1) Indonesia Rejects Allegations of Systematic Human Rights Violations in Papua

2) Pacific states urge Jakarta to allow UN access to West Papua at New York general assembly

3) Ateta Clan challenges palm oil expansion and alleged encroachment on customary land in Teluk Bintuni

4) Moi Indigenous community rejects state claims over customary land in Sorong Regency

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https://en.tempo.co/read/2120531/indonesia-rejects-allegations-of-systematic-human-rights-violations-in-papua

1) Indonesia Rejects Allegations of Systematic Human Rights Violations in Papua 

Reporter Antara September 29, 2026 | 12:30 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia rejects unilateral allegations of systematic human rights violations in Papua. The country asserts that it takes any credible allegations seriously and addresses them through national institutions and legal mechanisms, including the independent National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM).

According to a press release from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jakarta on Tuesday, Indonesia conveyed this while exercising its right of reply during the General Debate of the 81st United Nations General Assembly session in New York on Monday, September 28, in response to statements regarding the situation in Papua made by representatives of the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

It has been reported that three civil servants were killed after distributing livestock aid to the community, a driver transporting necessities was killed, and nine women and children were abducted in Mimika.

“Attacks on civilians do not constitute a peaceful expression of grievances. Indonesia is obligated to protect all its citizens, while ensuring that every law enforcement measure adheres to national law and international human rights obligations,” Indonesia asserted in its right of reply, as quoted by ANTARA.

Indonesia reiterates that discussions regarding Papua must reflect the situation in its entirety. Civilians, teachers, health workers, and government officials have also fallen victim to violence perpetrated by armed groups.

Indonesia also emphasizes that arrangements for a visit by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights must be agreed upon between the host country and the Office of the High Commissioner—as applies to all member states—and not be dictated by other countries or regional organizations.

Indonesia has stated that it will continue to engage constructively through relevant mechanisms and promote dialogue and cooperation grounded in respect for facts and the safety of all civilians.

According to the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA), during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale called for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit West Papua, stating that reports of human rights violations must be independently verified.

"Reports regarding human rights violations in West Papua have persisted for too long. These reports must be independently verified, rather than being allowed to turn into an unending dispute," said Wale. He also urged Indonesia to facilitate the long-awaited visit of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Vanuatu’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Odo Tevi, raised a similar point when he expressed concerns about alleged human rights violations in West Papua.

Tevi said peace and security cannot be separated from human rights, while calling for greater international attention to the situation of indigenous Papuans in West Papua. "The call from Pacific Islands Forum leaders for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit West Papua has yet to be addressed and requires urgent follow-up," he said.

Meanwhile, on September 24, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Rick Nelson Houenipwela held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly to strengthen cooperation in development, trade, and capacity building.

Sugiono invited business representatives from the Solomon Islands to participate in the Trade Expo Indonesia, scheduled for October 14–18, 2026. He also encouraged finalizing cooperation in education and culture.

The Foreign Minister of the Solomon Islands outlined plans to strengthen the country's representation in Jakarta to boost bilateral economic and trade relations, and expressed appreciation for Indonesia's contributions through various capacity-building programs and scholarships.

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https://nit.com.au/29-09-2026/26695/pacific-states-urge-jakarta-to-allow-un-access-to-west-papua-at-new-york-general-assembly

2) Pacific states urge Jakarta to allow UN access to West Papua at New York general assembly

Andrew Mathieson Published September 29, 2026 at 10.30am (AWST)

Pacific leaders used their address at the 81st session of United Nations general assembly to urge Indonesia to permit the UN Human Rights High Commissioner unrestricted access to visit West Papua.

The demand has been a long time coming from the Pacific Island Forum member states, dating back to an initial request over alleged widespread rights abuses against Indigenous Papuans in the occupied territory.

The outrage even led an emotional Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale to go a step further under the worldwide spotlight of its New York headquarters.

Mr Wale called for the abolishment of veto powers which the five permanent members of the UN — the United States, Russia, China, United Kingdom and France — hold with their responsibility for international peace and security whereby should one member state object to any UN resolution.

