2) Escalating intimidation against human rights defender in Yahukimo
3) Extrajudicial execution of indigenous Papuan during military operation in Intan Jaya
4) TPNPB Claims Responsibility for Two Attack Incidents in Papua
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Human Rights Monitor
1) Aerial bombardments in Intan Jaya result in destruction of civilian homes and massive displacement
Since early 2023, military operations in West Papua have intensified, with security forces frequently launching joint operations involving army, police, and special forces units in conflict-affected regencies across the central highlands. These campaigns have resulted in serious human rights violations potentially meeting legal elements for crimes against humanity, including arbitrary arrests, torture, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and the internal displacement of tens of thousands of indigenous Papuans. Intan Jaya has emerged as one of the epicentres of armed conflict, mainly due to its strategic location and its proximity to the resource-rich Wabu Block, where gold exploration interests intersect with growing unrest.
The most recent outbreak of violence in Intan Jaya occurred on 27 March 2025 after a reported armed assault by West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) fighters on an Indonesian military convoy in the Janamba village. Five Indonesian soldiers were reportedly killed during combat between 27 and 29 March 2025. In response, the Indonesian military launched counterinsurgency operations across multiple districts, targeting what they claimed were insurgent positions. Evidence collected by local human rights defenders indicates that civilian areas were indiscriminately bombarded, resulting in widespread displacement and at least one civilian death.
Human Rights Monitor (HRM) calls on Indonesian authorities to allow immediate humanitarian access, halt indiscriminate military operations in civilian areas, and facilitate an independent investigation into allegations of international humanitarian law violations, including the killing of Mr Okto Zanambani and the bombing of civilian infrastructure. HRM calls for the protection of civilians and the respect for indigenous peoples‘ rights during security operations in West Papua.
Aerial bombardment & counterinsurgency operations
Between 27 March and 3 April 2025, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) launched a large-scale counterinsurgency operation in the Intan Jaya Regency, Papua Tengah Province, targeting the TPNPB. The operation included coordinated ground assaults and heavy aerial bombardments using aircraft, helicopters, and combat drones.
Between 28 and 30 March, air raids were reported in multiple civilian areas, including the villages of Soanggama, Janamba, Hitadipa, Eknemba, and Titigi, located in the districts of Sugapa and Hitadipa. According to local informants, at least six airstrikes were conducted with bombs dropped on the Ndogi mountain, Bulapa, Ilogau, Joambili, Ugimba, and Janamba—areas exclusively inhabited by indigenous Papuans (see photos below, source: independent HRDs). Video material collected by human rights defenders confirmed the use of drone-dropped explosives and air raids by two large military planes, including a CASA C-212 military plane, and helicopters (see photo below, source: independent HRDs)………….
Full article. Photos/video in report.
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Human Rights Monitor
2) Escalating intimidation against human rights defender in Yahukimo
Human rights defender, Mr Marcho Pahabol, a member of the Justice Front for Tobias Silak (FJFTS) solidarity group, has been subjected to a series of intimidation and violent attacks in the town of Dekai, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province. Mr Pahabol understands these acts as an attempt to prevent him from advocating for justice for the execution of Mr Tobias Silak by security force members in the town of Dekai on 20 August 2024. His peaceful calls for accountability, including through public campaigns, community mobilisation, and cooperation with national human rights institutions, have triggered targeted acts of reprisal against him.
The threats escalated in early 2025, beginning with an assault by a group of unidentified men in Dekai, followed by an attempt knife attack on 26 March 2025 by an individual on a motorcycle. Only days later, on 2 April 2025, Mr Pahabol was physically assaulted by a police officer on Paradiso Road in Dekai without prior provocations or dispute. In addition to the physical assaults, he has endured psychological harassment in the form of nightly disturbances — vehicles honking persistently in front of his home, apparently attempting to intimidate or lure him outside.
These incidents have taken place amid ongoing efforts by FJFTS to demand the prosecution of police officers allegedly involved in the unlawful execution of Mr Tobias Silak, including calls for trials to be moved to Jayapura due to lack of trust in local institutions. Mr Pahabol’s case reflects a broader trend of threats and reprisals against indigenous Papuan activists advocating for human rights violations and justice in the region. His experiences suggest a coordinated effort to silence dissent and obstruct justice efforts.
