TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Spokesperson for the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM), Sebby Sambom revealed the reason his group attacked the Indonesian military (TNI) officers in front of the Wamena Regional General Hospital, Papua at the end of May. According to him, although it violates international humanitarian law, the attack was carried out in self-defense.
Moreover, according to him, attacks by the military officers on civilians in Papua are considered more cruel. He alluded to the incident of the entry of state soldiers into churches in Papua.
In fact, he said, the house of worship is often used as a place of shelter for civilians when there is a gunfight between the TNI and armed groups. "We are defending ourselves, so we will do anything. One of them is shooting the police in front of the hospital," said Sebby when contacted on Sunday, June 1, 2025.
According to him, the attack on the security forces was to ward off the military presence in Wamena. Sebby accused some of the health workers on duty at a number of hospitals in Papua of being members of government intelligence and the TNI-Polri.
"Doctors, health workers are from government intelligence, TNI and Polri members," he said. Sebby's accusation refers to the statement of TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, who once said that his soldiers in Papua also served as educators and health workers.
On the other hand, Sebby did not deny that his group's actions in attacking security forces in front of Wamena Regional Hospital violated international humanitarian law. He said that in the law of war guidelines, hospitals are prohibited from being targets in attacks.
"Hospitals may not be targets in war," he said.
Sebby admitted that not all TPNPB-OPM militia understand the war guidelines or international humanitarian law. One of the reasons is because of limited access to knowledge, which hinders the militia spread across the Papua region.
Sebby said that in 2012 at the TPNPB-OPM Summit in Biak, his party had printed 1,000 international humanitarian law guidebooks to be distributed to combatants. "But Papua is big. The stock is now out, so the books have not been distributed in their entirety," he said.
The shooting incident occurred in front of Wamena Regional Hospital, Jayawijaya Regency, Papua on Wednesday night, May 28, 2025. TPNPB-OPM spokesman, Sebby Sambom, claimed that two officers were victims of the shooting. Meanwhile, the Cartenz Peace Task Force said that only one police officer was killed in the incident.
1) West Papua governor highlights Pancasila-inspired welfare programs
2) West Papua governor highlights Pancasila-inspired welfare programs
June 2, 2025 16:17 GMT+700
Manokwari (ANTARA) - West Papua Governor Dominggus Mandacan emphasized that his provincial government had launched three public welfare programs reflecting its commitment to integrating the noble values of the Pancasila national ideology into regional development efforts.
He identified these programs as the Healthy West Papua Card, the Smart West Papua Card, and the Productive West Papua Card.
"These three programs are part of the provincial government's efforts to apply Pancasila values for the sake of community welfare," he remarked after a ceremony celebrating the 80th anniversary of Pancasila in Manokwari on Monday.
Mandacan explained that the Healthy West Papua Card program is designed to help residents access medical services not yet covered by the National Health Insurance (JKN) program.
Elaborating on Smart West Papua, he described it as a program focused on enhancing education quality, expanding access to technology, increasing people's digital literacy, and augmenting the quality of human resources.
"Meanwhile, the Productive West Papua Card program is directed towards empowering local micro, small, and medium enterprises and tapping into regional potential in agriculture, fisheries, livestock, and tourism," he remarked.
Additionally, the governor noted that his administration had also devised initiatives aimed at driving the development of key facilities and infrastructure to boost the economy.
Mandacan stressed that all these programs had been tailored to the actual needs of residents and based on the spirit of cooperation and the principle of social justice promoted by Pancasila.
"Hopefully, our efforts will help us address poverty, ignorance, and other social issues," he stated.
He added that all elements of society share the responsibility of supporting the implementation of national and regional development initiatives.
Reflecting on Pancasila Day, the governor said he views it as a crucial momentum for the community to reinforce its commitment to safeguarding and treasuring Pancasila as a vital unifying force.
"Considering West Papua's vastly diverse population, it is essential for us to maintain tolerance and harmony among religious communities to achieve progress," he remarked.
He also called on West Papuan youth to avoid provocative narratives or issues that could threaten national stability.
3) Forming Red and White co-ops in Papua, minister assures
June 2, 2025 19:48 GMT+700
Jayapura (ANTARA) - Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions, Yandri Susanto, has assured that Red and White cooperatives (KMP) are being set up in Papua to reduce price disparities, which are significantly high in the province.
"Based on reports from all the regional heads throughout Papua, the formation of the Red and White cooperatives has reached 70 percent," he said after a launch and dialogue event on expediting deliberations at the village/sub-district level on the formation of village/sub-district KMPs.