He described this provision as a "relic of 1945" going back to the conclusion of World War II to attract the major powers, whose cooperation was essential to maintain peace and persuade them to participate in the world's newest security system.

"Too often it has been used to shield violations of international law and entrench the double standards that fuel conflict," Mr Wale told the UN general assembly.

"The veto must never again be used in situations of genocide, crimes against humanity, or war crimes."

The remarks concerned how Indonesia was able to obtain West Papua through the UN following the decolonisation of two neighbouring former colonies of the Netherlands from vastly different cultural ethnicities.

Solomon Islands joined its Melanesian Spearhead Group member states — Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front in New Caledonia — to ask UN Human Rights High Commissioner Volker Türk, an Austrian lawyer, to supply a human rights report on West Papua before the group's summit in mid-2027.

The Melanesian Spearhead Group is considering expelling Indonesia's associate membership should Jakarta block a sanctioned visit.

"Solomon Islands respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Indonesia, and we value our friendship with its government and people," Mr Wale said.

"It is precisely because of that friendship that we speak with candour.

"Reports of human rights violations in West Papua have persisted for far too long.

"They must be independently verified, not left in dispute."

Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine was another Pacific voice to push for a resolution on the matter.

"The Marshall Islands affirms the region's Pacific Islands Forum communiqué position regarding West Papua, including a 2018 invitation by Indonesia to the UN Human Rights Commissioner," she added.

Indonesia has previously reassured the international community it supports "a cooperative and non-confrontational approach to human rights issues, based on mutual respect (but) national ownership".

The Melanesian Spearhead Group anticipates meeting Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the conclusion of the general assembly.

Indonesia's Minister for Foreign Affairs Sugiono gave something of a diplomatic response to the united Pacific bloc.

"As a nation of more than 280 million people, Indonesia's learned that diversity is not something to overcome; it is something to manage, respect and turn into strength to democratic participation, dialogue, and respect for differences," he said.

"We preserve our unity from Aceh to Papua, from Miangus to Roti.

"Indonesia is one people; Indonesia is one nation."

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https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/ateta-clan-challenges-palm-oil-expansion-and-alleged-encroachment-on-customary-land-in-teluk-bintuni/

3) Ateta Clan challenges palm oil expansion and alleged encroachment on customary land in Teluk Bintuni

28 September 2026 / 5 minutes of reading

On 13 July 2026, members of the Indigenous Ateta clan from Sumuri District, Teluk Bintuni Regency, West Papua Province, staged a peaceful protest beginning at approximately 07.00 am at the Office of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN) in Teluk Bintuni Regency. The protest concerned alleged encroachment on approximately 32,000 hectares of Ateta customary land and disputed Right to Cultivate (Hak Guna Usaha, HGU) certificates associated with oil palm plantation operations. The protesters subsequently filed a police report concerning alleged irregularities in the issuance of land titles and the installation of boundary markers bearing the name of PT BSP on their customary territory. The case raises serious concerns regarding the protection of indigenous land rights, meaningful consultation and free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) in relation to commercial activities affecting customary territories.

On 11 July 2026, Ateta clan leader Mr Benidiktus Ateta issued a public call inviting students, young people, indigenous land-rights defenders and environmental activists in Teluk Bintuni Regency and across West Papua to participate in a peaceful protest. The appeal alleged that the Teluk Bintuni Regency ATR/BPN Office was facilitating activities benefiting PT BSP on Ateta customary land. The demonstration was scheduled for 13 July 2026 at the Teluk Bintuni Regency ATR/BPN Office, beginning at 07.00 Papua Time.

On 13 July, members of the indigenous community protested at the ATR/BPN Office and the Teluk Bintuni Regency Environment Agency before proceeding to the Teluk Bintuni Regency Police Station, where they submitted a complaint to the Integrated Police Service Centre (SPKT). The community was accompanied by a representative of the West Papua People’s Assembly (MRP). According to Benidiktus Ateta, the complaint concerned alleged “land mafia” activities relating to the disputed certificates and the placement of PT BSP boundary markers on Ateta customary land.