The situation underscores the urgent need for national and international protection mechanisms for human rights defenders in West Papua. Authorities are obliged to investigate attacks against human rights defenders, ensure their safety, and hold those responsible accountable. As highlighted by the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders and Indonesia’s international human rights obligations, defending justice and truth must never be met with violence or fear.
Scars on Marcho Pahabols right shoulder as a result of physical assault in Dekai, March 2025
Chronology of Events
- 20 August 2024
Mr Tobias Silak, a staff member of the election supervisory agency (Bawaslu), was shot and killed by security force members in Dekai, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province. Authorities claimed he was affiliated with the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), triggering outrage from his family and community who strongly denied these allegations. - 10 September 2024
Starting from 10 September 2024, Mr Silak’s family and solidarity groups held peaceful protests in Dekai demanding justice and rejecting the police narrative. They urged the National Human Rights Commisssion (Komnas HAM) to investigate and called for the prosecution of perpetrators in a civil court. - 25 January 2025
Mr Marcho Tabuni organised an open discussion and strategic meeting with youth community representatives in the town of Dekai, Yahukimo. The present solidarity groups agreed to organize a region-wide strike if the Yahukimo District Police continued to not thoroughly investigate the allegations into the extra-judicial execution. - 21 February 2025
The FJFTS held a public protest demanding that Papuan Regional Police should arrest and prosecute four mobile brigade (Brimob) officers allegedly involved in the shooting, following Komnas HAM recommendations. They also called for trial relocation to Jayapura. Mr Pahabol held orations during the peaceful demonstration demanding justice. - March 2025 (exact date unknown)
Mr Pahabol was attacked by a group of six unidentified indigenous men in Dekai. The motive remains unclear, and there was no prior provocation. - 26 March 2025
An assassination attempt was made against Mr Pahabol on 26 March 2025. An unidentified individual on a motorcycle attempted to stab him in a residential area of Dekai. Mr Pahabol was able to escape from the attacker. - 2 April 2025
Mr Pahabol was beaten by a police officer at the Paradiso Road in Dekai without any clear justification, adding to the escalating violence against him. - Ongoing (March–April 2025)
Mr Pahabol faces nightly harassment. Vehicles honk loudly in front of his residence in an apparent attempt to lure him outside. Mr Pahabol remained indoors and observing the situation from the window.
Mr Tobias Silak, a staff member of the election supervisory agency (Bawaslu), was shot and killed by security force members in Dekai, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province. Authorities claimed he was affiliated with the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), triggering outrage from his family and community who strongly denied these allegations.
Starting from 10 September 2024, Mr Silak’s family and solidarity groups held peaceful protests in Dekai demanding justice and rejecting the police narrative. They urged the National Human Rights Commisssion (Komnas HAM) to investigate and called for the prosecution of perpetrators in a civil court.
Mr Marcho Tabuni organised an open discussion and strategic meeting with youth community representatives in the town of Dekai, Yahukimo. The present solidarity groups agreed to organize a region-wide strike if the Yahukimo District Police continued to not thoroughly investigate the allegations into the extra-judicial execution.
The FJFTS held a public protest demanding that Papuan Regional Police should arrest and prosecute four mobile brigade (Brimob) officers allegedly involved in the shooting, following Komnas HAM recommendations. They also called for trial relocation to Jayapura. Mr Pahabol held orations during the peaceful demonstration demanding justice.
Mr Pahabol was attacked by a group of six unidentified indigenous men in Dekai. The motive remains unclear, and there was no prior provocation.
An assassination attempt was made against Mr Pahabol on 26 March 2025. An unidentified individual on a motorcycle attempted to stab him in a residential area of Dekai. Mr Pahabol was able to escape from the attacker.
Mr Pahabol was beaten by a police officer at the Paradiso Road in Dekai without any clear justification, adding to the escalating violence against him.