Representatives from the Papua provincial government and Papua Mountains, Central Papua, and South Papua joined the event, which was held at the Papua Governor's Office in Jayapura city on Monday.
During the dialogue, Susanto asked regional heads across Papua to actively encourage the formation of the cooperatives. "We appreciate the cooperation and good response regarding the acceleration of the formation of KMPs," he said.
He added he is optimistic that the Papua KMPs will run well and help cut the supply chain, which is quite long.
"For that, we hope that through KMPs, the economy in villages in Tanah Papua will run well and smoothly, so that it can bring government services closer," he continued.
He said that his ministry is also hoping to continue collaborating with the Ministry of Law, as well as provincial, district, and city governments, so that the KMP program can have a significant impact on the village economy.
"We are optimistic that in Papua, by the end of June (2025), all cooperatives have legal entities (status), and by the inauguration of the Red and White cooperatives on Cooperative Day on July 12, all villages will have received legal approval," he added.
1) TPNPB-OPM Admits Hospital Attack Violates International Humanitarian Law
Reporter Novali Panji Nugroho
June 1, 2025 | 09:53 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Sebby Sambom, a spokesperson for the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM), admitted that his group's attack on security forces in front of Wamena Regional General Hospital violated international humanitarian law. He acknowledged that the rules of war prohibit targeting hospitals in attacks.
"On the other hand, it is true that hospitals should not be targeted in war," he said when contacted on Sunday, June 1, 2025.
However, he argued that the actions taken by the TPNPB Kodap III Ndugama-Derakma in attacking police in front of the hospital could be understood given the recent conflict situation in Papua. He cited an incident where the military entered a church that had become a shelter for civilians during gunfire.
"We are defending ourselves, so we will take any measures to expel the military occupation in Papua," he stated.
Additionally, Sebby claimed that not all TPNPB-OPM militias fully comprehend the rules of war or international humanitarian law. One reason, he explained, is limited access to knowledge, which hinders militias scattered across the Papua region.
Sebby mentioned that in 2012, during the High-Level Conference of the TPNPB OPM in Biak, they printed 1,000 books outlining international humanitarian law guidelines for distribution to combatants. "But Papua is vast. The stock is now depleted, so the books have not been fully distributed," he said.
Earlier, Theo Hesegem, Director of the Papua Institute for Human Rights and Justice, condemned the TPNPB-OPM's attack on the hospital area. According to Theo, the attack on police that occurred at the Wamena Regional General Hospital, Jayawijaya Regency, Papua, on Wednesday night, May 28, 2025, violated the provisions of international humanitarian law.
Sultan Abdurrahman contributed to the writing of this article
Ishika Tanwar | The West Bengal National U. of Juridical Sciences, IN
MAY 31, 2025 03:19:40 PM
Escalating violence in Indonesia’s West Papua region is threatening the security of the largely indigenous population amid intensified clashes between Indonesian security forces and separatist rebels, Human Rights Watch (HRW) warned Thursday. Military operations in the densely forested Central Highlands have resulted in the deaths and injuries of dozens of civilians due to drone strikes and the indiscriminate use of explosive munitions, forcing thousands of Indigenous Papuans to flee their homes.
The West Papua National Liberation Army, the armed wing of the Free Papua Movement, has claimed responsibility for the death of 17 individuals. The Indonesian military escalated its ongoing operations, called Operation Habema, in six provinces of West Papua, especially in the Central Highlands, claiming the deaths of 18 separatist fighters. The recent surge in hostilities, particularly in Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua, has prompted the declaration of a 14-day state of emergency.
The conflict between Indonesian authorities and the Free Papua Movement dates back to the controversial 1969 Act of Free Choice, which integrated West Papua into Indonesia. Recent military operations have led to significant civilian displacement, with reports indicating that over 76,000 Papuans have fled their homes since 2018. In addition to displacement, there have been alarming accounts of human rights abuses.
International humanitarian law requires all parties to distinguish between civilians and combatants during a conflict. Civilians must never be targeted, and all feasible measures must be taken to minimize harm to them and civilian infrastructure. It urges parties to humane treatment of detainees, prohibit hostage-taking, and allow humanitarian aid delivery, while permitting attacks only against combatants and military establishments.
Meenakshi Ganguly, deputy Asia director at HRW, said: “Concerned governments need to press the Prabowo administration and Papuan separatist armed groups to abide by the laws of war… Both the Indonesian military and Papuan armed groups need to comply with international standards that protect civilians.”
