AWPA -West Papua Update No 4
3rd August 2025
There was no improvement in the human rights situation in West Papua. Clashes have occurred between the TPNPB and the Indonesian security forces in the past few months with West Papuan activists and human rights defenders arrested and intimidated by the Indonesian security forces. Recent reports on the situation from Human rights Monitor and TAPOL below.
Human Rights Monitor
Amnesty International Indonesia documented 104 attacks against human rights defenders in the first half of 2025
Human Rights News / Indonesia / 1 August 2025
Amnesty International Indonesia released a troubling report on 14 July 2025, documenting attacks against at least 104 human rights defenders across 54 separate cases during the first six months of the year. The peak of violence occurred in May 2025, when 35 human rights defenders became victims of attacks, highlighting what Amnesty International Indonesia Executive Director, Mr Usman Hamid, described as “the government’s failure to respect efforts to protect human rights in Indonesia.“
The report reveals that more than half of the attacks targeted indigenous community members fighting for land rights and journalists covering sensitive issues, with 36 indigenous community members and 31 journalists among the victims. Other affected groups included community leaders, fishers, human rights activists, student activists, environmental advocates, academics, farmers, and anti-corruption campaigners. Law enforcement officers emerged as the primary perpetrators, with police suspected in 20 of the 53 documented cases. This figure was significantly higher than attacks committed by private companies, government employees, military personnel, or public order agencies.
Amnesty International identified five distinct forms of persecution: police reporting, arrests, criminalization, intimidation, physical violence, and attacks on human rights institutions. The civil society organisation attributes this surge in violence to the rise in authoritarian practices and policies, as well as the militarisation of civilian space, calling for immediate government action. Neither Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai nor National Police spokesperson Inspector General Sandi Nugroho responded to requests for comment regarding the report’s findings.
IDP Update June’25: Humanitarian crisis in West Papua reaches new dimensions
Human Rights News, Reports / Indonesia, West Papua / 13 June 2025
The humanitarian crisis in West Papua has reached a critical stage. As of late June 2025, more than 97,721 people in West Papua [1] remain internally displaced as a result of armed conflict between Indonesian security forces and the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB). New internal displacements were reported in the regencies of Jayawijaya, Intan Jaya, Yahukimo, Puncak, and Nduga.
Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai stated that his ministry received information indicating that approximately 60,000 people from the regencies of Intan Jaya and Puncak Jaya have fled to urban areas. However, such as Nabire and Timika. According to the information received, two entire districts, namely Sinak in Puncak Regency and Hitadipa in Intan Jaya, are now completely uninhabited, with all residents having fled due to ongoing armed clashes and military raids. The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) has documented 454 displaced persons across several districts as of June 2024, though officials acknowledge this data is incomplete and the actual numbers are much higher.
The displaced populations are facing dire humanitarian conditions that violate basic human rights. According to Komnas HAM findings, the internally displaced persons (IDPs) are experiencing severe overcrowding, with up to seven families sharing a single house in Nabire. Most displaced persons are surviving on only one to two meals per day due to food shortages, and many have lost their homes and livestock. Employment opportunities are limited, forcing most refugees to work in subsistence agriculture. Children lack access to healthcare and education services, while fundamental rights, including food security, healthcare, education, employment, and safety, remain unfulfilled for most IDPs.
Given the urgency of the situation, Komnas HAM has formally proposed that the central government declare a state of social disaster in West Papua, which would provide legal authority for a coordinated humanitarian response through the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). This declaration would enable comprehensive involvement of multiple ministries in addressing the crisis, including social assistance, healthcare, education restoration, and infrastructure recovery. Natalius Pigay declared that the Ministry of Human Rights is establishing a Papua Working Group to coordinate efforts, while also pushing for reconciliation and peace initiatives to address the root causes of displacement.
In late May 2025, the Forum for Communication and Aspirations of the Papuan People (FOR PAPUA MPR RI), consisting of members of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) and the People’s Representative Council (DPR RI) from electoral districts throughout West Papua, criticised the security-focused approach as ineffective and exacerbating civilian suffering. FOR PAPUA MPR RI urged the government to evaluate its militaristic policies and address the root causes comprehensively rather than through short-term sectoral responses. This demand was echoed by Papuan church leaders, who called for peaceful dialogue and negotiations, including cessation of military operations and armed conflict.
Human rights organisations and community leaders call for an immediate halt to military operations in civilian zones, the establishment of humanitarian corridors, and independent investigations into the civilian impact of Indonesia’s military campaigns in West Papua. They stress the urgent need for humanitarian aid, withdrawal of non-organic troops, and comprehensive rehabilitation, including healthcare, education, housing, and psychosocial support………………..
Full update. https://humanrightsmonitor.org/news/idp-update-june25-humanitarian-crisis-in-west-papua-reaches-new-dimensions/
Situation Unsafe, 6,000 Maybrat Residents Choose to Live in Refugee Camps
Writer: Suara Papua - July 26, 2025, 6:31 WP02
JAYAPURA, SUARAPAPUA.com— As many as 6,000 Aifat residents in Maybrat Regency remain internally displaced from their hometowns, or IDPs, due to the 2021 conflict between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) in Aifat, Maybrat Regency, Southwest Papua Province.
This statement was made by Father Heribertus Lobya, Director of the SKPKC OSA Papua Indonesia in Sorong, to Suara Papua on Thursday (July 24, 2025). Father Heru said that Maybrat refugees are currently living in Sorong Regency, Sorong City, Maybrat, Tambrauw, and Bintuni. "Yes, that's right, there are still residents of Maybrat (Aifat and the surrounding areas) who are still displaced. They come from Sorong Regency, Sorong City, Maybrat, Tambrauw, and Bintuni. The reason they are still staying in the refugee camps is because the situation is still not comfortable and their rights as refugees have not been guaranteed. There are around 6,000 of them," explained Pastro Heri. They are currently struggling to survive by gardening in the refugee camps.
