peoples, who protect much of the world’s remaining biodiversity, are disproportionately targeted.

This is particularly true in West Papua, which has been under occupation by Indonesia since the 1960s. Since then up to a quarter of West Papuans have been killed. The exceptionally biodiverse region is home to the world’s second largest expanse of rainforest – land that is increasingly under threat from palm oil cultivation, mining and industrial agriculture. In the regency of Merauke, near the border with Papua New Guinea, Indonesia is rapidly clearing three million hectares of land in the world’s largest ever deforestation project. Political tensions are escalating, with Indonesian security forces cracking down on protesters and arbitrarily detaining activists. The situation is enabled by British-linked military training, defence co-operation and financial flows.

Lia Yewen is an Indigenous Miyah woman working to protect her ancestral land. Through her work with the Jakarta-based NGO Pusaka and Peace Brigades International, Yewen is involved in community organizing to help Indigenous people gain legal recognition, strengthen their rights to the land and restore local authority.

What are the risks for land defenders in West Papua?

Every West Papuan is a human rights defender and every one of them experiences different things. As women we face intimidation, including on social media. When I post something about West Papua on my personal account, I get a lot of racist messages, people calling us monkeys… that’s something most West Papuans experience. I work and live in Jakarta, but it is worse for a Papuan that is working in the field. They face threats and intimidation from the military and the government when they talk about their land and forest being taken. It’s increasing every year but a lot of it is undocumented.

What are the other impacts on women land defenders in particular?

In Papua, women have a very important role in the community. When the men go to the city, women stay in the village and live close to the forest. Indonesia’s National Strategic Project [a series of major infrastructure projects] in Merauke is threatening Indigenous women because they will lose access to the forest [and their livelihoods]. But there are a lot more women activists in West Papua now. As women, we have a reason to do this. We will have children. I have a daughter and a responsibility to do something… I don’t want [her] to experience what I did. I also don’t want to separate the political issues from the environmental issues in West Papua. For me, the racism, human rights violations, marginalization, land disposition… all of these are connected.

In West Papua, we have a very strong connection with each other. The forest is our mother. All that we have right now is the land and forests. I choose to talk about this because I need to – we don’t have money, we don’t have powers. We need to protect this.

What is the personal toll of doing this work?

I can’t separate myself from the community that I work with because I’m part of it. This is my responsibility as a Papuan. We are tired, but we don’t have choices. Our lives don’t matter to the Indonesian government.

I grew up with racism. Even simple things… I don’t feel confident because I’m Black and I have curly hair. I never felt like I was beautiful. We women grew up watching Indonesian movies and TV telling us to use [lightening] body lotions or straighten our hair. There is this joke that we should get married to a Westerner or an Indonesian to change our identity as Papuans so our children will be better off. That’s racism. When I was in university, I didn’t realize that. There’s also stigma about West Papuans, that we are backwards and uneducated… this is something that I think is systematically shaped by the Indonesian government. In Papua we have a comedy culture called mop. We can laugh with our situation… that’s our coping mechanism.

What should be the role of Britain and the international community in protecting West Papuan land defenders?

It is very important to bring this issue outside Papua in order to get international attention and support so they can put pressure on Indonesia. The UK cannot claim to support climate action while enabling the destruction of one of the world’s most important ecosystems.

Recently we have seen places in Southeast Asia like Thailand, the Philippines, Sumatra face disasters like floods… it’s because there is already a lot of industrial extraction and they are now facing the impact of that. So we should learn from them.

What makes you proud to be West Papuan?

I don’t have any reason not to be proud to be Papuan. We are very rich. We have everything there. I didn’t realize that before, but right now, I’m really proud to be Papuan. I will do whatever I can to continue working in this field and staying in this life. Papua is a very, very beautiful place with beautiful people, the kindest in the world. But because we are rich, we are vulnerable.

All of us are human beings and we share the same planet. We need to stand with each other and help each other. We need to keep our moral compass. When you see what’s happening to West Papuans, you should support us because this could also impact your life.