The dispute has its origins in oil palm operations reportedly conducted by PT Varita Maju Tama in Sumuri District for approximately three decades. According to community representative Dion Ateta, PT Varita obtained access to the customary territory in 1997 through approval from the then district authorities without involving the indigenous community. The Manokwari Land Agency subsequently issued HGU documentation. Following PT Varita’s reported bankruptcy or liquidation, some of its assets were allegedly transferred to PT BSP, including land claimed by the Ateta clan as approximately 32,000 hectares of customary territory.

The Ateta community reported subsequently discovering boundary markers bearing the name PT BSP on its customary land. Hendri S. Paru, Head of the Teluk Bintuni Regency Land Agency, confirmed that the markers had been installed by PT BSP rather than by the BPN. He further stated that PT BSP’s acquisition of PT Varita had taken place in Jakarta but that the relevant administrative procedures had not yet been completed and that, administratively, the land documentation remained registered under PT Varita.

Significant disagreement remains regarding the status and ownership of the disputed certificates. Community representatives demanded transparency concerning certificates issued by the BPN to PT BSP. Hendri S. Paru disputed this characterisation, explaining that only three certificates were associated with the company, whilst more than 2,000 others were likely associated with transmigrant farmers under plantation schemes. He stated that PT Varita’s certificates had been issued in 1997 and remained valid until 2032.

The protesters submitted 11 demands, including cancellation of HGU certificates; clarification of the boundaries of the area concerned; protection of indigenous peoples’ rights; transparency regarding the disputed certificates; public consultation before any HGU extension; revocation of the HGU associated with PT BSP; an investigation into the circumstances in which the land titles were issued; and disclosure of the consent on which the issuance of the certificates had allegedly been based. The Ateta clan insisted that any action affecting its customary territory must be preceded by consultation with the indigenous rights-holders.

Human rights analysis

The allegations raise concerns regarding the rights of indigenous peoples to their traditionally owned, occupied and used lands, territories and natural resources. The Ateta clan maintains that it never authorised the alienation of the customary territory concerned and has specifically requested that the authorities disclose whose consent formed the basis for the disputed land titles. Under international human rights standards, indigenous peoples’ relationships with ancestral lands extend beyond formal title and encompass customary ownership, occupation and use. UN human rights standards require particular safeguards where business activities affect indigenous lands and resources, including consultation through indigenous peoples’ own representative institutions and attention to FPIC.

The reported absence of indigenous participation when plantation rights were initially established in 1997, if substantiated, would therefore warrant careful examination. The Ateta clan alleges that PT Varita obtained access to its customary territory through approval by government authorities without involving the indigenous rights-holders. The UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rightshas emphasised that indigenous peoples’ cultural values and rights associated with ancestral lands are particularly vulnerable to business activities and that States and businesses should respect FPIC in decisions affecting indigenous lands, territories and resources. It further calls for human rights impact assessments and good-faith consultation through indigenous peoples’ own representative institutions.

The case also engages the State duty to protect against business-related human rights abuses and the corresponding corporate responsibility to respect human rights. Under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, States should maintain an adequate regulatory framework and provide effective remedies, whilst companies should conduct human rights due diligence to identify, prevent, mitigate and account for adverse impacts. This responsibility applies independently of whether domestic authorities have fulfilled their own obligations. Accordingly, any proposed transfer, extension, surveying or exploitation of plantation rights affecting Ateta customary territory should be preceded by transparent clarification of land tenure, meaningful engagement with affected rights-holders and appropriate assessment of potential human rights, social, cultural and environmental impacts.