"The refugees are currently struggling to survive, gardening in the refugee camps, so they can eat and sell their produce to support their children's education and healthcare needs," he said.
Maybrat refugees in Sorong. (Doc. Father Heri)
In addition to gardening, the priest said they also grow sago for food and engage in other activities to survive. Whatever they do, they do it to maintain their lives outside their hometown. The priest said that given the current situation, they need health services, free education for their children, financial support for their families, housing, and the fulfillment of their rights as refugees. "At the beginning of the evacuation, there was some government attention, but since then, there has been no regular attention. What the government must do for the refugees is fulfill their rights as refugees, provide housing for them, and provide health services, education, and financial support for their families," he concluded. He said this situation is quite concerning, as they have long abandoned their livelihoods and have difficulty accessing all these necessities, living far from their hometown. Given these conditions, the SKPKC OSA has taken a role and provided assistance to the refugees, particularly in the areas of health services, education (literacy for refugee children), trauma healing services, spiritual services, and the provision of food, plant seeds (vegetables), and clothing.
"Furthermore, the SKPKC OSA has visited refugee areas to discuss and share experiences with the refugees. The Franciscan SKPKC has also provided assistance with a machine to distribute clean water and several clean water facilities such as profile tanks, hoses, and electrical cables. Other parties, such as the Yohan youth organization, have also provided food supplies for the Maybrat refugees," he said. Regarding the handling of refugees in Maybrat, the Director General of Human Rights Services and Compliance at the central government and the local governments of both the Maybrat Province and Regency held a Coordination Meeting in Sorong in April 2025. The Coordination Meeting focused on improving road access, which was considered a major obstacle to the refugee repatriation and recovery process. Furthermore, collaboration across ministries and institutions is crucial in resolving these various issues. On that occasion, Maybrat Deputy Regent Fernando Salosa acknowledged that the local government has implemented a phased response. "Regarding this matter, we, the local government, have essentially implemented a phased response." However, he acknowledged that conditions in several districts in Aifat have not fully recovered due to poor road access, such as in East Aifat, South East Aifat, Far East Aifat, and Middle East Aifat.
Vegetables grown by Maybrat refugees. (Doc. Father Heri)
Given these conditions and circumstances, Father Heri hopes the Maybrat government will pay more attention to the Maybrat refugees. This includes the rights of refugees, both those still displaced and those already in their hometowns. "Their rights as refugees must be fulfilled. Furthermore, in terms of health, medical personnel such as doctors, paramedics, and nurses should stay in the village, especially in Aisya Village, because I see that the health infrastructure and facilities there are quite adequate."
"Furthermore, classrooms at YPPK schools in the East Aifat region should be functional for grades 1 through 6. I also hope that the YPPK elementary school in Faan Kahrio can be functional for grades 1 through 6," he concluded. The basic rights of internally displaced persons that require state attention are the right to access education, health services, adequate housing, employment, and the right to live with their families. Although Indonesia has not ratified the 1951 Refugee Convention, Nevertheless, refugee protection is also regulated by national law, specifically Law No. 39 of 1999 concerning Human Rights, which recognizes and upholds human rights as natural rights inherent to every human being.
A google translate. Original Bahasa link
New Tapol Report
Torture in Detention in West Papua: Impunity, Secrecy and Silence
TAPOL 22 July 2025
Introduction
Both police and military in West Papua have carried out numerous incidents of torture and other human rights violations but have faced almost no consequences. Between September 2021 until the first quarter of 2025, the police and military in Maybrat and the Central Highlands areas of West Papua committed 138 recorded acts of torture or other ill-treatment against people in detention. The majority of those tortured were males below the age of 24, while seven females were tortured and seven detainees were minors, aged 15-17. Most people were arrested for allegedly collaborating with armed groups while a significant number were arrested for participating in demonstrations. The severity of torture varied between those subjected to arbitrary arrest, threats and intimidation, up to those who died during the course of torture. These latter cases typically happened to civilians in areas where the military and police were carrying out operations against armed groups. We have highlighted these cases as well as those where law and order institutions – police, state prosecutors, and judges – have either failed to protect or been directly responsible for civilians' torture. All incidents and cases contained in this briefing are recorded on the ‘Papuans Behind Bars’ database.[1]
In full
https://tapol.org/publications/torture-detention-west-papua-impunity-secrecy-and-silence
TAPOL
Papuans Behind Bars Quarterly Update January–March 2025
Summary During the first quarter of 2025, Papuans Behind Bars recorded at least 75 cases of arbitrary arrest and two cases of arbitrary detention out of a total of 78 political arrests. Most of those arrested have since been released, with the exception of five who are being prosecuted further and seven whose progress is unknown. At least six people were victims of torture or ill-treatment, two of whom died. During this period, we also noted that there were at least nine cases from previous arrests that had received court judgements. One person was acquitted, while the others received sentences ranging from one to seven years in prison. Four were convicted of the offence of 'knowing and failing to prevent conspiracy to commit rebellion', while the other five were convicted of a variety of offences, ranging from racketeering, extortion, and endangering public security, to murder.
