AWPA -West Papua Update No 2. 2025
16 April 2025
The conflict in West Papua has escalated with regular clashes continuing between the TPNPB and the Indonesian security forces. Up to 17 people have been killed in the past few weeks. The TNI claimed that the victims were civilians who were targeted but the spokesperson for the TPNPB, Sebby Sambom said they were “part of the Indonesian government’s military apparatus disguised as civilians”. Sebby also reported that the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB-OPM) has its own intelligence body called the Papua Intelligence Service (PIS) which plays a crucial role in providing on-ground information for their forces. Below are a number of new reports and updates concerning the human rights situation in the territory.
New Tapol Report
April 2025
2024 was always going to be a year of political change and a dynamic situation, given the presidential and parliamentary elections. With Prabowo’s election, the decline of rights to free expression and assembly that had already happened during President Joko Widodo’s time in office, looks set to continue. In addition, international scrutiny of the situation has increased, with the notable mention of the Permanent People’s Tribunal on West Papua, hosted in June, finding the Indonesian government guilty of violent repression and human rights violations, in addition to other abuses, in October.
TAPOL’s latest annual report on the state of Freedom of Expression and Assembly in West Papua saw the following worrying trends in 2024 compared to 2023:
42.9 per cent increase in incidents of arbitrary dispersals
51.4 per cent more individuals being arrested
12.9 per cent increase in intimidation and harrassment incidents, including torture and killings.
Incidents related to West Papua were recorded in 10 provinces across Indonesia, as well as in 3 other countries: Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea and Australia. With regard to the perpetrators of incidents described in the report, the Indonesian police were involved in the vast majority. West Papuan Campaign groups have borne the brunt of incidents.
In terms of trends, we have seen a move towards harsher repression of protests and mass events, through the increase of dispersals and the number of people arrested in 2024. Secondly, there has been a distinctive shift in some of the issues being campaigned on by West Papuan activists and students, as well as some of the security force and civilian militia tactics used to repress dissent. These include the increasing involvement of companies in repression in West Papua. West Papuans have empowered themselves to campaign and act with renewed spirit and in new ways, in response to the authorities bringing issues to the fore against them, such as the renewal of transmigration, food estates, environmental damage and military excesses. Thirdly, there continues to be a shift to internationalising the suppression of dissent related to West Papua.
For more information, please take a look at our full 2024 West Papua Freedom of Expression and Assembly Report.
Papua: TPNPB Confirms Additional Troops Joining Forces in Intan Jaya Region
Reporter Dani Aswara April 13, 2025
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The management of the National Liberation Army of West Papua (TPNPB) headquarters has confirmed the addition of troops from the Meepago region, Central Highlands, Central Papua, who have now joined the forces of TPNPB Kodap VIII Intan Jaya, Central Papua, to fight against the Indonesian military. An official report received from the Commander of the TPNPB Kodap XIII Operation Kegepa Nipouda Paniai, Major Hosea Satu Boma, revealed the readiness of the troops to engage in battle. Hosea stated that, according to the report, the TPNPB forces are currently in the city center of Sugapa, Intan Jaya Regency. "We are ready to engage in battle together with the TPNPB Kodap VIII Intan Jaya forces on the battlefield in Intan Jaya," said Mayor Hosea Satu Boma in his official statement, quoted on Saturday, April 12, 2025. He mentioned the addition of troops following bomb attacks, which he claimed were carried out by the Indonesian military against civilian settlements from April 7 to 9, 2025. However, the statement was denied by the Head of Information Center of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, Brigadier General Kristomei Sianturi. "There is none. They are usually the ones who intimidate the public," said Kristomei when confirmed on Saturday, April 12, 2025.
Furthermore, Hosea urged the residents of Intan Jaya to temporarily cease their activities. "Our snipers are on alert and ready to execute. Therefore, once again, civilians should immediately halt their activities before an attack occurs on the Indonesian military posts and their targets in Intan Jaya," he said.
The TPNPB forces are reported to be positioned along the city center from Sugapa to Hitadipa. In addition, additional forces from the entire Meepago region, led by the Commander of the TPNPB Kodap XI Operation Kegepa Nipouda Paniai, Hosea Satu Boma, have already entered the conflict areas alongside the TPNPB Kodap VIII Intan Jaya forces.