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https://jubi.id/pacnews/2026/lp3bh-urges-police-to-protect-civilians-following-shootout-in-maybrat/

2) LP3BH urges police to protect civilians following shootout in Maybrat

IN PACNEWS READING TIME: 2 MINS READ 

MARCH 25, 2026  0 Author : News Desk 

Editor : Nuevaterra Mambor

Jayapura, Jubi – The Manokwari-based Institute for Research, Assessment and Development of Legal Aid (LP3BH) has called on police to ensure the protection of civilians following a recent exchange of gunfire in Maybrat, Southwest Papua.

The appeal came after LP3BH received information about a shootout that occurred in Kampung Sori, Aifat Selatan District, Maybrat Regency, on Sunday (March 22, 2026).

The incident also suggested that one member of the Indonesian Military (TNI) Task Force stationed at Sori Post in Maybrat was killed, while two others were injured and are currently receiving treatment at the Maybrat Pratama Regional General Hospital (RSUD).

The incident has also raised concerns over potential threats of violence facing residents of Kampung Sori, Aifat Selatan District, Maybrat Regency, Southwest Papua.

“As Executive Director of LP3BH Manokwari, I urge local security authorities (Maybrat Police) to immediately provide legal protection and security for residents of Sori in the short term,” said LP3BH’s Yan C. Warinussy in a press release received by Jubi today.

“Security measures and investigative steps must ensure that residents of Kampung Sori and surrounding areas are protected from any form of violence, in the interest of humanity, in accordance with Indonesia’s Law No. 39 of 1999 on Human Rights,” he added.

Previously, more than a dozen individuals were arrested by joint police and military personnel in Tambrauw Regency, Southwest Papua, on Tuesday (March 17, 2026).

The arrests were carried out a day after an attack by unidentified individuals on four healthcare workers in Kampung Jokbu, Bamusbama District, Tambrauw Regency, Southwest Papua, which left two people dead on Monday (March 16, 2026) afternoon.

Those detained were identified by their initials as TY (28), LY (57), SY (19), AY (44), who is the head of Banfot village, MY (29), head of Bamusbama village, along with BY, AY, TY, WY (49), a civil servant, PY (49), and YJ.

At the time, Warinussy called on police and military personnel to prioritize peaceful approaches in handling incidents that may constitute legal violations, while upholding universally recognized human rights principles. (*)

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https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/military-personnel-allegedly-torture-papuan-man-following-armed-clash-in-sory-village-maybrat-regency/

Military personnel allegedly torture Papuan man following armed clash in Sory Village, Maybrat Regency

24 March 2026 / 3 minutes of reading

On 23 March 2026, military personnel allegedly tortured Mr Yusup Sorry, 32, during detention following an armed clash between the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) in the Sory Village, South Aifat District, Maybrat Regency, Southwest Papua Province. Mr Sorry is a local civilian who was not participating in the hostilities. The incident caused wider attention after a recording of the detention circulated in social media. The armed clash resulted in temporary disruption of civilian life and reports of a humanitarian emergency in the village, where people were afraid to go to their gardens. Mr Sorry was reportedly released on 23 March 2026 following public pressure and advocacy.

On 22 March 2026, an armed clash took place near a military post located in Sory village, South Aifat District. Reports indicate that the confrontation resulted in the deaths of two TNI personnel and serious injuries to another. Following the clash, security forces raided the Sory Village and arbitrarily detained Mr Yusup Sorry. Witness accounts and video footage circulating on social media (see video below, source: independent HRD) suggest that he was tied to a tree with ropes and subjected to physical and psychological intimidation during interrogation by military personnel.th video shows Mr Sorry in visible distress while being tied to a tree during interrogation. A military member beats Mr Sorry’s forehead with a wooden branch causing the branch to break. Another soldier appears to check Mr Sorry’s mobile phone while holding pliers in his hands.

During the same security operations, several other civilians were reportedly detained in connection with the armed confrontation. Some were allegedly held at Tambrauw Police Station and Sorong Regional Police Headquarters, while others were later released. Community leaders and residents of Sory village reported that ongoing military presence and gunfire created a climate of fear, preventing villagers from carrying out daily activities and limiting access to food for at least 24 hours.