Detailed Case Data
Document ID: HRM-CAS-136-2026
Location: Sumuri, Teluk Bintuni Regency, West Papua, Indonesia (-2.537116, 133.2587673) 
Region: Indonesia > West Papua > Teluk Bintuni > Sumuri
Total number of victims: hundreds

#	Number of Victims	Name, Details	Gender	Age	Group Affiliation	Violations
1.	hundreds		diverse	unknown	Indigenous Peoples	cultural rights

Period of incident: 13/07/2026 – 13/07/2026
Perpetrators:
Private Company
Republic Indonesia > Government

Perpetrator details: PT BSP

Issues: business, human rights and FPIC
Related Cases:

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https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/moi-indigenous-community-rejects-state-claims-over-customary-land-in-sorong-regency/

4) Moi Indigenous community rejects state claims over customary land in Sorong Regency

28 September 2026 / 4 minutes of reading

On 9 July 2026, reports emerged that members of the Moi indigenous community, together with the Malamoi Indigenous Peoples’ Organisation (LMA Malamoi), had rejected state claims and planned government programmes affecting customary territories in Sorong Regency, Papua Barat Daya Province. The concerns relate to land formerly covered by corporate concessions whose licences had been revoked and which has subsequently been placed under state supervision through the Forest Area Enforcement Task Force (Satgas PKH). Moi customary rights holders fear that the measure could facilitate the reallocation of their ancestral territories for government programmes or investment projects without their participation or consent.

Dispute over former corporate concessions

The dispute concerns, in part, the legal and administrative status of areas formerly covered by corporate concessions. Moi representatives recalled that in 2021 the Sorong Regency Government and other actors had supported efforts to revoke company licences and return the affected territories to customary rights holders. Following the revocation of the licences, however, the disputed areas were placed under government supervision and control through Satgas PKH rather than being returned to the indigenous communities.

According to information displayed on the notice boards, the relevant corporate licences were revoked pursuant to Decision of the Minister of Environment and Forestry No. SK.01/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/1/2022. The areas were subsequently placed under state supervision through Satgas PKH pursuant to Presidential Regulation No. 5 of 2025 on the Regulation of Forest Areas. The government reportedly regards these measures as part of efforts to reorganise forest management and rectify problematic permits. At the time of the source report, Suara Papua was still seeking responses from Satgas PKH and the Sorong Regency Government regarding the Moi community’s demands.

Customary assembly and community demands

The position was adopted during a customary assembly and oath-taking ceremony held between 30 June and 1 July 2026 in Saluk Village, Wemak District, Sorong Regency (see photo on top: source: Suara Papua). Customary rights holders, clan chiefs and traditional Moi leaders from the Klabra and Salkma customary territories discussed the potential impact of National Strategic Programmes (PSN), rice-field development, carbon trading, forest concessions and oil-palm plantations, as well as the installation of Satgas PKH notice boards on land previously covered by revoked company concessions.

Participants stated that the notice boards had appeared without prior notification, consultation or public engagement with the customary landowners. The boards reportedly prohibit entry and utilisation of the areas without official permission, including harvesting crops, taking control of land and conducting land transactions. The Moi representatives demanded the removal of the signs, an end to unilateral state claims over their customary territories and the return of former concession areas to the indigenous customary rights holders.

The community stressed that customary land constitutes not merely an economic resource but the foundation of Moi identity, history, livelihoods and ancestral heritage. Representatives expressed concern that the state could reallocate former concession areas to government programmes or investors without participation of the indigenous communities concerned. LMA Malamoi accordingly called upon both the Sorong Regency Government and the central government to recognise and protect Moi customary tenure. The local government should refrain from opening indigenous territories to investment without community consent.

LMA Malamoi also submitted Letter No. 035/LMA-MM/EX/VI-2026 to the President of Indonesia, rejecting National Strategic Programmes planned for Sorong Regency from 2026 onwards, including rice-field development, forest concessions, oil-palm plantations and carbon-trading schemes. According to the letter, the Moi customary law community is recognised under Sorong Regency Local Regulation (Perda) No. 10 of 2017 on the Recognition and Protection of the Moi Customary Law Community. The community cited risks to its cultural and living spaces, biodiversity, water sources and forests, as well as concerns regarding deforestation and climate change.