In full
ile:///Users/joe/Downloads/PBB-QU1-2025-EN.pdf
Military members accused of fatally torturing Papuan youth in Intan Jaya for wearing a t-shirt with Morning Star
Cases, Human Rights News / Indonesia, West Papua / 25 July 2025
On the evening of 17 July 2025, members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) reportedly tortured and executed Mr Obert Mirip, an 18-year-old student, inside the Titigi Military Post, Sugapa District, Intan Jaya Regency, Papua Tengah Province (see photo on top, source: Jubi). The incident occurred after Obert was accused of being a member of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) for wearing a shirt displaying the Morning Star Flag and the Papua New Guinea flag. Multiple reports affirm that Mr Mirip was not affiliated with any armed group but was summarily executed in military custody. His body was later returned to his village by order of the local TNI commander, without formal investigation or due process.
According to reports from multiple independent sources, TNI personnel deployed drone surveillance over Ndugusiga Village on 17 July 2025, at approximately 7:00 pm. After identifying Mr Obert Mirip based on his clothing, TNI soldiers reportedly descended from their post, forcibly arrested him at his home, and escorted him to the Titigi military post. That same night, he was allegedly tortured and eventually succumbed to the injuries he sustained as a result of torture. The next day, TNI soldiers informed nearby villagers that a TPNPB member had been shot and demanded that the body be collected for burial. Upon verification, community members confirmed that the deceased was Mr Obert Mirip.
The TPNPB Central Headquarters released a statement according to which Obert Mirip was not associated with the TPNPB and condemned the killing as a deliberate act of intimidation aimed at suppressing civilians. Local civil society actors denounced the TNI’s narrative as disinformation and accused state authorities of violating the civil and political rights of the indigenous population. The dissemination of false claims labeling Mr Obert Mirip as a TPNPB member was widely criticised as a defamatory tactic aimed at justifying unlawful violence against civilians. Relatives and civil society representatives have called upon Indonesian authorities to conduct an independent, impartial, and transparent investigation into the killing of Mr Obert Mirip and to ensure that all perpetrators, including those with command responsibility, are held accountable. The Indonesian National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) should monitor the situation in Intan Jaya and other conflict areas and timely investigate allegations of grave human rights violations in West Papua.
Background
The killing of Obert Mirip underscores the urgent need for the Indonesian state to demilitarise West Papua and to guarantee the right to freedom of expression, cultural identity, and political opinion without fear of retaliation or violence. The Titigi area already became an area of conflict in April 2023, as Indonesian security forces conducted raids on four villages in the Intan Jaya Regency of West Papua, covering an area of 2.7 square kilometres. The raids destroyed at least 28 houses. Security forces reportedly killed four civilians and injured three others, including two minors. More than 3,000 indigenous Papuans were internally displaced as a result of these operations, facing dire living conditions without access to adequate food, healthcare, or education
Legal analysis
This incident constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian and human rights law, notably the right to life, the prohibition of torture, and the protection of civilians under the Fourth Geneva Convention. The summary execution of an unarmed civilian without judicial process is a potential crime against humanity under Article 7 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), especially in the context of a widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population.
Photo of Mr Obert Mirip’s body taken on 18 July 2025, after being tortured by TNI members in Titigi, Intan Jaya
https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case-news/military-members-accused-of-fatally-torturing-papuan-youth-in-intan-jaya-for-wearing-a-t-shirt-with-morning-star/
'I'm saddened by what's happening in Papua' says visiting UN Special Rapporteur
Source Jubi Papua – July 7, 2025
Anggi Sagita, Jayapura – United Nations Special Rapporteur for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Albert Kwokwo Barume, personally heard the heartfelt cries of Papuan indigenous peoples (OAP) during an informal two-day visit to Jayapura, Papua Province on July 4-5. Barume empathised with and recorded each statement and report submitted by representatives of indigenous peoples in the land of Papua. "I'm saddened too over what's happening here [in the land of Papua] because it is a violation of human rights or HAM", Barume said. Barume listened carefully to what is being experienced, what is being felt from moment to moment by indigenous peoples in the land of Papua that was conveyed to him personally. He is of the view that all the cruelty by states against indigenous peoples everywhere should not happen.
Barume listened to and recorded each testimony. He stressed that hearing the victims was a direct mandate of his position. In addition to indigenous peoples, Barume also met with non-government organisations (NGOs), the government, the Papua People's Council (MRP) and the Papua Regional House of Representatives (DPRP).
"Indigenous Papuans should be treated equally and not suffer", said Barume who originates from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Barume said that the task of a special UN rapporteur was to be an amplifier of the voices of indigenous peoples who are oppressed and treated arbitrarily by the state in all matters, especially in maintaining the right to life and their customary territories.
"My task is as an amplifier to strengthen and bring the voices of the fathers and mothers to be heard by the Indonesian government. I hope to be able to do more", said Barume who has been entrusted and given a mandate by the UN as a special rapporteur since December 2024.
In a statement presented to Barume, the Papuan Traditional Council (DAP) said it is of the view that there are no guarantees of comprehensive protection of the land and life of the Papuan nation within the framework of the Indonesian state.
"We emphasise the right to self-determination, as guaranteed under the ICCPR [International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights], the ICESCR [International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights] and the UNDRIP [Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples] Articles 3-4", said the DAP in the statement conveyed to Barume. "The process of integration [into Indonesia] through the 1969 Act of Choice which only involved 1,026 people under military coercion was never legitimate under international law. Without recognition of political rights, the threat of destruction will continue", said the DAP.
Responding to Barume's presence, the DAP respectfully asked that following his informal visit he could consider further steps relevant to the special rapporteur's mandate, namely submitting a request for an official visit to the land of Papua in the special procedure framework of the UN Human Rights Council.
They also asked for an official thematic report to be compiled that records the visit and the Indonesian government's response, issuing a public statement that emphasises the deep concerns over the pattern of violations of the rights of indigenous peoples and recommending the formation of an independent investigation mechanism if official access is rejected.