There has been no improvement in the human rights situation in West Papua.
Human Rights Monitor reported that “Indonesian security forces have continued to carry out raids in the regencies, Puncak, Yahukimo, Intan Jaya, Pegunungan Bintang, and Nduga while increasing their presence in conflict-affected areas across the central highlands in April 2025. The raids followed TPNPB attacks or were carried out spontaneously in areas where security forces suspected as TPNPB strongholds”.
Human Rights Watch in a media statement (29 May 2025) reported that renewed fighting between the security forces and the TPNPB was threatening West Papua Civilians.
“Renewed Fighting Threatens West Papua Civilians
Governments Should Urge Prabowo Administration to Protect Indigenous Peoples
(New York, May 29, 2025) – An escalation in fighting between Indonesian security forces and Papuan separatist armed groups in West Papua has seriously threatened the security of the largely Indigenous population, Human Rights Watch said today. All parties to the conflict are obligated to abide by international humanitarian law, also called the laws of war.The security forces’ military operations in the densely forested Central Highlands areas have allegedly killed and injured dozens of civilians with drone strikes and the indiscriminate use of explosive munitions, and displaced thousands of Indigenous Papuans. The National Liberation Army of West Papua, the armed wing of the Free Papua Movement, has claimed responsibility in the killing of 17 alleged miners between April 6 and April 9, 2025.“The Indonesian military has a long history of abuses in West Papua that poses a particular risk to the Indigenous communities,” said Meenakshi Ganguly, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “Concerned governments need to press the Prabowo administration and Papuan separatist armed groups to abide by the laws of war.”
Between late March and late April 2025, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) launched a series of coordinated air and ground attacks targeting areas in the Sinak District of Puncak Regency and Intan Jaya Regency. According to the information received, these attacks included the use of rockets, mortars, and drones fired from military helicopters and aircraft. Multiple sources confirmed that civilian settlements were also struck, particularly in the Timobut Village, Sinak Regency. The bombings reportedly destroyed homes, farmland, and infrastructure (see photos below).
The attacks in Puncak began on 3 April 2025. TNI extended its aerial bombardment to the Sinak District, where three helicopters reportedly launched rockets and dropped mortars, not only targeting TPNPB positions but also damaging homes in Timobut Village. Additional air raids on 24 and 25 April were confirmed by TPNPB sources, with four helicopters and two fighter jets conducting further bombardments and supply drops. The strikes caused widespread destruction and panic.
Prime Minister Albanese visited Jakarta on the on the 14 and 15 May to attend the Australia-Indonesia Annual Leaders’ Meeting. His first overseas trip since his Government’s re-election.
AWPA wrote to the PM urging that he raise the human rights situation in West Papua with the Indonesian president. Although we cannot expect much from the Australian Governmentat at this stage in relation to West Papua.
AWPA calls on Albanese to raise West Papuan human rights with Prabowo
Images have been circulating on social media of Indonesian rockets that have been reportedly fired on villages in the Nduga regency, West Papua, over two days . . . "A rain of bullets accompanied by rocket bombs, mortar fired by TNI at civilian houses.” Image: PC
An Australian solidarity group for West Papuan self-determination has called on Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to raise the human rights crisis in the Melanesian region with the Indonesian president this week. Albanese is visiting Indonesia for two days from tomorrow.
AWPA haswritten a letter to Albanesemaking the appeal for him to raise the issue with President Prabowo Subianto.................
On 7 April 2025, Papuan students and solidarity organisations held coordinated protests in major cities across Indonesia, such as Bandung, Bali, Lombok, Jember, Malang, Jayapura, Nabire, and Manokwari, marking the 58th anniversary of PT Freeport Indonesia’s operations in the Papua Tengah Province. The demonstrators called for the closure of PT Freeport and other extractive industries, denounced the militarisation of West Papua, and demanded the right to self-determination for the Papuan people. While some protests remained peaceful, others, such as in Nabire and Jayapura, were met with police violence, tear gas, arrests, and forced dispersals. Before the incident, police officers also prevented activists in Jayapura from distributing leaflets for the rally. In Nabire, demonstrators who had notified authorities in advance were blocked from walking to the provincial parliament. Police later claimed they provided transportation to avoid public disruption, but participants reported violence and injuries caused by security forces.