The spokesperson for TPNPB OPM, Sebby Sambom, stated that their troops are only on alert. They will only launch an attack if there is a deployment of forces entering the previously designated war zones. "Just on alert. If the military or police enter our operational areas, they are ready to fight," said Sebby, April 11, 2025.
Prior to the period from April 6 to 9, 2025, the TPNPB OPM had executed 17 illegal gold miners in the Yahukimo Regency of Papua's Central Highlands. Sebby claimed that the individuals attacked by their group were part of the Indonesian military, who were also disguised as gold miners. Regarding the addition of TPNPB forces in the Intan Jaya region, Brigadier General Kristomei Sianturi stated that there is no anticipation from the Indonesian National Armed Forces. "Activities are as usual, there is no troop addition," he said. Vedro Imanuel Girsang contributed to the writing of this article.
Aerial bombardments in Intan Jaya result in destruction of civilian homes and massive displacement
Human Rights News / Indonesia, West Papua / 9 April 2025
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.
IDP Update March’25: Increasing military presence triggers new displacements and fear among returning IDPs
Human Rights News, Reports / Indonesia, West Papua / 13 March 2025
As of mid-March 2025, more than 79,886 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 at least two districts in the Yahukimo Regency, four districts of the Puncak Regency, the Moskona Barat District of Teluk Bintuni Regency, Papua Barat Province, and the Yuguru District in the Nduga Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province, in mid-January 2025. The displacements in Moskona Barat occurred in response to a TPNPB attack on a military post in Moskona Barat. Significant deployment of security forces caused indigenous communities in Yuguru to flee their homes
Updated information on IDPs from the districts Oksop and Kroptak indicate that several thousand IDPs continue to hide in forest shelters without sufficient access to food and shelter while being isolated from healthcare services and education. In January 2025, churches and solidarity groups were able to deliver relief goods to IDPs in the Oksop District and IDPs from Kroptak who sought shelter in the town of Wamena.
Military representatives declared the internal displacements in the districts Moskona Barat and Oksop as hoax news in an attempt to avoid further public attention on ongoing military operations in the affected areas and the displacement of local indigenous communities on the ground. The ignorant and negligent attitude among security forces and government officials hampers humanitarian access and the official recognition of the IDPs by the Central Government.
In the districts Kiwirok and Suru-Suru, heavy military presence and the absence of adequate fundamental healthcare and education services complicate the return of IDPs to their villages. In Kiwirok, indigenous communities decided to establish new semi-permanent settlements in the jungle because the military have not yet withdrawn its personnel from the villages. The new settlements are isolated from government administration, healthcare, and education.
In other locations such as in the Suru-Suru District or Maybrat, IDPs have partly returned to their villages despite ongoing security presence amid indigenous communities and dysfunctional education and healthcare services. Military personnel substitute professional healthcare personnel and teachers in these areas, a strategy that may serve as a temporary stopgap, yet far from a sustainable solution in providing adequate public services to Papuans in rural areas………………………..
Full update
Activist group praises Pacific support for West Papua but slams NZ
By APR editor - March 25, 2025
By Christine Rovoi of PMN News
A human rights group in Aotearoa New Zealand has welcomed support from several Pacific island nations for West Papua, which has been under Indonesian military occupation since the 1960s.
West Papua is a region (with five provinces) in the far east of Indonesia, centred on the island of New Guinea. Half of the eastern side of New Guinea is Papua New Guinea.
West Papua Action Aotearoa claims the Indonesian occupation of West Papua has resulted in serious human rights violations, including a lack of press freedom.
READ MORE: West Papua liberation group demands Indonesia releases 12 arrested activists
Catherine Delahunty, the group’s spokesperson, says many West Papuans have been displaced as a result of Indonesia’s military activity.
In an interview with William Terite on PMN’s Pacific Mornings, the environmentalist and former Green Party MP said most people did not know much about West Papua “because there’s virtually a media blackout around this country”.
“It’s an hour away from Darwin [Australia], and yet, most people don’t know what has been going on there since the 1960s. It’s a very serious and tragic situation, which is the responsibility of all of us as neighbours,” she said.
“They [West Papuans] regard themselves fully as members of the Pacific community but are treated by Indonesia as an extension of their empire because they have all these natural resources, which Indonesia is rapidly extracting, using violence to maintain the state.”
Delahunty said the situation was “very disturbing”, adding there was a “need for support and change alongside the West Papuan people”.