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Pelapor Khusus PBB: Orang Papua seharusnya diperlakukan setara dan tidak menderita".]
Greenpeace and Raja Ampat youth confront nickel industry during conference
Igor ONeill June 3, 2025
Banners unfurled at Indonesia Critical Minerals Conference demand accountability: What is the True Cost of Your Nickel?
Jakarta, June 3, 2025 – Greenpeace Indonesia activists, alongside four young West Papuans from the Raja Ampat archipelago, staged a peaceful protest today to expose the devastating environmental and social consequences of nickel mining and smelting. While Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Arief Havas Oegroseno, addressed the Indonesia Critical Minerals Conference in Jakarta, the activists deployed a banner reading, “What’s the True Cost of Your Nickel?” and unfurled others with messages: “Nickel Mines Destroy Lives” and “Save Raja Ampat from Nickel Mining.”
Through this direct action, Greenpeace aims to deliver an urgent message to the Indonesian government, nickel industry executives gathered at the event, and the wider public: nickel mining and processing are inflicting profound suffering on affected communities across Eastern Indonesia. The industry is razing forests, polluting vital water sources, rivers, seas, and air, and is exacerbating the climate crisis through its reliance on captive coal-fired power plants for processing.
“While the government and mining oligarchs discuss expanding the nickel industry at this conference, communities and our planet are already paying an unbearable price,” said Iqbal Damanik, Greenpeace Indonesia Forest Campaigner. “The relentless industrialization of nickel – accelerated by soaring demand for electric cars – has destroyed forestlands, rivers, and seas from Morowali, Konawe Utara, Kabaena, and Wawonii, to Halmahera and Obi. Now, nickel mining even threatens Raja Ampat in West Papua, a globally renowned biodiversity hotspot often called the last paradise on Earth.” Following an investigative journey through West Papua, Greenpeace exposed mining activities on several islands within the Raja Ampat archipelago, including Gag Island, Kawe Island, and Manuran Island. These three are classified as small islands and, under the law concerning the management of coastal areas and small islands, should be off-limits to mining.
Greenpeace analysis reveals that nickel exploitation on these three islands has already led to the destruction of over 500 hectares of forest and specialised native vegetation. Extensive documentation shows soil runoff causing turbidity and sedimentation in coastal waters – a direct threat to Raja Ampat’s delicate coral reefs and marine ecosystems – as a result of deforestation and excavation.
Beyond Gag, Kawe, and Manuran, other small islands in Raja Ampat such as Batang Pele and Manyaifun are also under imminent threat from nickel mining. These two adjacent islands are situated approximately 30 kilometers from Piaynemo, the iconic karst island formation pictured on Indonesia’s Rp100,000 banknote.
Raja Ampat is celebrated for its extraordinary terrestrial and marine biodiversity. Its waters are home to 75 percent of the world’s coral species and over 2,500 species of fish. The islands themselves support 47 mammal species and 274 bird species. UNESCO has designated the Raja Ampat region as a global geopark.
Ronisel Mambrasar, a West Papuan youth from the Raja Ampat Nature Guardians (Aliansi Jaga Alam Raja Ampat), said, “Raja Ampat is in grave danger due to the presence of nickel mines on several islands, including my own home in Manyaifun and Batang Pele Islands. Nickel mining threatens our very existence. It will not only destroy the sea that has sustained our livelihoods for generations but is also fracturing the harmony of our communities, sowing conflict where there was once harmony.”
Greenpeace Indonesia urgently calls on the government to fundamentally reassess its nickel industrialization policies, which have already triggered a cascade of problems. The hollow boasts about the benefits of downstreaming, championed by the previous administration and now perpetuated during the presidency of Prabowo Subianto, must end. The nickel industrialization drive has proven to be a tragic irony: instead of delivering a just energy transition, it is systematically destroying the environment, violating the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, and deepening the damage to an Earth already buckling under the weight of the climate crisis.
ENDS
Photos and videos are available in the Greenpeace Media Library.
Contacts: Iqbal Damanik, Greenpeace Indonesia Forest Campaigner +62-811-4445-026Igor O’Neill, Greenpeace Indonesia, ioneill@greenpeace.org +61-414-288-424
Human Rights Monitor
Environmental destruction and indigenous rights violations: The Nickel mining crisis in Raja Ampat
Human Rights News / Indonesia, West Papua / 4 July 2025
The pristine waters and biodiversity-rich islands of Raja Ampat, Papua Barat Daya Province, are facing a devastating environmental and human rights crisis as multiple nickel mining companies destroy one of the world’s most ecologically significant marine areas in the world. Despite Raja Ampat’s recognition as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2023 and its status as the heart of the global coral triangle, containing 75% of the world’s coral species, the Indonesian government has permitted extensive mining operations across several small islands. The mining operations are violating both national law and international conservation standards.
Between 8-27 June 2025, widespread protests erupted across Indonesia as indigenous communities, environmental activists, and civil society organizations demanded an end to the destructive mining practices that have already cleared over 500 hectares of forest and natural vegetation. The environmental damage extends far beyond deforestation, with mining waste causing severe sedimentation that affects the coral reefs, contaminated coastal waters, and destroys the marine ecosystems that indigenous communities in Raja Ampat depend upon. On Manuran Island, mining operations by PT Anugerah Surya Pratama have created visible pollution plumes that flow directly into village areas during high tide, while residents on Gag Island report being afraid to swim due to fears of skin diseases caused by contaminated waters………………….
