2) Military members recorded beating Papuan man in Deiyai
3) Military members accused of killing civilian in Puncak Regency
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Human Rights Monitor
1) Indonesian parliamentary forum calls for fundamental shift from security to dialogue-based approach in West Papua conflict
The Forum for Communication and Aspirations of the Papuan People (FOR PAPUA MPR RI), comprising members of both the Regional Representatives Council (DPD RI) and National Parliament (DPR RI), has issued urgent calls for the Indonesian government to abandon its security-based approach to the ongoing armed conflict in West Papua. In an official statement released on 27 May 2025 (see photo on top, source: Kompas), the parliamentary forum expressed grave concern over escalating violence in Puncak, Puncak Jaya, Intan Jaya, and Nduga regencies, where armed conflict between security forces and the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) has forced tens of thousands of civilians to flee their homes. The forum emphasized that the current security-focused approach has “proven ineffective and has exacerbated the conditions of civilian populations,” calling for immediate policy evaluation and cessation of military operations that have only added to civilian trauma and suffering.
FOR PAPA MPR RI’s recommendations include immediate evaluation of current policies, cessation of militaristic approaches, and development of measured, planned responses addressing root causes rather than symptoms. The forum emphasizes the need for coordinated action among all relevant ministries, including Home Affairs, Defense, Law and Human Rights, alongside the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and National Police (Polri) to ensure aligned visions and policies. They stress that uncoordinated handling has exacerbated ground conditions and that the West Papua issue cannot be resolved unilaterally but requires cross-sectoral and inter-institutional cooperation.
The forum’s intervention represents a significant attempt by Papuan representatives within Indonesia’s constitutional framework to shift conflict management from short-term security measures toward comprehensive dialogue that addresses historical grievances, though questions remain about whether the central government will embrace this parliamentary initiative or continue prioritizing military solutions over the humanitarian imperative to protect displaced civilians and create conditions for lasting peace.
The parliamentary initiative reflects growing frustration with the government’s handling of the West Papua conflict- Papuan political figures like Laurenzus Kadepa argue that legislative bodies should take the lead in formulating solutions rather than waiting for presidential directives. Kadepa urged the parliamentary forum to proactively develop concrete resolution formats in coordination with governors, regents, mayors, traditional leaders, community leaders, church representatives, and activists who understand the local conditions. He emphasized that the forum was created to assist the government in conflict resolution.
The calls for dialogue-based solutions gain additional urgency from religious leaders and civil society organizations documenting the human cost of continued military operations. The Papuan Council of Churches (DGP), led by Moderator Rev. Dr. Benny Giay, has called for immediate cessation of military operations and peaceful negotiations, including ending exploitation of natural resources like the Wabu Block in the conflict-affected Intan Jaya Regency. Rev. Giay alleged that certain government factions deliberately maintain conflict conditions. He cited Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) research from 2004-2008 that identified four root causes of the West Papua issue, arguing that these underlying problems have been deliberately maintained to justify continued military operations rather than addressing legitimate grievances through peaceful means.
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Human Rights Monitor
2) Military members recorded beating Papuan man in Deiyai
On 19 June 2025, at approximately 3:45 pm, military (TNI) members were recorded beating up a 22-year-old Weneiyo Pekei in the town of Wagete, Deiyai Regency, Papua Tengah Province. The incident occurred following an altercation at a local street restaurant. Eyewitnesses report that TNI personnel responded with severe physical force, targeting several young Papuan men. The beatings were so severe that Mr Weneiyo Pekei reportedly succumbed to his injuries at the site of the crime. He was not taken to a hospital, and no legal action has been initiated against the personnel involved.
According to the information received from local informants, a group of intoxicated youths entered a street restaurant near the Yudea Church in Wagete Town. After consuming food, an argument ensued between the owner and the youths. The situation escalated when the youths began throwing stones, prompting the shopkeeper to call TNI personnel. Upon arrival, the military officers pursued and allegedly assaulted one of the youths, kicking him on the floor and striking him with a rifle butt (watch video below, source: independent HRD). Multiple youths were injured, and one was reportedly taken to the Wagete Police Station..
Conflicting narratives have since emerged. While human rights defenders and local reports allege that Weneiyo Pekei was beaten to death by TNI members, official military statements deny the abuse, claiming that the soldiers were responding to threats posed by intoxicated youths armed with sharp weapons. Colonel Inf. Candra Kurniawan of Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih stated that the military was attempting to secure individuals involved in car theft and attacks on residents. However, these claims have not been substantiated by independent verification.
Legal analysis
This incident raises serious concerns about the continued militarisation of law enforcement in West Papua and the use of excessive and potentially lethal force by state actors against civilians, particularly indigenous Papuans. The failure to provide medical treatment, coupled with the absence of legal accountability, points to possible violations of the right to life (Article 6 ICCPR) and the prohibition of torture and ill-treatment (Article 7 ICCPR). Moreover, the pattern of impunity for security personnel in West Papua further undermines the rule of law and exacerbates tensions in the region.
Military members beat 22-year-old Weneiyo Pekei in the town of Wagete on 19 June 2025
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Human Rights Monitor
3) Military members accused of killing civilian in Puncak Regency
On 12 June 2025, at approximately 11:20 am, 27-year-old Papuan, Mr Agibagi Tabuni, (see photo on top, source: independent HRD) was shot dead by members of the Indonesian National Army (TNI) near State Senior High School I (SMAN 1) Sinak, in the Gigobak Village, Sinak District, Puncak Regency, Papua Tengah Province. Mr Tabuni was a civilian and not affiliated with any armed group. He was on his way to attend a communal event at the invitation of Puncak Regent, Mr Elvis Tabuni, when he was reportedly ambushed and killed by military personnel reportedly lying in wait.
According to family members, Mr Tabuni had departed from his home in the morning and was en route to the neighbouring Gigobak District when he was ambushed and fatally shot near SMAN 1 Sinak. Following the incident, the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) published a statement according to which the deceased had no affiliation with the armed group.
Legal analysis
The incident follows a pattern of targeted killings and extrajudicial executions by Indonesian security forces in the West Papua highlands, often carried out with impunity and under the pretext of counterinsurgency operations. The deliberate killing of an unarmed civilian constitutes a grave violation of the right to life, enshrined under Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Indonesia is a State party. The use of lethal force in this context is arbitrary, disproportionate, and violates basic principles of necessity and distinction under international humanitarian law, given the absence of direct hostilities or combatant status.
This case further underscores the urgent need for independent investigations into alleged human rights abuses by Indonesian security forces in West Papua. Domestic accountability mechanisms have repeatedly failed to deliver justice, fostering a climate of systemic impunity. Human rights observers have been calling for access for international journalists and human rights observers to monitor the armed conflict in the region, which has significantly deteriorated over the past months due to ongoing military operations.
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