The protesters’ demands included the revocation of Law No. 34 of 2025 on the TNI (Indonesian Armed Forces), an end to military operations in West Papua, the closure of illegal companies and extractive projects, and the immediate recognition of the right to self-determination. They also called for an end to the criminalisation and surveillance of Papuan activists, the withdrawal of repressive legislation, and the protection of indigenous rights and democratic freedoms. The protests highlighted not only long-standing grievances over land rights and militarisation but also the shrinking civic space and intensified repression of peaceful political expression. Despite clear constitutional and international protections for peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, Indonesian authorities responded with excessive force, violating core human rights norms and failing to engage meaningfully with the protesters’ demands.
The events constitute a violation of the right to freedom of expression and assembly as guaranteed in Article 28E of the Indonesian Constitution, Law No. 9/1998 on Public Expression, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Articles 19 and 21, ratified by Law No. 12/2005). The last-minute rejection of the protest on formal grounds contradicts the usual practice that a demonstration only needs to be notified and not approved. The violent intervention, excessive police force, arbitrary arrests, and intimidation by military presence indicate a deliberate restriction of democratic freedoms.
The excessive presence of riot police and the use of force without clear and imminent threats breach international standards on the use of force in crowd control, as elaborated in the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials. The denial of movement, intimidation, and pre-emptive surveillance tactics further illustrate an entrenched pattern of criminalising dissent and stifling political expression, particularly in relation to demands for West Papuan self-determination.....................
As well as inviting Fiji to conduct a joint military exercise in Indonesia as part of the bilateral defence cooperation, the Fijian Prime Minister also announced that the Government of Indonesia had provided a grant of US$6 million, approximately Rp100 billion, to the Fijian government. Rabuka expressed his gratitude for the financial aid and affirmed his commitment to continuing cooperation with Indonesia.
This is Indonesian diplomacy in the Pacific, offering aid to counter growing support for West Papua in the Pacific region. The NGO Coalition on Human Rights in Fiji said “Is Fiji’s continuing silence on West Papua yet another example of being muzzled by purse strings?”
and
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Fiji’s coalition government are “detached from the values that Fijians hold dear”, says the NGO Coalition on Human Rights in Fiji (NGOCHR). The rights coalition has expressed deep concern over Rabuka’s ongoing engagements with Indonesia. “History will judge how we respond as Fijians to this moment. We must not stay silent when Pacific people are being occupied and killed,” said NGOCHR chair Shamima Ali.
The Special Committee on Decolonization (C24) met in Dili, Timor-Leste, from the 21 to 23 May 2025 for its Pacific Regional Seminar . The event was part of the Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, which spans from 2021 to 2030. As the Committee met in Dili, the blind spot in their discussions was the forgotten colony next door-West Papua.
We students from UNTL in Timor-Leste, call on the Indonesian state to end military operations and human rights violations against the people of West Papua.
We, students of UNTL, urge the state, the church, civil society, and all students in Timor-Leste — who speak out and strongly advocate for peace, justice, and humanity — to show solidarity with the people of West Papua, just as people from other countries have shown solidarity with Timor-Leste’s own struggle for self-determination.
We call on the member states of the United Nations and the state of Indonesia, through the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto to return the referendum for West Papua, so that the people can freely and democratically determine their own destiny.
Long live International Solidarity!
Long live the People of West Papua!
A luta Continua!
Dili, Timor Leste, May 26, 2025
Human Rights Monitor
Indonesian security forces shoot five minors in Kimupugi Village, Dogiyai Regency
On the morning of 23 May 2025, at approximately 10:00 am, five Papuan minors sustained bullet injuries as Indonesian joint security forces opened fire at them in Kimupugi Village, Dogiyai Regency, Papua Tengah Province. The shooting was triggered by an earlier incident involving an unidentified group throwing stones at the police post in the Pasar Lama Market in Mowanemani Town. Following the incident, security forces shot indiscriminately, injuring five minors. The incident prompted widespread panic, leading residents to flee to neighbouring villages and districts.
According to eyewitness reports from Kimupugi, the police began firing live ammunition shortly after a group of unidentified individuals threw stones at the police post across the Tuka River. According to the information received, the security forces came to Kimupugi village shortly after the incident and began opening fire on civilians. The victims are under 16 years old (see table below, source: WPCC). Human rights defenders found two bullet shells at the site of the crime (see photo pn top, source: WPCC)
Following the shooting, additional military reinforcements from the regencies of Nabire, Paniai, and Deiyai were deployed to Dogiyai (see video below: source: WPCC). The reinforcements included eight military vehicles equipped with war equipment passing through Kali Menou and Kali Bumi. Reports indicate that approximately 200 military personnel had already been deployed to Dogiyai in the week preceding the incident.