In full. https://humanrightsmonitor.org/news/environmental-destruction-and-indigenous-rights-violations-the-nickel-mining-crisis-in-raja-ampat/
27 years after Biak massacre in West Papua, human rights crisis worsens
By APR editor - July 6, 2025 Asia Pacific Report
Australian solidarity activists today marked the 27th anniversary of the Biak massacre in West Papua and have warned the human rights crisis in the Indonesian-ruled Melanesian region is deteriorating. No Indonesian security force member has ever been charged or brought to justice for the human rights abuses committed against peaceful West Papuan demonstrators. According to Elsham Papua, a local human rights organisation, eight people were killed and a further 32 bodies were found near Biak in the following days. However, some human rights sources put the death toll at about 150.
“Twenty seven years later, the human rights situation in West Papua continues to deteriorate,” said Joe Collins of the Australia West Papua Association (AWPA) in a statement today. “West Papuan people continue to be arrested, intimidated and killed by the Indonesian security forces. “There are ongoing clashes between the TPNPB [West Papua National Liberation Army] and the Indonesian security forces with casualties on both sides. “As a result of these clashes, the Indonesian security forces carry out sweeps in the area, causing local people to flee in fear for their lives.
‘Bearing the brunt’
“It’s the internal refugees bearing the brunt of the conflict.”
According to the AWPA statement, 6 July 1998 marked the Biak massacre when the Indonesian security forces killed scores of people in Biak, West Papua.
The victims included women and children who had gathered for a peaceful rally. They were killed at the base of a water tower flying the Morning Star flag of independence.
The Citizens’ Tribunal . . . a people’s documentation and record of the Biak atrocities. Image: Citizens’ Tribunal
As the rally continued, many more people in the area joined in with numbers reaching up to about 500 people. The statement said that from July 2 that year, activists and local people started gathering beneath the water tower, singing songs and holding traditional dances. “On July 6 the Indonesian security forces attacked the demonstrators, massacring scores of people,” said the statement.
Internally displaced
Human Rights Monitor reported in its June update that more than 97,721 people in West Papua were internally displaced as a result of armed conflict between Indonesian security forces and the TPNPB.
Human Rights Watch in a media statement in May 2025 reported that renewed fighting between the security forces and the TPNPB was threatening West Papua civilians.
“As the West Papuan people struggle for their right to self-determination, they face great challenges, from the ongoing human rights abuses to the destruction of their environment,” said Collins in the statement. “However, support/knowledge for the West Papuan struggle continues to grow, particularly in the Pacific region,” he said. “If some governments in the region are wavering in their support, the people of the Pacific are not.
Pacific support ‘unwavering’
Jakarta has been targeting Pacific leaders with aid in a bid to convince them to stop supporting the West Papuan struggle. Civil society and church groups continue to raise awareness of the West Papuan situation at the UN and at international human rights conferences. “The West Papuan people are not going to give up their struggle for self-determination,” Collins said. “Time for the countries in the region, including Australia, to take the issue seriously. Raising the ongoing human rights abuses with Jakarta would be a small start”.
Security members recorded pressuring indigenous community in Beoga to pay social funds
Human Rights Monitor
By Documentation Centre / 1 August 2025
On 17 July 2025, members of the Indonesian security forces, including the Beoga Police Chief and personnel from the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI), were captured on video engaging in the illegal collection of community funds from village heads in Beoga District, Puncak Regency, Central Papua Province. The recording (see video below, source: independent HRD) reveals a police officer, apparently in command, orchestrating and directing the unlawful redistribution of BLT (Direct Cash Assistance) funds, including orders to transfer money to armed personnel. The total amount allegedly extorted from all nine villages in the district is estimated at Rp. 450,000,000 (approx. € 24,000).
The 90-second recording, reportedly made on 17 July 2025, shows armed TNI officers and a high-ranking police officer addressing several village heads about the distribution of Direct Cash Assistance (BLT) funds. During the conversation, the officer suggests that part of the funds should be handed over to personnel from the TNI task force, Koramil, and Polsek as a form of “security” compensation. His statements imply an orchestrated and coercive appropriation of public aid funds by security forces.
In the exchange, one village head confirms that such a process had occurred previously and volunteers to facilitate the distribution. Another village leader, dressed in a red shirt, expresses concern and requests that the funds first be presented to traditional leaders for oversight. The police officer disregards the concern and insists that the handover be completed swiftly. The environment of the exchange, taking place in the presence of fully armed and uniformed personnel, added an element of intimidation.
Following the incident, community members reported that security forces forcibly collected Rp. 50,000,000 from nine villages. The total amount allegedly extorted reached Rp. 450,000,000. From 17 to 22 July 2025, the Papua Justice and Human Integrity Foundation (YKKMP) received complaints from residents, describing the incident as extortion under duress by members of the security apparatus.
On 22 July 2025, the Papua Coalition for Law Enforcement and Human Rights (KPH HAM Papua), comprising several civil society organisations, issued a Press Release in Jayapura, calling for a thorough investigation and for those responsible within the police and military forces to be held legally accountable.
The following day, 23 July 2025, KPH HAM Papua addressed official complaints to the Attorney General of Indonesia, the Papua High Prosecutor, and the Nabire District Prosecutor. They demanded legal proceedings against the alleged perpetrators for the misuse of social aid funds, illegal levies, and abuse of power carried out under the guise of state authority.
Human rights analysis
This incident constitutes a serious violation of economic and social rights, particularly the right to social protection as enshrined under Article 9 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), to which Indonesia is a State Party. The direct coercion of civilian representatives under military and police presence represents a blatant abuse of power and an infringement on the principle of free and informed access to state-sponsored social assistance.