Human rights analysis

The dispute raises significant concerns regarding the protection of indigenous peoples’ customary land and resource rights. Where state measures affect territories traditionally owned, occupied or used by indigenous peoples, international human rights standards require effective participation and meaningful consultation with the communities concerned. Measures determining the legal status, control or future use of customary territories without such participation may interfere with indigenous peoples’ rights to culture, property, livelihood and self-determination.

Particularly relevant is the principle of free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) enshrined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Articles 19 and 32 require states to consult and cooperate in good faith with indigenous peoples through their representative institutions before adopting measures or approving projects affecting their lands, territories and resources. Article 26 further recognises indigenous peoples’ rights to lands, territories and resources traditionally owned, occupied or otherwise used or acquired, whilst Article 28 provides for redress where such lands have been taken or damaged without their FPIC.

The allegations also engage Article 27 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), particularly where access to ancestral territory and natural resources is integral to the cultural life of an indigenous community. Restrictions on access to customary forests, agricultural areas, water sources or other resources may have consequences extending beyond property interests where those territories constitute the material basis for maintaining indigenous culture, livelihoods and community life.

Detailed Case Data
Document ID: HRM-CAS-135-2026
Location: Sorong Regency, Southwest Papua, Indonesia (-1.1223204, 131.4883373) 
Region: Indonesia > Southwest Papua > Sorong
Total number of victims: hundreds

#	Number of Victims	Name, Details	Gender	Age	Group Affiliation	Violations
1.	hundreds		diverse	unknown	Indigenous Peoples	cultural rights, right to food

Period of incident: 01/07/2026 – 01/07/2026
Perpetrator: Republic Indonesia > Government > Public Official
Issues: business, human rights and FPIC
Sources:
Suara Papua
Related Cases:

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1) Pacific leaders take West Papua human rights call directly to UN

2) YKKMP: Indonesia must address human rights concerns in Papua with evidence

3) Maybrat resident allegedly tortured at Marine post

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https://pmn.co.nz/read/pacific-region/pacific-leaders-take-west-papua-human-rights-call-directly-to-un

1) Pacific leaders take West Papua human rights call directly to UN

Solomon Islands and Marshall Islands raised the issue at the United Nations as the region pushes for independent scrutiny of alleged rights abuses.

Christine Rovoi PUBLISHED 29 September 2026, 6:00am

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale has taken the long-running West Papua human rights issue directly to the United Nations.

Wale is calling again for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to be allowed into the region.

Speaking at the 81st UN General Assembly in New York on Saturday (NZ time), Wale said reports of human rights violations in West Papua had gone on for too long and needed independent verification.

“Reports of human rights violations in West Papua have persisted for far too long. They must be independently verified, not left in dispute,” Wale told the General Assembly.

He said Solomon Islands respected Indonesia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, but had a responsibility to advocate for West Papuans as “our Melanesian brothers and sisters”.

“We therefore renew the call of Pacific Islands Forum leaders for the Government of Indonesia to facilitate, without further delay, the long awaited visit of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to West Papua.”

Wale framed the proposed visit as a test of transparency and trust between Indonesia and its Pacific neighbours.

“Such a visit is an act of confidence between friends and an affirmation that there is nothing to hide and there is nothing to fear from the light.”

But his address also placed West Papua within a much broader discussion about decolonisation and the right of people to determine their own future.

“Leaving no one behind demands that we complete the unfinished business of decolonization... It must provide practical pathways to the full emancipation of peoples in non-self-governing territories, and to their freedom to determine their own political future and development aspirations.”

Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine also raised West Papua during her UN address, reaffirming her country’s support for the Pacific Islands Forum position.

“The Marshall Islands affirms the recent Pacific Islands Forum communique position regarding West Papua, including the 2018 invitation by Indonesia to the UN Human Rights Commissioner,” Heine said.

She also backed closer engagement between the Pacific and Southeast Asia, welcoming calls for an ASEAN-Pacific Islands Forum ministerial summit.

“The Marshall Islands strongly welcomes recent calls for a ministerial summit between ASEAN and the Pacific Islands Forum to take forward our 2023 agreement,” she said.