On 23 March 2026, Mr Yusup Sorry was released and returned to his family at approximately 5:00 pm, following advocacy by local leaders, legal aid organisations, and public attention generated by the viral video footage.

Human rights analysis

The alleged treatment of Yusup Sorry raises serious concerns regarding arbitrary detention, torture and ill-treatment, and the protection of civilians in situations of non-international armed conflict. The detention appears to have been conducted without clear evidence of direct participation in hostilities, potentially violating safeguards under Indonesian criminal procedure law and international human rights standards enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil on political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT).

Subjecting suspects to intimidation or violence during interrogation may constitute torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, which is absolutely prohibited under the CAT and Article 7 ICCPR. The reported detention of multiple civilians in connection with the armed clash also highlights broader concerns about collective punishment, and intimidation of the civilian population.

The presence of military posts within civilian settlements in Maybrat may further expose residents to heightened risks of violence, internal displacement, and deprivation of basic necessities, undermining the state’s obligation to protect civilians and ensure access to food and security.

Military personnel tied Mr Yusup Sorry to a tree and reportedly tortured him during interrogation, on 23 March 2026

Mr Sorry during detention (left) and after being released on 23 March 2026

Detailed Case Data
Location: Sory, Aifat Selatan, Maybrat Regency, Southwest Papua, Indonesia (-1.3950223, 132.4528138) 
Region: Indonesia, Southwest Papua, Maybrat, South Aifat
Total number of victims: 1

#	Number of Victims	Name, Details	Gender	Age	Group Affiliation	Violations
1.	1	Yusup Sorry	male	32	Indigenous Peoples	arbitrary detention, torture

Period of incident: 22/03/2026 – 23/03/2026
Perpetrator: Indonesian Military (TNI)
Issues: indigenous peoples

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1) Two Soldiers Killed After TNI-OPM Shootout in Maybrat, Papua

2) Highland Papua readies 42-hectare complex for state offices  

3) The TPNPB is responsible for the deaths of two Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) soldiers in Maybra

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https://en.tempo.co/read/2094132/two-soldiers-killedafter-tni-opm-shootout-in-maybrat-papua

1) Two Soldiers Killed After TNI-OPM Shootout in Maybrat, Papua  

Reporter Novali Panji Nugroho 

March 23, 2026 | 06:35 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) has claimed responsibility for a shootout with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) at a military post in Sori Village, Maybrat Regency, Southwest Papua. The exchange of fire between OPM and TNI took place on Sunday, March 22, 2026.

TPNPB-OPM spokesperson Sebby Sambom stated that the attack resulted in casualties. He said, "Two military personnel were killed, and another person was critically injured" in a statement on Monday, March 23, 2026.

The armed criminal group also claimed to have seized weapons taken by TNI soldiers in the shootout. Sebby stated that two long-barreled firearms and various military logistics had been taken to the OPM headquarters in the Maybrat area. "The current situation following the attack on the military post has caused civilians to fear and evacuate due to the possibility of retaliatory attacks or military operations against residential areas," said Sebby.

The deaths of two TNI soldiers in the shootout with OPM in Maybrat were confirmed by the Commander of the 181/Praja Vira Tama Military Region, Brigadier General Slamet Riyadi. The two casualties were from the Navy, namely Marine Private AS and Marine Private ES.

Both casualties were evacuated to the R. Oetojo Sorong Naval Hospital. Meanwhile, one soldier who was shot, identified as Marine Corporal ES, remains in critical condition. "We express our condolences for the loss of two members of the TNI AL forces who were part of the Habema Operation Task Force while performing their duties for the country," he said in a statement quoted by Antara on Monday, March 23, 2026.

He mentioned that the TNI is now increasing security and strengthening intelligence functions following the attack on the TNI post in Maybrat. Slamet stated that TNI has mapped out areas at risk of disturbances by armed criminal groups. "The addition of troops is being planned, including strengthening intelligence. Information from the public and intelligence agencies will continue to be developed," said this one-star general.