Mr Pahabol faces nightly harassment. Vehicles honk loudly in front of his residence in an apparent attempt to lure him outside. Mr Pahabol remained indoors and observing the situation from the window.
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Human Rights Monitor
3) Extrajudicial execution of indigenous Papuan during military operation in Intan Jaya
On 30 March 2025, Indonesian military forces reportedly shot dead Mr Okto Zanambani, an indigenous resident of Janamba village, during an intensified counterinsurgency campaign in the districts of Hitadipa and Sugapa, Intan Jaya Regency, Papua Tengah Province. According to reports by the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), the operation, part of a broader offensive targeting TPNPB forces. According to local informants, Mr Zanambani was not affiliated with any armed group.
The killing took place amid a series of coordinated ground and air assaults by the Indonesian military, including aerial bombings in six locations across the two districts. Mr Zanambani was reportedly doing timber works near the Villages Eknemba as military infantry forces opened fire at him. Relatives began searching for the body after the raids had been seized. They discovered the body on 3 April 2025 and cremated the remains at his home in Janamba Village. The attack occurred in the context of ongoing clashes between TPNPB forces and Indonesian troops, particularly around military posts in Titigi. At the same time, intense bombardment led to the destruction of civilian houses, causing widespread fear and mass displacement.
The incident is emblematic of a broader pattern of extrajudicial killings and indiscriminate military operations in the Papuan central highlands. Similar to other reported cases, the death of Mr Okto Zanambani highlights the grave risks civilians face during counterinsurgency raids, which are often carried out without distinction between combatants and non-combatants. The continued use of airstrikes, village raids, and collective punishment reflects systemic impunity and a disregard for international humanitarian and human rights law. Such actions further exacerbate the cycle of violence and deepen the mistrust between indigenous Papuans and Indonesian state institutions.
Relatives discovered Okto Zanambani’s body on 3 April 2025 and subsequently crmated the body in the Janamba Village, Intan Jaya
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A google translate.
Original Bahasa link
4) TPNPB Claims Responsibility for Two Attack Incidents in Papua
JUBI
Arga Reysamputra
Last updated: April 9, 2025 1:21 pm
Author: Admin
Editor: Alberth Yomo
Jayapura, Jubi — The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) through the National Command (KOMNAS) claimed responsibility for two incidents of attacks on Indonesian military personnel in Papua in early April 2025.
In an official statement delivered by the TPNPB-OPM Spokesperson, Sebby Sambom, it was stated that the Commander of the Yambi Kodap, Yoniro Enumby, along with his troops, claimed responsibility for the shooting of a member of Indonesian military intelligence in the Yambi area, Puncak Jaya, on Monday, April 7, 2025.
According to the TPNPB, the victim had been followed during his activities in the area claimed to be an armed conflict zone. The group also issued a stern warning to civilians referred to as “Indonesian immigrants” to leave the conflict area so as not to become targets of operations.
In addition, the TPNPB also reported that two Indonesian military helicopters were reported to have attacked civilian areas in Timopur Village, West Sinak District, by firing bombs. However, there were no fatalities in the attack.
In response to the airstrike, the TPNPB urged President Prabowo Subianto, the TNI Commander, and the Polri to stop using bombs against civilians. "If you are indeed heroes, let's fight on the battlefield," they said in the statement.
Meanwhile, on April 8, 2025, the TPNPB issued a second press release, this time from Kodap XVI Yahukimo. The Kodap Commander, Brigadier General Elkius Kobak, stated that his troops had executed 11 people suspected of being TNI members who were disguised as gold miners in the Yahukimo area.
This action was carried out by the Yamue Battalion and the WSM Battalion seconded from Kodap III Ndugama Derakma, in a three-day operation, from 6 to 8 April 2025. In addition to the 11 fatalities, three others were reported injured.
The TPNPB said that the action was a response to the TNI Commander's statement that admitted that personnel disguised as civilians were part of the TNI. "So in accordance with this confession, we have executed them," they said.
These statements have added to tensions amid the ongoing armed conflict in Papua, and highlight the complexity between military operations, civilian security, and demands for independence from separatist groups. (*)
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