UN support
In a recent joint statement to the United Nations Human Rights Council, the leaders of Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Marshall Islands, Sāmoa and Vanuatu called on the global community to support the displaced people of West Papua……………
UK Government reaffirms support for UN visit to West Papua
April 4, 2025 in News
The British government restated its commitment to a UN High Commissioner for Human Rights visit to West Papua on Tuesday 2nd April, after being questioned over its 2024 critical minerals agreement with Indonesia.
The Oral Question was asked by Alex Sobel, MP for Leeds Central and Headingley and Chair of the International Parliamentarians for West Papua (IPWP). In an historic moment witnessed by ULMWP Interim President Benny Wenda and a representative of the West Papua Council of Churches (WPCC), Mr Sobel asked the following of Indo-Pacific Minister Catherine West:
“In 2018, President Joko Widodo promised the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights that he would be allowed to visit West Papua. No visit has yet been facilitated by Indonesia, although two High Commissioners have been and gone. Without such a visit, it is impossible to assess the real human rights situation. Will the Minister ensure that the UK does not engage in critical minerals extraction in West Papua before such a visit takes place?”
Ms West, herself an IPWP signatory, reaffirmed the UK’s support for the visit in her answer:
“The UK continues to support the visit by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and, through initiatives such as the voluntary principles on security and human rights, and the UK-Indonesia critical minerals MOU—signed off by you, Madam Deputy Speaker—the Government promote best practice on sustainability and respect for human rights.” The UN visit has been demanded by more than 110 member states, including all member states of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), the European Commission, and individual nations including Spain and the Netherlands.
2024 UK-Indonesia critical minerals deal risks inflaming ecocide and militarisation in occupied West Papua. Indonesia is the world’s largest nickel producer, and West Papua contains some of its most significant nickel sities, including the Gag Island project in Raja Ampat, Indonesia’s third or fourth-largest nickel mine, and the Siduarsi nickel-cobalt project, west of Jayapura. If West Papua is not excluded from the deal, the UK will ensure its complicity in green colonialism.
The Oral Question is part of an increase in Parliamentary scrutiny of Indonesia’s occupation of West Papua, with a House of Lords debate, APPG meeting, and written question all having taken place in recent months.
https://www.ulmwp.org/uk-government-reaffirms-support-for-un-visit-to-west-papua
AWPA condemns the arrest of 12 West Papuan activists in Sentani on the 18 March 2025. Statement 19 March 2025
The activists were arrested because they were handing out leaflets about the upcoming launch of a boycott Indonesian products campaign. As the activists walked towards the Sentani old market they were stopped by the police and taken to the Jayapura district police station in Doyo Sentani.
Joe Collins of AWPA said, “the activists were simply informing the public about the boycott campaign which is their right under article 19 of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights”
Article 19
Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.
The activists should be released immediately. Joe Collins said, “A boycott is a nonviolent act to raise awareness about an injustice, in this case the ongoing human rights abuses suffered by the West Papuan people under Indonesian rule. It’s a peaceful and voluntary act which the powerless can use against the powerful”. It has also been used by governments when it suits them.
The ULMWP has reported that the boycott campaign “has won support from more than ninety tribes, political organisations, religious and customary groups – people from every part of West Papua are demanding a boycott of products complicit in the genocidal Indonesian occupation”. The launch of the boycott Indonesia campaign in solidarity with occupied West Papua will be on the 20th March in the UK (7-9 GMT)
https://awpasydneynews.blogspot.com/2025/03/awpa-condemns-arrest-of-12-west-papuan.html
Boycott Indonesia campaign launches in London, UK
MARCH 25, 2025
The Boycott Indonesia campaign officially launched in London on the 20th March. Speaking at the event were Benny Wenda (ULMWP Interim President), activist Peter Tatchell, Tim Hansen (ULMWP Legal Advisor), David Whyte (Queen Mary University), with music from the Lani Singers.
More than ninety West Papuan tribes, political organisations, religious and political groups have called for a boycott of products implicated in the Indonesian occupation, in the first major West Papuan boycott campaign ever announced.
The boycott campaign has identified a number of target brands that are provably complicit in ecocide in West Papua. The first set of campaign targets, associated with West Papuan palm oil, are Hershey’s, KitKat, Smarties, Aero, Oreo, Ritz, Pantene, and Herbal Essences. All contain palm oil and are made by parent companies who source palm oil directly from West Papua.