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https://en.antaranews.com/news/409634/highland-papua-readies-42-hectare-complex-for-state-offices

2) Highland Papua readies 42-hectare complex for state offices  

March 23, 2026 20:06 GMT+700

Wamena (ANTARA) - The Highland Papua provincial government reported the acquisition of 42 hectares of land in Wamena, Jayawijaya District, to build offices for essential institutions, including the regional police force.

In a statement cited here on Monday, Highland Papua Governor John Tabo confirmed that his administration had allocated a land plot for the planned police base in Wouma.

“We have prepared a site measuring about 10 hectares,” he said, noting that the government now awaits the police to commence construction.

Tabo added that his side also plans buildings for the prosecutors’ office, a court, state auditors, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), and other institutions.

The governor highlighted that the planned construction is part of efforts to strengthen governance in Highland Papua, one of four new Papuan provinces established in 2022.

Related news: Indonesia to build over 2,000 homes for tribal chief in Highland Papua

Related news: Indonesia sets 2028 deadline for Papua government centers

Related news: Papua launches Healthy Program to strengthen primary health services

Translator: Tegar Nurfitra Putra Rofian
Editor: Azis Kurmala

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A google translate

Original Bahasa link

https://jubi.id/polhukam/2026/tpnpb-bertanggung-jawab-terhadap-tewasnya-dua-prajurit-tni-di-maybrat/

3) The TPNPB is responsible for the deaths of two Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) soldiers in Maybrat.

March 23, 2026 in Politics, Law, and Security. Reading Time: 2 mins.

0

Author: Admin Jub - Editor: Arjuna Pademme

Jayapura, Jubi – The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) has claimed responsibility for the deaths of two Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) soldiers during a firefight in Maybrat Regency, Southwest Papua, on Sunday (March 22, 2026).

According to information gathered, the firefight occurred in Sori Village, South Aifat District, Maybrat Regency, Southwest Papua.

The incident killed Marine Private Elki Saputra, a member of Yonmar 10, Marine Private Andi Suvio, a member of Yonmar 7, and seriously injured Marine Private Eko Sutikno, a member of Yonmar 7.

The TPNPB National Commission Headquarters stated that the firefight with the TNI involved TPNPB troops from Kodap IV Sorong Raya, led by Brigadier General Denny Moos. The firefight occurred when TPNPB troops attacked a military post there.

"In addition to killing TNI soldiers, the TPNPB also seized two weapons and military supplies," said TPNPB spokesperson Sebby Sambom in a written press release on Monday (March 23, 2026).

The TPNPB National Commission Headquarters management appealed to President Prabowo Subianto and his staff, as well as the Indonesian military, to refrain from conducting military operations and to cease arbitrary arrests and shootings of civilians due to this incident.

"We are ready to take responsibility, and we appeal to the International Red Cross and international human rights organizations to assist civilians affected by the armed conflict throughout Papua," he said.

Quoted from various sources, the Commander of the 181st/Praja Vira Tama (PVT) Military Command (Korem), Brigadier General Slamet Riyadi, stated that his team already suspected the perpetrators of the attack.

"We will announce it once the information [about the perpetrators of the attack] is truly valid. We express our deepest condolences for the loss of our soldiers in the line of duty," said Slamet Riyadi, Sunday (March 22, 2026).

The Governor of Southwest Papua, Elisa Kambu, also expressed her condolences for the deaths of the two Indonesian Navy soldiers.

"On behalf of the Southwest Papua Provincial Government, I express my deepest condolences," said Elisa Kambu, Sunday (March 22, 2026).

She said this incident serves as a reminder to maintain increased vigilance and prevent similar incidents from occurring again.

"We must not allow an opportunity for an incident like this to happen again. We hope that in the future, no such actions will occur under any pretext," she said.

To date, a joint Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) team is reportedly still pursuing the attackers. The operation is focused on the Maybrat area and the route suspected to be the perpetrators' escape route. (*)

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