“Our two regions can stand united as neighbours and close friends.”

The renewed calls come as Pacific leaders continue to engage Indonesia over the issue, while the region's approach has included recognising Indonesia’s sovereignty and seeking greater access for independent human rights scrutiny.

Wale also used his address to challenge the gap between global military spending and climate finance for vulnerable countries.

He said global military expenditure had passed US$3 trillion, arguing that money was available for climate action but political will was lacking.

“The resources exist. What is missing is the will, and the time to act is now,” Wale said.

“The world spent more on arms in less than 18 days than developed countries provided in a full year of climate finance. This imbalance must be corrected.”

He called for full funding of the Pacific Resilience Facility, the Loss and Damage Fund and the Green Climate Fund’s third replenishment.

Wale said conflicts and instability outside the Pacific were also being felt by island communities through higher fuel, shipping, electricity and food costs.

“These are not distant events. Every rise in the price of fuel is felt in the cost of shipping, electricity, food and essential services, placing a heavy burden on communities that have no buffer against external shocks,” he said.

“Peace and security are inseparable from development... There are no winners in war, only graves, orphans and the long labour of rebuilding.”

He also raised concerns about transnational crime in Pacific waters and called for reform of the UN Security Council, including greater representation for Small Island Developing States.

For the Pacific, Wale's message was that issues affecting the region, including West Papua, climate finance and ocean security, should have a stronger place in global decision-making.

The UN General Debate/high-level week ended on Monday 28 September but the 81st UNGA session, which opened on 8 September 2026, will run until 7 September 2027.

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https://en.jubi.id/ykkmp-indonesia-must-address-human-rights-concerns-in-papua-with-evidence/?_gl=1*13awhfc*_ga*MTU0NTkyNDAxLjE3NzM5NjI3MDk.*_ga_ZZTT8RG182*czE3OTA2MzIzMzQkbzIzNyRnMSR0MTc5MDYzMjQ4MSRqNjAkbDAkaDA.*_ga_CNWVJ6KFKD*czE3OTA2MzIzMzQkbzIyNSRnMSR0MTc5MDYzMjQ4MSRqNjAkbDAkaDA.

2) YKKMP: Indonesia must address human rights concerns in Papua with evidence

News Desk September 28, 2026

Jayapura, Jubi – The Papua Foundation for Justice and Human Integrity (YKKMP) says the Indonesian government should respond to allegations of human rights violations in Papua with evidence, not pressure.

The statement came in response to comments by Indonesian House of Representatives Commission I member Abraham Sridjaja, who criticised Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s speech at the United Nations General Assembly. Sridjaja had questioned the sources of information used by Prime Minister Wale when he raised human rights concerns in Papua, describing the statement as one-sided and unsupported by facts.

He said a head of government had stood at the UN podium and made allegations against a friendly country without disclosing the source of the reports.

“Who compiled it, and how was it verified? Indonesia is being asked for transparency, yet the sources of the allegations themselves are being kept secret. That is a double standard,” Sridjaja said in a statement on Saturday (26/9/2026).

However, YKKMP Executive Director Theo Hesegem said allegations of human rights violations in Papua should be addressed carefully and openly, within the framework of democracy and respect for human rights.

“YKKMP respects the Indonesian government’s right to reject any allegations or reports concerning suspected human rights violations in Papua,” Hesegem said in an electronic message on Monday (28/9/2026).

He said the Indonesian government had the right to explain its position, data, facts and investigation findings to both the Indonesian public and the international community. However, Hesegem said responses to allegations of human rights violations should be based on data, facts, legal processes, transparent investigations and accountability mechanisms that can be publicly scrutinised.

“Not through pressure or statements that could narrow the space for dialogue,” he said.

Hesegem said that, as a democracy, Indonesia should not feel threatened simply because human rights issues in Papua are discussed at international forums.

Instead, if the government believes allegations of human rights violations in Papua are unfounded, the best way to demonstrate this would be to provide greater access for independent human rights organisations to conduct monitoring, verification, investigations and direct dialogue with communities in Papua.