The shooting of unarmed minors constitutes a grave violation of international human rights and humanitarian law. Under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), to which Indonesia is a party. Children must be afforded special protection in times of conflict and law enforcement operations. The indiscriminate use of live ammunition in a populated civilian area, especially targeting children, amounts to a breach of the right to life (Article 6, ICCPR) and the prohibition of arbitrary deprivation of life. Moreover, the failure to distinguish between civilians and those allegedly responsible for the stone-throwing incident reflects a systemic pattern of excessive and disproportionate use of force by Indonesian security forces in Papua. The forced displacement of civilians from Kimupugi further exacerbates the humanitarian impact of this operation.
Table of victims who sustained gunshot wounds during the shooting in Kimupugi Village on 23 May 2025
No.
Name
Age
Injury Description
1
Marthen Tebai
12
Shot in the leg
2
Pios Waine
15
Shot in the chest (serious injury)
3
Nopentus Tebai
13
Shot in the ear
4
Deserius Tebai
12
Shot in the leg
5
Feri Tibakoto
16
Shot in the abdomen
Security forces driving to Dogiyai following the shooting of five minors on 23 May 2025
Papuan Church Council: Intan Jaya humanitarian emergency
Arga Reysamputra Last updated: May 30, 2025 10:27 pm
Author: Larius Kogoya Editor: Arjuna Pademme
Sentani, Jubi – The Papuan Church Council or DGP stated that the situation in Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua is now a humanitarian emergency.
DGP moderator, Rev. Dr. Benny Giay said that the humanitarian emergency in Intan Jaya was declared by his party after the military operation there on May 13, 2025, which was considered not on target.
He said that the military operation caused civilians to die, be injured, go missing and people from seven villages were displaced. The DGP also called for an end to military operations in civilian residential areas and called for a humanitarian emergency in Intan Jaya Regency and Papua in general.
"Stop military operations that kill God's people. Stop military operations in civilian areas," said Rev. Dr. Benny Giay in a press conference in Sentani, Jayapura Regency, Papua, Friday (30/5/2025).
Benny Giay said that what is happening in Intan Jaya now illustrates that the military operation is not on target, and has resulted in civilian casualties. According to him, the Papuan Church Council received information from the field that dozens of civilians were victims of shootings and military operations in Hitadipa District, Intan Jaya Regency. Some of them died and a number of others suffered serious injuries.
"Around seven civilians or more have not been found, and are suspected of being victims of the operation. The victim data collected by the DGP shows a number of civilian victims in military operations in the Intan Jaya area," he said.
He said, data received by the Papuan Church Council recorded that civilians who died due to stray bullets during the TNI operation were Ruben Wandegau 35 years old (Village Head), Pedeta Elisa Wandegau 75 years old, Mono Tapamina Tapani 40 years old, and Hetina Seperti 24 years old.
The injured victims were Junite Zanambani 21 years old (shot in the arm), Minus Jegeseni 5 five years old (shot in the ear), Nopen Wandegau 36 years old (shot in the hand), Ka Pogau 25 years old, and Jubelina Kogoya 25 years old (injured during the sweep).
Rev. Dr. Benny Giay said, the villages whose residents fled to Sugapa District, the capital of Intan Jaya due to armed contact were Titigi Village, Ndugusinga, Jaindapa, Sugapa Lama, Hitadipa, Janamba, Soagama. "The TNI Kesatuan Habema Post in Intan Jaya is currently located between Jaindapa and Zanamba villages and another post is in Titigi village at the Parish Church (Catholic)," he said.
The DGP stated that since May 13, 2025, there has been assistance for housing and food from the local government. However, most Intan Jaya residents want to evacuate to Nabire. However, this request was rejected by the local government. Residents were instead told to return to their respective villages.
Therefore, the DGP recommends that the government must ensure that there are no military posts in residents' villages, so that there is a guarantee of community safety if they are asked to return to their villages. "We are conveying this open letter for the benefit of our people, who are being killed and killed in front of their homes, in their churchyards, in their gardens, and on their ancestral lands throughout the corners of Papua, especially in Intan Jaya and other conflict areas in Papua today," he said.
DGP hopes that President Prabowo Subianto will hear, see, and immediately stop all militarism in the Intan Jaya region, and other areas throughout Tanah Papua.
"When we hear stories and news of refugees, shootings, and deaths for example in Intan Jaya at this time, we know that stories like this are not new. Some of these people have been refugees or fled from security operations in previous years," said Rev. Dr. Benny Giay. (*)
DGP suspects there are parties who do not want the Land of Papua to be safe
Arga Reysamputra Last updated: May 31, 2025 9:50 pm
Author: Larius Kogoya
Editor: Arjuna Pademme
Jayapura, Jubi – The Papuan Church Council or DGP suspects there are parties within the government circle in Jakarta who do not want the Land of Papua to be safe.