The use of military force and full armament during civil aid distribution also violates the principle of civil-military distinction and may amount to state-led intimidation and coercion of indigenous populations, contravening protections outlined in United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), particularly Article
21 and Article 22.
Moreover, this case indicates a potential pattern of corruption, intimidation, and militarisation of public administration in West Papua, exacerbating the vulnerability of conflict-affected communities and undermining lawful governance and local autonomy.
Video showing TNI officers and a police chief addressing village leaders in Beoga District, Puncak Regency, on 17 July 2025……………………….
Indonesian Navy wants to evict residents in Manokwari:
Human Rights Monitor 7 July 2025
On 25 June 2025, 18 civilian families residing in the Sanggeng and Reremi areas in the Manokwari Regency were reportedly ordered to vacate their homes by the Indonesian Navy’s Facility Maintenance Command (Fasharkan TNI AL). The order, based on a notice letter (B/183/VI/2025) dated 23 June 2025, has been criticised as unlawful and intimidatory. The affected houses are officially recognised assets of the Manokwari Regency Government, and the residents possess valid occupancy permits. The Manokwari Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy (LP3BH Manokwari) has condemned the order, urging the Fasharkan TNI AL to halt any actions that intimidate community members in Sanggeng and Reremi. According to the eviction notice, the 18 families shall leave their homes by 30 June 2025. LP3BH Manokwari director, Mr Jan Christian Warinussi, pointed out that the residents possess an Official Residence Occupancy Permit issued on 1 March 2002 (Number: 012/490), confirming their legal right to inhabit the properties. Furthermore, an official letter from former Regent Drs. Dominggus Mandacan (Number: 030/1326, dated 21 December 2006) confirms that the houses belong to the Manokwari Regency Government and were only loaned to the Indonesian Navy’s Fasharkan. The letter explicitly prohibits Fasharkan from evicting residents without prior consent from the local government.
The dispute dates back to 1 March 2002, when the Manokwari Regency Government issued official occupancy permits (Number: 012/490) to the residents, legally entitling them to inhabit the houses. This was reaffirmed on 21 December 2006, when then-Regent Drs. Dominggus Mandacan issued a letter (Number: 030/1326) clarifying that the houses were government-owned assets temporarily loaned to Fasharkan TNI AL, and that no evictions could take place without government consent. Despite this, on 23 June 2025, Fasharkan issued a notice (B/183/VI/2025) ordering 18 families to vacate the premises by 30 June 2025. In response, on 25 June 2025, LP3BH Manokwari denounced the eviction order as unlawful and intimidatory, urging immediate dialogue between all stakeholders. Forced evictions without due process, consultation, and legal justification breach General Comment No. 7 of the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Moreover, the intimidation and coercion of civilians by military actors undermine principles of democratic governance and the rule of law.
Papuan Students Deliver 7 Urgent Demands to Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai
Reporter M. Rizki Yusrial June 4, 2025
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Dozens of people claiming to be students from Papua held a demonstration in front of the Ministry of Human Rights, located in South Jakarta on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. The demonstration demanded the government to prosecute the Indonesian military for killing civilians in Papua
They demanded to meet with Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai. Tempo's observation on the ground around 01:30 PM showed that the negotiation between the demonstrators and Pigai's staff was difficult. This was because Pigai would only respond if a representative of the demonstrators met with him inside the Ministry of Human Rights office.
At around 03:00 PM, six representatives of the demonstrators finally met with Pigai inside the Ministry of Human Rights office. They talked for almost 1.5 hours about resolving the conflict in Papua.
The demands of the demonstrators are as follows.
1. The state must immediately investigate civilian casualties and apprehend and prosecute those responsible for human rights violations committed by the Indonesian military in Intan Jaya Regency and throughout Papua.
2. The state must promptly establish an independent investigation team to look into human rights violations from 2018 to 2025 in Intan Jaya Regency.
3. The state must urgently arrange the repatriation of civilians who are currently displaced in forests and other locations, including Timika, Nabire, and nearby areas.
4. We, the Papuan students and residents of Intan Jaya, strongly oppose the planned gold mining activities in Block B Wabu, Intan Jaya Regency, owned by PT Antam Tbk.
5. The state must immediately remove military posts located in Hitadipa District, Sugapa Lama Village, Jaindapa Village, and Titigi Village in Intan Jaya Regency.
6. The state must withdraw all non-organic military forces from Intan Jaya Regency and the entire Papua region without delay.
7. The state must stop deploying non-organic military forces to Intan Jaya Regency and all parts of Papua immediately.
EDITORIAL
Gibran’s Papua test
The administration has changed seven times since Papua’s official integration into the Republic in 1969, but the old stories of poverty, marginalization and human rights abuses plaguing the natural resource-rich land have remained the same.
Editorial board (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, July 22, 2025
The administration has changed seven times since Papua’s official integration into the Republic in 1969, but the old stories of poverty, marginalization and human rights abuses plaguing the natural resource-rich land have remained the same. While previous governments proved unable to offer a lasting solution to the Papua issue, President Prabowo has charged his novice deputy, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, to make a difference. Coordinating Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Correctional Services Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra said recently the President has decided to assign the Vice President to spearhead acceleration of development in Papua.
To implement the agenda, Gibran will lead a special body mandated by the 2021 Papua Special Autonomy Law. Speculation was rife that the Vice President would be required to work directly in Papua, effectively sidelining him from daily political dynamics in Jakarta. However, Yusril clarified that Gibran will not be stationed in Papua. Instead, only staff of the Special Agency for the Acceleration of Development of Special Autonomy for Papua will be based in the region, with the Vice President overseeing the efforts remotely. Gibran’s mandate comes on the heels of mounting pressures from a group of retired military generals, many of them were Prabowo supporters in the 2014 and 2019 elections, for the House of Representatives to initiate a move to impeach the Vice President, citing his legally flawed nomination as Prabowo’s running mate in the 2024 election.