The call to boycott Indonesia was initially made in December 2022 by the Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC), who urged a targeted boycott until Indonesia allows the long-awaited UN High Commissioner for Human Rights visit to West Papua. Building on this demand, West Papuans have endorsed a boycott until West Papuans are allowed to exercise their right to self-determination.
Twelve West Papuan activists from the West Papua People’s Liberation Movement (GR-PWP) were arrested on the morning of the March 18th for handing out leaflets supporting the boycott campaign. After being arrested in Sentani they were taken to Jayapura police station, before being released thanks to a statement from the International Lawyers for West Papua (ILWP).
Boycott Website: : https://greenstatevision.info/boycott-indonesia-background/
Boycott Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/boycottforwestpapua/
Contact: boycott@freewestpapua.org
The Guardian
West Papuan Indigenous people call for KitKat boycott over alleged ecocide
Thousands of acres of rainforest is being cleared to produce palm oil, used in popular Nestlé and Mondelēz brands
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/20/west-papua-indonesia-palm-oil-deforestation-rainforest
Indonesian court blocks palm oil expansion, but leaves Indigenous land rights in limbo
6 MAR 2025ASIA
Indonesia’s Supreme Court has upheld the government’s decision to block further expansion of the Tanah Merah oil palm project in Papua, preserving a Jakarta-sized swath of primary rainforest.
The ruling strengthens the forestry ministry’s authority to halt deforestation and was influenced by testimonies from the Indigenous Awyu tribe, who rely on the forest for survival.
While the decision prevents further clearing, it doesn’t grant Indigenous land rights to the Awyu, leaving the tribe vulnerable to future displacement.
Other companies are vying for control over concessions within the Tanah Merah project, fueling further conflicts and prompting Indigenous groups to seek formal land rights recognition.
JAKARTA — The Indonesian Supreme Court has upheld a government decision to curb the expansion of a multibillion-dollar oil palm plantation project in the country’s easternmost region of Papua.
In its Dec. 2, 2024, ruling, the court rejected lawsuits filed by two plantation companies that are part of the Tanah Merah mega plantation project, PT Megakarya Jaya Raya (MJR) and PT Kartika Cipta Pratama (KCP).
The ruling spares 65,415 hectares (161,644 acres) of rainforest — an area the size of Jakarta — in both concessions from further clearing.
This sets a major legal precedent for forest conservation in the country as it reinforces that the forestry ministry has the legal authority to order companies to stop clearing forests if they fail to develop plantations or violate environmental regulations, said Sekar Banjaran Aji, a forest campaigner with Greenpeace Indonesia who represents the Indigenous Awyu tribe in the case.
“[The ruling shows] that if the government actually wants to evaluate permits and take action, they do have the power. They just need clear rules of the game, for example, a clear mechanism for evaluation,” she told Mongabay. “With this ruling, the forestry ministry shouldn’t be afraid anymore to crack down on problematic palm oil companies in Papua.”
The solution to end armed conflict in Papua is dialogue: Amnesty
Tempo – April 11, 2025
Novali Panji Nugroho, Imam Hamdi, Jakarta – Amnesty International Indonesia Executive Director Usman Hamid says that the government needs to immediately open a dialogue with pro-independence groups and traditional figures in Papua. According to Hamid, this step is the most appropriate way to resolve the violent conflict in Papua.
"It's time to negotiate, while stopping violence and human rights violations", Hamid said when contacted on Friday April 11.
Recently, the conflict in Papua has escalated. The West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement or TPNPB-OPM has killed dozens of civilians working as gold miners in Yahukimo regency, Papuan Highlands, since April 6.
According to Hamid, this situation is caused by the country's exploitative economic policies towards the Papuan people. The government, he said, also tends to ignore the voices of indigenous Papuans in making decisions. "In addition, the government still prioritises a security approach rather than a dialogue approach", he said.
Indonesian Military (TNI) Information Centre head Brigadier General Kristomei Sianturi says that the military will continue to take a humanist approach in the Papua region, following the attacks carried out by the OPM-TPNPB on civilians. The TNI, he said, will also conduct territorial guidance and security for civilians.
Meanwhile, TPNPB-OPM spokesperson Sebby Sambom said that his group does not plan to carry out any further attacks in Yahukimo regency. According to Sambom, currently TPNPB troops are only on standby.