The suspicion was conveyed by the DGP Moderator, Rev. Dr. Benny Giay in a press conference in Sentani, Jayapura Regency, Papua, Friday (5/30/2025).
Rev. Benny Giay said that the suspicion was not without reason. Because the President of the Republic of Indonesia for two terms, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono or SBY had conveyed this to his party, during a meeting in Cikeas, Bogor, West Java in December 2012. According to him, at that time SBY said "The situation in Papua is like that, because we are being regulated by a system run by 'hard-line elements in Jakarta' who do not want to dialogue." "That's why the title of this pastoral letter is like that (Hard-line elements of the government who keep Papuan separatism from dying/disbanding)," said Rev. Dr. Benny Giay.
He said, the results of research by the Indonesian Institute of Sciences or LIPI from 2004 to 2008 have conducted research and concluded four root problems in Papua. The results of the research were published in 2009, through the report of the LIPI Papua Study Team in the book "Papua Road Map."
The four root problems in Papua based on LIPI research, first the problem of history and political status of Papua's integration into Indonesia.
Second, violence and human rights violations that have taken place in Papua since 1965 through military operations with almost no accountability from the state.
Third, feelings of discrimination and marginalization caused by the exclusion of Papuans in the formulation of development in their land, and fourth, the failure of development in Papua.
Rev. said. Benny Giay initially various groups including the church were optimistic that the government would prepare steps for peaceful dialogue between the parties in Papua and the parties in Jakarta or the government, to resolve the four root problems based on the results of LIPI's research.
"[However], once again this good intention was blocked again by the 'hard-line' elements of the government in Jakarta," he said.
According to him, the Head of the LIPI Papua Study Team at that time, the late Muridan Widjojo was invited to an academic discussion by a state institution dealing with security and politics.
However, when they arrived at the discussion location, the parties actually interrogated the late Muridan which was considered as their way of rejecting the book "Papua Road Map." "Since 2008, the 'hard-line' parties in Jakarta have won. The four root problems (the four root problems of Papua) have been maintained and allowed to continue to radicalize Papuan nationalism, which is used at any time for military operations. In the end, the genocide of the Papuan people who now number only one million," said Rev. Benny Giay.
The Papuan Church Council also invited all groups to stand together calling for a dialogue and negotiation approach to resolve the conflict in Papua, also supporting and the message of former Indonesian Vice President, Jusuf Kalla who once stated "although not easy, peace in Papua can be achieved, depending on the government." "The peace dialogue in question is peace negotiations, including stopping military operations, armed conflicts and exploitation of the Wabu Block or other natural resources," he said. (*)
KNPB calls for international solidarity to resolve armed conflict in Papua
Source Suara Papua – May 25, 2025
KNPB activists issuing statement in Jayapura calling for international solidarity – May 24, 2025 (SP
Jayapura – The struggle of the Papuan people to determine their own future as an independent and sovereign nation has been going on for a long time, since the Indonesian government unilaterally claimed the territory of WestPapuathrough the manipulation of the UN sponsoredPeperareferendum in 1969 which was full of intimidation and was legally and morally flawed.
The unilateral claim of the Indonesian state as a new coloniser continues with massive military operations in the land of West Papua. The efforts of the Indonesian occupation to control Papua are carried out brutally through various means and methods.
Starting from military operations to transmigration, the creation of new provinces and districts, illegal mining, national-scale agricultural projects and various other methods, these are continuously pursued. This was conveyed by the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) General ChairpersonAgus Kossayin a statement on Saturday May 24.
Under these conditions, the Papuan people have truly experienced brutal intimidation by the Indonesian government. This state of the Papuan nation has forced fighters and solidarity activists to be more serious in responding to the actions of Indonesian colonialism that threaten the lives of Papuans who have been colonised for 64 years.
"Not long ago, everyone was shocked by the brutal shooting of civilians by theTNI[Indonesian Military] in Intan Jaya [district], which claimed the lives of around 15 people whose bodies were not allowed to be taken by their families. Only on May 23 were the bodies of the civilians found, which had been deliberately intended to be lost by being buried secretly".
"Meanwhile, on Friday, May 23, there was also the brutal shooting of civilians in Dogiyai by the authorities, resulting in five civilians falling victim. Previously in May, there was also the shooting of civilians in two districts, namely in Ilaga, Puncak regency and Puncak Jaya regency", said Kossay in the statement.
