Human Rights Monitor
Security forces continue operations in the Papuan Central Highlands throughout March and April 2025
After operations against the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) intensified in January and February 2025, 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.
Puncak
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.
Photos of mortar and rocket remains found at various locations in the Sinak District, Puncak Regency
Yahukimo
As of 14 April 2025, residents of Suru-Suru District in Yahukimo Regency have fled into the forests following intensified military and police operations on land, air, and river, including surveillance with drone cameras. These operations were launched in response to the killing of 15 illegal miners by TPNPB forces in the Korowai area. While church leaders and traditional youth groups have managed to gather some displaced civilians, many remain in hiding and are in urgent need of government assistance. Due to the region’s difficult terrain, the exact number of displaced residents remains unknown.
Joint security forces carry out a raid on land and water in the Yahukimo Regency, April ’25
Nduga
Local informants and human rights organisations reported that the TNI significantly increased their presence in the Mebarok District since mid-January 2025. According to the information received, the TNI launched an intensified military operation on 18 January 2025.
Between 22 February and 9 March 2025, Indonesian military personnel conducted multiple raids in the Mebarok District, Nduga Regency, demolishing numerous civilian homes, public service buildings, and government staff residences. A total of nine civilian houses in Yuguru were destroyed. The buildings were dismantled down to their pillars and roofs. Additionally, a warehouse and two public health centres (Puskesmas) buildings were dismantled, with the military reusing the construction materials to build their accommodation facilities for the soldiers and a military post. A further raid in the Mabarok District on 22 and 23 March 2025 resulted in the execution of an indigenous villager. At least one other villager was reportedly tortured during the raid.
Pegunungan Bintang
Military operations in Pegunungan Bintang have re-intensified since January 2025, endangering civilian life and security in the area. Particularly, the districts of Serambakon and Oksop are affected by the heavy military presence. Military members reportedly burned multiple residential houses in Oksop to the ground and have been occupying the GIDI Ephesus Church in Mimin Village since 9 December 2024.
On 19 April 2025, TNI members reportedly executed an unarmed indigenous Papuan named Mr Yulli Kalakmabin in Wanbakon Village, Serambakon District. He was travelling to Oksop District to visit his wife and children when he was ambushed and fatally shot by military personnel.
Intan Jaya
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. Evidence collected by local human rights defenders indicates that civilian areas were indiscriminately bombarded, resulting in widespread displacement and at least one civilian death. The raids followed a TPNPB attack on a military convoy in the Janamaba Village.
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