The Constitutional Court changed the age limits for presidential and vice presidential candidates just to give Gibran, the eldest son of then-president Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, a shot. The court justices were later found guilty of code of ethics violations. While Prabowo is unlikely to support the motion, rumors of cracks between him and Gibran have spread since old posts from an account allegedly linked to Gibran between 2013 and 2019 surfaced on social media last year. Many of the posts contained insults and inappropriate remarks directed at Prabowo, who back then fought against Jokowi for presidency.
In fact, since taking office in October last year, President Prabowo has not clearly specified what he will delegate to his Vice President, who is constitutionally the second man in command of the state. Many believe the Papua stint will be the first major opportunity for Gibran to prove his doubters wrong.
However, the central question about the government’s new Papua initiative is not regarding Gibran’s presumed inadequacy. Previous vice presidents received the same mandate, but the problems characterizing Papua have continued unabated. The formation of a new agency that Gibran will oversee repeats the old top-down approach that has proven to be a failure. It remains unclear whether the government has conducted meaningful public consultation involving various groups and tribes that have long been inhabiting Papua before it came up with the new body, which will focus on accelerating development in Papua.
The emphasis on development, too, is a simplification of the deeply rooted and complex history of injustice and underdevelopment in the region. Major infrastructure works were built during the Jokowi administration to fuel the local economy, but provinces in Papua remain the poorest in the country.
A significant amount of special autonomy funds has been allocated to Papua, yet they do not translate into improvement of Papuan people’s well-being. Corruption and misuse of these funds are believed to be rampant, thanks in part to the central government’s weak supervision. Following the formation of new provinces, a move resembling the colonial divide and conquer strategy, the promises of quicker delivery of public services have largely been unfulfilled. Sporadic armed conflicts victimizing civilians remain, but popular yearning for peace in Papua appears elusive as the government keeps its security approach intact. Without adequately addressing the fundamental problems of historical injustice, Papua will remain a burning issue. We can give Gibran the benefit of the doubt, but only if he convinces President Prabowo to pursue a humane and dignified path toward peace and welfare in Papua.
Indonesia deploys military to complete road project in West Papua
Indonesia has deployed its military to help speed up the long-delayed Trans Papua Road project, which has faced repeated setbacks due to security threats from armed groups like the KKB. Launched in 2014, the 4,330-kilometer project has completed 3,446 kilometers so far. Anadolu Agency WORLD Published July 22,2025
Indonesia has deployed the military to help accelerate a long-delayed key road project which has been plagued by setbacks because of security threats from armed groups in the region, media reports said Tuesday.
The 4,330-kilometer (2,690-mile) Trans Papua Road project, now a partnership between the Public Works Ministry and the Indonesian Military (TNI), has been under construction since 2014 but has connected 3,446 kilometers to date, the Jakarta Globe reported.
Maj. Gen. Kristomei Sianturi, head of the TNI Information Center, cited security threats posed by the KKB criminal group, as the main obstacle to completion of the project. The group has long been targeting construction workers involved in the project, including a deadly 2018 ambush that resulted in 19 casualties. The government aims to complete the project under President Prabowo Subianto's administration. Director General of Highways at the Public Works Ministry, Roy Rizali Anwar, said the TNI's support will focus on building access roads in underdeveloped, frontier and outermost areas, including Papua and Kalimantan. "Construction will target 11 priority locations. We will conduct surveys, calculate the budget needs, and allocate funding through the state budget according to the country's financial capacity," said Roy.
Papua students in Surabaya want acts of terror, intimidation investigated
Source. Suara Papua – June 29, 2025
Jayapura – A series of terror acts have again befallen Papuan students who are studying in the East Java provincial capital of Surabaya.
The students are asking that the latest spate of incidents – the sending of a live lizard, provocative chats and the putting up of posters against Papuan students in Surabaya – be immediately and fully investigated.
Terror and intimidation against Papuan students continues to occur from year to year. So does racism. There are various ways in which the authorities try to silence democratic space and human rights for Papuan students. Intimidation against students demonstrates the violence and crimes committed by the state against the people.
"All the terror against Papuan students in Surabaya occurred within a period of one week from June 19-23, 2025. After the Papuan Student Alliance (AMP) and the Papua High School and University Students Association (IPMAPA) throughout Surabaya promoted a joint action with the agenda 'Anti-militarism and investment in Papua' on Friday, June 20, 2025", they explained in a written statement.
1. Sent a live lizard
Papuan students at the Kamasan III Papuan student dormitory in Surabaya were sent a package containing a live lizard on Thursday afternoon June 19. At exactly 4.30 pm two unknown individuals (OTK) left a package in a 50kg rice sack with a local resident who then delivered it to the front of the dormitory.
One of the residents came to the front door and called out to the comrades in the dormitory saying that someone had left a lizard. They then asked do you usually eat lizards.
Several comrades came out of the dormitory to check who had delivered the items to them. It turned out that two unknown individuals had entrusted them to a local resident.
After comrade Y*gie's asked questions like where did they catch it and other questions, the two people [sic] then answered that they caught it out back in the swamp (not far from the dormitory). "Yet we know that there aren't any swamps near the dormitory".
The students took the sack inside to check the contents. Once opened, it turned out that the lizard looked like a pet because of its large body and clean skin colour. Everyone agreed to release it into the wild.