Kossay said that all these events remind everyone of the dark history of military operations that have occurred in Papua since 1961, and are still ongoing today in 2025.
These include the Trikora Operation (1961-1962), the Jayawijaya Operation (1963-1965), the Misnumurti Operation (1963-1965), the Sadar Operation (1965), the Baharata Yudha Operation (1966-1967), the Wibawa Operation (1967), the PEPERA Operation (1961-1969), the Tumpas Operation (1967-1970), the Pamungkas Operation (1971-1977), the Koteka Operation (1977-1978) and the Senyum Operation (1979-1980).
Then the Gagak 1 Operation (1983-1986), the Kasuari 1 Operation (1986-1987), the Kasuari 2 Operation (1988-1990), the Rajawali 1 Operation (1989-1990), the Rajawali 2 Operation (1990-1995), the Sadar Matoa 1 Operation (1998-2000), the Sadar Matoa 2 Operation (2001-2004), the Sadar Matoa 3 Operation (2004-2005), the Damai Cartens 1 Operation (2005-2009), the Damai Kartens 2 Operation (2005-2009), the Damai Kartens 2 Operation (2009-2015), the Damai Kartens 3 Operation (2015-2020) and the Damai Kartens 4 Operation, which has continued since 2020 to this day.
Meanwhile, he said that in the military operations carried out by the TNI in its armed conflict with the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), the victims have been civilians. In addition to shootings, there is also intimidation, brutal torture and even the massive displacement of people over decades.
Kossay said the volume of civilian casualties continues to rise due to the program to create new provinces and regencies in Papua, where this enlarges and expands bases and the military's power to control civilian areas. This shows that West Papua is in a state of military and civil emergency.
"In such a worrying situation, we, the Papuan nation, really need support and international solidarity to help articulate the emergency status that the Papuan people are currently experiencing."
Therefore, Kossay said that in order to respond to theEast Timorinternational solidarity action on the armed conflict in Papua, the KNPB as the media of the Papuan people representing the victims of the armed conflict between the TPNPB and the TNI hereby declare its position.
The people of the Papuan nation support the press conference that will be held by East Timorese students on May 26, 2025 in front of the National University of East Timor (UNTL) campus on the armed conflict that is taking place in West Papua and its impact on civilians.
The people of the Papuan Nation appreciate and fully support international solidarity in East Timor which is united in various organisations such as KEP/MRS (Klibur Estudante Progresif, Movimentu Resistesia Sosial) the HAK Foundation, TRABATILAN, ASEMA, the Esperasa Committee, OAN, FHTL (Frosa Humanista Timor Leste) and Rosas Medan which continues to speak out about the armed conflict in West Papua and also fully supports the right to self-determination for the Papuan nation.
The people of the Papuan nation give a full mandate to Mr. Harry Kossay and East Timor Solidarity to establish diplomatic relations with the government of East Timor regarding the future of the Papuan nation.
The people of the Papuan nation call for unlimited solidarity with communities and international solidarity in various parts of the world to voice the emergency status in the armed conflict in Papua because it has claimed many lives among civilians.
The people of the Papuan nation call for international solidarity to urge the UN Security Council to respond to the armed conflict in West Papua.
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "KNPB Menyerukan Solidaritas Internasional Menyuarakan Status Konflik Bersenjata di Papua".]
Release Papua political activists in Sorong arrested on charges of treason
Source Amnesty Statement – May 15, 2025
Responding to the arrest and charges ofmakar(treason, subversion, rebellion) against four political activists who are members of the Federal Republic of West Papua (NFRPB) by the Sorong city police and the loss of civilian lives due to armed conflict in Intan Jaya regency,Amnesty InternationalIndonesia Deputy DirectorWirya Adiwena, said: "The criminalisation of the fourPapuanpolitical activists shows that the state continues to repress the right to freedom of expression, opinion and assembly of indigenous Papuans. They were arrested simply for peacefully conveying their political aspirations by visiting West Papua government offices without the use of violence.
Peaceful expression is guaranteed by the Constitution and is not a criminal act. Peaceful political aspirations are also not hate speech as alleged by the police. Law enforcement officials have again used charges of treason to silence Papuans' political expression, even though they should understand that such expression is part of human rights and is protected by Article 28E of the 1945 Constitution (UUD 1945).