The TPNPB-OPM, he said, will only attack if there are troops entering areas that had previously been designated as war zones. "They're Just on standby. If there are soldiers or police entering operational areas, be ready to fight", Sambom said.
– Vedro Imanuel contributed to writing this article
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Amnesty Internasional: Dialog Jadi Solusi Akhiri Konflik Papua".]
Papuan students hold simultaneous actions against Freeport, TNI Law
Suara Papua – April 8, 2025
Reiner Brabar, Sorong – Papuan students in several major cities in Indonesia, such as Bandung, Jember, Malang, Bali, Lombok and several cities in Papua, held peaceful demonstrations on Monday April 7 to urge the gold and copper mining company PT FreeportIndonesia (FI) to immediately stop exploiting natural resources (SDA) in Papua.
The simultaneous action on Monday were organised by students from the West Papua Independent Student Forum (FIM-WP), the Papua Student Alliance (AMP), the Indonesian People's Front for West Papua (FRI-WP), the Papua High School and University Students Association (IPMAPA) and several other organisations in order to commemorate 58 years of PT Freeport Indonesia's presence exploring Papua's natural resources. Some of the simultaneous actions went smoothly, but others also ended in chaos because they were restricted or even forcibly disbanded on the grounds that they did not have permits to demonstrate from the police, as happened in Nabire, Central Papua.
The commemoration in Nabire ended in chaos and was marked by the firing of teargas. During the action, a number of demonstrators were arrested and questioned by police before being sent home. During the action, the demonstrators unfurled a number of banners and distributed pamphlets calling for Indonesia to immediately grant the right of self-determination to the Papuan people. They also asked the Indonesian government to immediately revoke the recently ratified revisions to Law number 34/2004 on the Indonesian Military (TNI) and withdraw all organic and non-organic military troops from the land of Papua.
Action in Nabire, Central Papua
As reported by tiiruu.com, Nabire District Police (Polres) Chief Assistant Superintendent Samuel D. Tatiratu said that police did not prohibit the peaceful demonstrations against PT Freeport, but what was prohibited was the long-march to the office of the Central Papua Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) offices because it would have disrupted public order. "We from the Polres Nabire facilitated trucks at each point, there were three trucks to transport the masses to the DPRP offices. But the demonstrators did not want to use the trucks we provided to get to their destination", he told reporters at the Karang Tumaritis market on Monday April 7. Tatiratu said that security for the demonstrators was carried out to ensure public order and security in Nabire district so that residents could carry out their activities safely. "It needs to be known that the Polres Nabire does not prohibit actions being carried out by residents. We ensure that public order and security can run well and smoothly so that residents are not disturbed by demonstration activities", said the police chief. In a statement, general field coordinator Yance Pogau explained that the action was forcibly dispersed, protesters were arrested and teargas was fired by security forces, resulting in participants being injured.
"The protesters took to the streets at several locations including Karang Tumaritis, Wadio, KPR Siriwini, Jalan Jakarta. The protesters taking part and were going to hold a long-march to the Central Papua DPRD offices to convey their aspirations. However, they were forcibly dispersed and the protesters were dispersed without prior negotiation". "We had already submitted a notification letter [with police] to hold a peaceful demonstration, but the police responded in an inhumane manner. Several demonstrators were injured due to the police's forced dispersal", Pogau explained.
Action in Jayapura, Papua
Students who are members of the FIM-WP held a demonstration to reject PT Freeport at the Waena Expo and the Waena State Housing Company (Perumnas) in Heram district, Jayapura city, on Monday.
The peaceful demonstration, which started at the Cenderawasih University (Uncen) campus then moved off towards the Perumnas III taxi roundabout, was forcibly dispersed by a joint force of TNI and Polri (National Police) officers. According to field reports, security forces blocked the demonstrators then gave them around 45 minutes to give speeches at the location.
"After the speeches, the demonstrators then continued the long-march to the gathering point at Waena Expo to convey their position peacefully", explained Vian, one of the demonstrators.
Action in Manokwari, West Papua
In Manokwari a peaceful demonstration was held in front of the Mansinam 1 dormitory on Jalan Gunung Salju in Amban. This is part of a wave of national actions that took place simultaneously in various cities in Indonesia.
Field coordinator Loti Selak said that the action was a response to the extension of the work contract between Indonesia and the United States which will reopened natural resource exploitation in Papua.