2. Provocative posters
On Thursday morning at around 6:42 am, comrade YM left the dormitory with the intention of playing basketball. When returning to the dormitory right at the "Indrakilla" road intersection 50 meters from the Kamasan III dormitory, comrade YM found a poster containing a provocative narrative and various photos of AMP activities such as discussions, actions and book stalls.
A similar poster was also found at a rented house in Yahukimo. "It was put up right on the front gate to the rented house", said comrade FK.
On the same say in the afternoon, comrade M*li's found the same poster at the entrance to the Papuan student dormitory of the West Papua Deiyai Dogiyai Paniai Nabire High School and University Student Association (Ipmanapadode) regional coordinator.
In addition to this, at 12.42 am several intelligence officers, TNI (Indonesian Military) and Polri (Indonesian Police) members visited a Papuan student rented house and provoked a local security officer to monitor the activities of Papuan students in the rented house.
Then, on Friday at 2.20 pm, comrade MB found the same poster in the Sukolilo Keputih area next to the Darma Cendika Catholic University (UKDC) traffic lights.
On Saturday at 1.29 pm the same poster was found by comrade BM at the intersection next to the bridge in Bratang Gede. Not ending, on Sunday June 23 at around 11 pm comrade YW found the same poster in front of the Poltekes dormitory on Jalan Darmawangsa.
3. Threatening text messages
On Thursday night, from 7-11 pm dozens of Papuan students gathered together. They had been terrorised simultaneously in chats through the WhatsApp numbers 082342827610 and 085708359656 with intimidating, discriminating and racist words.
The words in the chats were like: "We are alongside you [next door]. We will k*ll you" and so forth.
Under Article 335 of the Criminal Code (KUHP) its states that anyone who intentionally and without the right or exceeds the limits of their authority with words or actions, threatens others with violence against that person or others people, is subject to a maximum sentence of one year and four months imprisonment or a maximum fine 4.5 million rupiah.
Therefore, we are asking the police to immediately and thoroughly investigate the terror and intimidation of students who are studying in Surabaya. Because terror and intimidation like this is done intentionally, and is planned in order to interfere with the mental well being and psychology of the Papua's students in Surabaya.
We realise this is terrorist activity carried out by reactionary groups and the authorities to frighten Papuan students so they will be afraid to be involved in critical organisational activities. But this is not comparable to the situation in Papua which is currently at the abyss of destruction by ecocide and genocide.
Statement
In response to the series of acts of terror and intimidation experienced by Papuan students in the City of Heroes, we wish to convey the following statement.
1. Inspector General of Police Drs. Nanang Avianto, M.Sc, East Java Regional police chief, stop allowing the terrorisation of Papuan students in Surabaya to continue.
2. To the East Java police chief, immediately find the perpetrators of the terror against Papuan students in Surabaya.
3. The Surabaya municipal government must urge the East Java police chief to investigate the terrorist case against Papuan students in Surabaya.
4. The governor of East Java, Ms. Khofifah Indar Parawansa, immediately urge the East Java police chief to find the perpetrators of terror against Papuan students in Surabaya.
The AMP Surabaya City Committee is therefore asking the police to immediately and thoroughly investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of this terror and intimidation.
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Segera Usut Tuntas Teror dan Intimidasi Terhadap Mahasiswa Papua di Surabaya".]
WCC calls for a “peace-full Pacific”
World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, in a special “Call for a Peace-Full Pacific,” urged a move beyond militarised security toward holistic, relational peace in the Pacific.
23 July 2025
"Yet this vision unfolds amid intensifying great-power rivalry,” Pillay said. “Too often, Pacific voices are relegated to the margins of these power contests.”
He reaffirmed the WCC’s support for a nuclear-free Pacific, standing in solidarity with affected communities in Ma‘ohi Nui, the Marshall Islands, and Kiribati, calling for independent assessments of nuclear test impacts, transparent data access, reparations, environmental remediation, and universal ratification of the Treaty of Rarotonga and of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
“The WCC reaffirms its position that true peace requires the dismantling of colonial systems of control and oppression,” Pillay added, calling for continued listing of Ma‘ohi Nui and Kanaky on the UN decolonisation agenda until full self-determination is achieved, a transparent plan from France to decolonise by 2030, an international review of Hawai‘i’s political status, and full implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, particularly in Aotearoa and Australia.
Pillay also urged demilitarisation, specifically transparency and consent for all military activity, a UN moratorium on autonomous weapons systems, and island-led efforts to establish demilitarised maritime zones.
He further noted that the Pacific Ocean is central to the future of life on earth, and called for a “global ban on deep-sea mining, and affirmation of the leadership of Pacific churches in climate advocacy,” he said, further urging “inclusion of frontline Pacific voices in UN climate forums; promotion of eco-communal theology that unites Scripture, Indigenous wisdom, and science; and continued church divestment from fossil fuels.
Pillay also reaffirmed the WCC 11th Assembly “Minute on the situation in West Papua” that expressed the grave concern regarding the situation in Tanah Papua – the Papuan provinces of Indonesia.
Pillay encouraged continued and intensified engagement by the WCC, including advocacy in UN human rights forums, and consideration of the establishment of an ecumenical working group on West Papua.
He urged all WCC member churches and partners “to increase their awareness, accompaniment, and support for the people and churches of Tanah Papua in the midst of this longstanding and worsening crisis,” concluding: “Let us uphold peace based on justice, dignity, and the sacred relationship between people, land, and ocean."
Opinion pieces/media releases/reports/etc.
Ronny Kareni: West Papuan songs of resistance, cries for freedom
STORIES FROM THE PACIFIC
https://www.abc.net.au/pacific/programs/stories-from-the-pacific/stories-from-the-pacific/105458884
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