The police in Sorong City must immediately and unconditionally release the four suspects. No citizens, including indigenous Papuans, can be allowed to be criminalised just for expressing opinions or making legitimate political demands, including voicing disappointment with the state regarding conflicts in their region.
Furthermore, we also condemn the loss of life and injuries to civilians, as well as the hundreds of people that have been displaced, after an operation carried out by security forces in Intan Jaya on May 13. There must be a thorough investigation into the loss of civilian lives during this incident. Likewise, there must be a sharp reflection on the placement of security forces in Papua which has so far resulted in casualties, both indigenous Papuans, non-Papuans, and the security forces themselves."
Background
On May 5, the Sorong City District Police Chief in Southwest Papua province announced that four people with the initials AGG, PR, MS and NM had been arrested and charged withmakar. The four are known to be leading members of the NFRPB.
Media reports said that on April 14 the suspects allegedly visited the Sorong City mayor's office, the South-West Papua governor's office, the South-West Papua Papua People's Council (MRP) offices, the South-West Papua Regional Police Air and Water Police Directorate and the Sorong City District Police to deliver a letter from the NRFPB president regarding an invitation to peace talks. During the visit, they also allegedly called for "Papuan independence".
The police have also questioned five witnesses and secured 18 documents related to the NFRPB organisation, including uniforms similar to the police and military, as well as the identity of the organisation's membership.
The four suspects have been charged under themakarand hate speech articles, namely Article 106 of the Criminal Code (KUHP) in conjunction with Article 187 of the KUHP in conjunction with Article 53 paragraph (1) of the KUHP and/or Article 45 Letter A paragraph (2) in conjunction with Article 28 paragraph (2) of Law Number 1/2024 on the Second Amendment to Law Number 11/2024 on Information and Electronic Transaction (ITE Law) in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph (1) to 1 and/or in conjunction with Article 56 paragraph (1) to 1 of the KUHP. Under these articles, the suspects face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison or even life imprisonment.
Meanwhile, regarding the latest violence in Papua, the Communion of Indonesian Churches (PGI) received a report from the Kemah Injil Church that a military operation took place in the early hours of Tuesday May 13 in three villages in Intan Jaya regency, Central Papua province. The military operation is said to have targeted civilian settlements and resulted in fatalities and injuries among residents.
At least three civilians were reported to have died. In addition, a seven-year-old child and an adult woman suffered injuries from shrapnel. Then as many as 950 congregation members from 13 churches were reported to have fled shortly after the shooting.
Amnesty International does not take any position on the political status of any province in Indonesia, including their calls for independence. However, in our opinion, freedom of expression includes the right to peacefully express one's political views or solutions.
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Bebaskan empat aktivis politik Papua di Sorong yang ditangkap atas tuduhan makar".]
Asia Pacific Reporteditor David Robie was honoured with Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) at the weekend by the Governor-General, Dame Cindy Kiro, in an investiture ceremony at Government House Tāmaki Makaurau.
He was one of eight recipients for various honours, which included Joycelyn Armstrong, who was presented with Companion of the King’s Service Order (KSO) for services to interfaith communities.
Dr Robie’s award, which came in theKing’s Birthday Honours in 2024but was presented on Saturday, was for “services to journalism and Asia-Pacific media education”……………………..
"On top of her bold activism, Hilda LINI was also a mother to us. She was kind and caring and always pushed the importance of family and indigenous values." Image: Vanuatu Daily Post
I am saddened by the death of one of the most inspirational Pacific women and leaders I have worked with — Motarilavoa Hilda Lini of Vanuatu.
She was one of the strongest, most committed passionate fighter I know for self-determination, decolonisation, independence, indigenous rights, customary systems and a nuclear-free Pacific.
Hilda coordinated the executive committee of the women’s wing of the Vanuatu Liberation Movement prior to independence and became the first woman Member of Parliament in Vanuatu in 1987.
Hilda became director of the Pacific Concerns Resource Centre (PCRC) in Suva in 2000. She took over from another Nuclear Free and Independent Pacific (NFIP) giant Lopeti Senituli, who returned to Tonga to help the late ‘Akilisi Poviha with the pro-democracy movement. I was editor of the PCRC newsletterPacific News Bulletinat the time. There was no social media then so the newsletter spread information to activists and groups across the Pacific on issues such as the struggle in West Papua, East Timor’s fight for independence, decolonisation in Tahiti and New Caledonia, demilitarisation, indigenous movements, anti-nuclear issues, and sustainable development. On all these issues — Hilda Lini was a willing and fearless chief taking on any government, corporation or entity that undermined the rights or interests of Pacific peoples………….