"Freeport is not just about mining. It is a symbol of land grabbing, a symbol of the betrayal of the sovereignty of the people of Amungsa. We demand justice for our rights that have been taken away", asserted Selak.
Even though the demonstration was peaceful, the action was blocked by officers from the Manokwari Municipal Police.
The following are the demands raised by protesters in several cities in Indonesia on April 7 as summarised by Suara Papua:
Close PT Freeport, BP LNG Tanguh and restore the people's sovereign rights
Stop military operations and withdraw all organic and non-organic military from Papua
Stop the national strategic projects (PSN) in Merauke, South Papua, Fak-Fak, West Papua and Sorong, Southwest Papua
Close all illegal companies throughout the West Papua homeland
Revoke the revisions to Law Number 34/2025 on the TNI, reject the Dreft Law on the National Police and the Draft Broadcasting Law
Give the right of self-determination as a democratic solution for the Papuan people
Reject the government's free nutritious meals (MBG) program
Stop the criminalisation and killing of Papuans
Allow foreign journalists to report in Indonesia, especially in Papua
Thoroughly investigate cases of human rights violations in Papua
End the Sorong Special Economic Zone (KEK) development project
Stop the gagging of democratic space and stop the criminalisation of Papuan pro-independence activists
Enact the Draft Law on Indigenous Peoples
Stop mining exploration in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Tolak UU TNI dan Hak Penentuan Nasib Sendiri Bagi Papua Digemakan".]
Source: https://suarapapua.com/2025/04/08/tolak-uu-tni-dan-hak-penentuan-nasib-sendiri-bagi-papua-digemakan/
Military intensifies operations in Pegunungan Bintang and Puncak throughout January and February’25
Human Rights News / Indonesia, West Papua / 6 March 2025
The Indonesian military (TNI) deployed new troops and intensified operations in the regencies Pegunungan Bintang and Puncak in January and February 2025. The military operations were reportedly carried out in indigenous communities, causing new internal displacements. TNI members allegedly burned residential houses and established military posts in civilian buildings. The significant intensification of the operations has raised concerns among human rights organisations, local communities, and religious groups as the increased military presence has triggered new internal displacements in the areas.
The deployments could be part of new combat tactics, which the TNI plans to implement in West Papua against the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB). TNI General Agus Subiyanto announced in late January to make fundamental changes to its war doctrine that would allow the TNI to be more adaptive and capable of dealing with the guerilla war in West Papua. General Subiyanto elaborated that the change would include technical adjustment, improving the tactical capabilities of soldiers, and the modernisation of combat equipment.
Pegunungan Bintang
On 18 January and 22 February 2025, Indonesian military forces reportedly carried out operations in the Oksop District, Pegunungan Bintang Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province, destroying civilian homes in the Mimin Village. Local reports accuse the TNI of unjustly targeting civilian property in the Oksop District, where no ongoing conflict between the military and TPNPB had occurred throughout past years.
Military members have been occupying the GIDI Ephesus Church in Mimin Village since 9 December 2024, using the building to accommodate the military personnel. In a press release dated 9 December 2024, GIDI church (Gereja Injili Di Indonesia) representatives demanded the immediate withdrawal of military personnel from the church facilities and the Oksop District. Following the arrival of the military members in the Oksop District between 28 November and 9 December 2024, more than 3,300 indigenous Ngalum people fled their homes in fear of potential outbreaks of armed violence, security force raids, and reprisals.
Destroyed houses in the Mimin Village, Oksop District
Koteka Wenda spoke in Gadigal/Sydney on the 8 March.
An informative meeting.
Her main message is this: ‘If You Save West Papua , You Save the Lungs of the World’
Thanks to Sister Susan for organising the great venue and to Peter Boyle for the photos.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15sHFgoyNw/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Opinion pieces/media releases/reports/etc.
JUNGLE CLASH Inside paradise island plagued by tribal wars where warriors fight drones with bows & arrows… & why it’s a ‘time bomb’
Merauke Forum: Indigenous communities meet Komnas HAM and Government Officials over land disputes
A list of sources of information/links in Bahasa/English. February 2025
PAPUA 2025 FEBRUARI daftar sumber informasi [terbatas]
https://awpasydneynews.blogspot.com/2025/03/a-list-of-sources-of-informationlinks.html
A list of sources of information/links in Bahasa/English. March 2025
https://awpasydneynews.blogspot.com/2025/04/a-list-of-sources-of-informationlinks.html
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