YKKMP also stressed that human rights concerns in Papua did not emerge only because of the Solomon Islands prime minister’s speech.

UN human rights mechanisms have previously received communications concerning alleged human rights violations in Papua.

One communication recorded in the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) database on 17 August 2023 contained information concerning alleged extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detention and excessive use of force against Indigenous Papuans and human rights activists in the context of conflict and violence.

Another communication dated 20 March 2024 also contained information concerning alleged violence, extrajudicial executions and concerns over the transparency of investigations.

At the same time, YKKMP said communications or reports from UN mechanisms concerning alleged violations did not, in themselves, constitute court rulings finding an individual or institution guilty.

“Those allegations must be verified through independent, transparent and accountable investigations,” Hesegem said.

YKKMP said it did not regard all allegations as established facts with legal force. But it also rejected the idea that all allegations of human rights violations should be dismissed simply because the government denied them.

Allegations must be investigated, victims must be heard, evidence must be examined, and if violations of the law are established, those responsible must be held accountable.

“If the Indonesian government believes that no human rights violations occurred as alleged, then YKKMP believes the government has a very clear opportunity to prove it,” Hesegem said.

One possible step, Hesegem said, would be to provide greater access to the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM), national human rights institutions and relevant international human rights mechanisms to conduct independent monitoring in Papua.

He said openness was not a sign of weakness for a state, but a strength of the rule of law.

“A state that has confidence in the truth does not need to fear scrutiny, monitoring or criticism. Instead, a democracy must be able to respond to criticism with evidence and legal mechanisms.”

Hesegem said YKKMP also recognised that the Indonesian government had an obligation to protect all citizens from violence, including violence carried out by armed groups.

Therefore, protecting civilians and enforcing the law must go hand in hand with respect for human rights and international humanitarian law.

“As human rights defenders, we cannot turn a blind eye to the fact that Papuan communities are suffering as a result of conflict and violence,” Hesegem said.

He stressed that victims were not only Indigenous Papuans. Non-Papuan residents could also become victims, as could teachers, health workers, humanitarian workers, security personnel, civil servants, private-sector workers and other civilians.

For that reason, YKKMP said the Papua issue should not be viewed from only one perspective. YKKMP also did not condone violence by armed groups against civilians.

“The right to life is the right of every human being, regardless of identity, ethnicity, religion or political position,” Hesegem said.

At the same time, Hesegem said that if there were allegations of legal or human rights violations committed by state personnel, those allegations should also be seriously investigated. No one should be granted impunity.

“This is the principle we must uphold together. Criticism of the Solomon Islands prime minister should be answered diplomatically,” he said.

YKKMP also said criticism of Prime Minister Wale’s statement should be conveyed through diplomatic channels and dialogue, rather than language that could further strain Indonesia’s relations with Pacific countries.

Hesegem said Prime Minister Wale had raised the issue of Papua at the UN forum. However, reports about his speech also noted that Solomon Islands had expressed respect for Indonesia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as friendship with the Indonesian government and people.

Therefore, if the Indonesian government objected to the substance of the statement, it could issue an official response supported by verifiable data and facts.

Hesegem said the response should be based on evidence, not anger; data, not pressure; and dialogue, not confrontation.

YKKMP again called on the Indonesian government to provide greater space for human rights monitoring in Papua.

If the government is confident that the human rights situation in Papua is consistent with legal and human rights principles, access for independent monitoring organisations should not be something to fear.

Independent monitoring can help establish facts on the ground while also correcting inaccurate information.

The Indonesian government has itself stated in various international forums that it is committed to protecting human rights in Papua and that security personnel deployed in Papua must comply with human rights principles and applicable laws.

That commitment, YKKMP said, must therefore be reflected in practice through openness, monitoring access, independent investigations, protection for victims and witnesses, and fair enforcement of the law.

YKKMP said it respected the Indonesian House of Representatives and the right of every parliamentarian to express their views.

However, as human rights defenders, it said it also had a moral responsibility to remind all sides that human rights issues should not be resolved through mutual accusations.

“We hope members of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives will use their authority to encourage the government to create space for a transparent and dignified resolution of human rights issues in Papua.”

YKKMP said what was needed was not a war of narratives, but the truth; not mutual blame, but investigation; and not threats or pressure, but dialogue.

“Most importantly, the people of Papua need a state that is present to protect their lives, ensure justice, respect human dignity and resolve conflict peacefully,” Hesegem said.

YKKMP believes state sovereignty and respect for human rights are not principles that need to be placed in opposition to each other. Rather, they should operate together within a state governed by law and democracy.

According to YKKMP, if there have been no human rights violations, this should be demonstrated through open and credible mechanisms.

If violations have occurred, the truth should be established, victims protected, those responsible prosecuted in accordance with the law, and steps taken to ensure the violations do not happen again.

“That is how a democratic state maintains its dignity before its own people and the international community,” Hesegem said. (*)

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3) Maybrat resident allegedly tortured at Marine post

News Desk September 28, 2026

Sorong, Jubi – A resident of Wakom Village, East Aifat District, Maybrat Regency, Southwest Papua, identified as Wilem, also known as Yae Wakom, has allegedly been tortured at a Marine post in the area.

Wakom, a civil servant, was allegedly subjected to the abuse after he was arrested and taken to the Marine post stationed in Aisa Village, East Aifat District, Maybrat Regency, on Saturday (26/9/2026).

Leonardo Ijie, director of the Kaki Abu Legal Aid Institute (LBH Kaki Abu) in Sorong, said his organisation had received information that Yae Wakom was allegedly locked inside the Marine post and subjected to violence while being held there.

His family and local residents were reportedly prohibited from seeing him or checking his condition, without any clear explanation. The reason for his arrest has not yet been established.

Ijie said that, if the information was confirmed, the case would involve not only alleged violence against a civilian but also the alleged unlawful deprivation of his liberty.

LBH Kaki Abu condemned the alleged torture and called on the relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation.

“For LBH Kaki Abu, the alleged confinement constitutes a suspected human rights violation against a civilian,” Ijie said on Monday (28/9/2026).

According to Ijie, confinement involves the deprivation of a person’s liberty, as everyone has the right to be free from arbitrary detention or confinement.

“That is why these allegations must be investigated seriously. A person’s status as a civilian must not mean they lose legal protection,” he said.

Ijie said that even when security personnel have grounds to question someone, any action must be carried out within the authority and legal procedures provided by law.

He said that if there were allegations that the victim had committed an offence or was involved in a security-related matter, the case should be handled through the legal process.

“But civilians must not then be locked up, subjected to violence or denied access to their families without a clear legal basis,” he said.

The state therefore has an obligation to ensure that every action taken by security personnel against civilians can be properly accounted for.

LBH Kaki Abu called for clear answers about why the victim was arrested or detained, who ordered the arrest, where he was being held, how long he had been detained, whether there was a legal basis for the detention, and whether his family had been given access to him.

“All these questions must be answered. Allegations of violence against civilians must not be left without a transparent clarification process,” Ijie said.

Ijie said the public should not be left with only one-sided information, and that the security personnel allegedly responsible for arresting and abusing the victim should provide an explanation.

“If these allegations are untrue, they should be disproved through an investigation. If violence did occur, there must be a legal process,” he said.

Ijie also raised concerns about the security situation in Maybrat, which he said required serious evaluation, particularly regarding the deployment and presence of military personnel in areas inhabited by civilians.

He said the presence of large numbers of military personnel among civilian communities could increase tensions if it was not accompanied by proper oversight and respect for residents’ rights.

Civilians, he said, should feel safe rather than pressured by the presence of security personnel.

Ijie said violence against civilians in Maybrat had continued to occur, but every incident needed to be established through legal mechanisms.

“All of these allegations must be proven and investigated. No violence should be allowed to go unchecked simply because it occurred in a security context,” Ijie said. (*)

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