2) Papuan rebel attacks threaten stability, researcher says
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https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/indonesian-security-forces-shoot-and-injure-three-indigenous-papuans-in-dogiyai-regency/
1) Indonesian security forces shoot and injure three indigenous Papuans in Dogiyai Regency
Joint members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and Dogiyai District Police (Polres Dogiyai) reportedly injured three indigenous Papuans in Moanemani town and Pogito Village, Kamu District, Dogyai Regency, Central Papua Province. The shootings followed forceful dispersal of a civil unrests using life ammunition. Tensions and security presence remained high between 3 and 7 March 2026. (see videos below, source: independent HRD) The series of incidents were triggered by a dispute between a migrant shop owner and two indigenous Papuans over a pack of cigarettes that allegedly not been paid. The violent crackdowns occurred amid escalating tensions and heavy deployment of security forces across Dogiyai Regency in the past months.
On 3 March 2026 at approximately 3:00 pm, two Indigenous Papuan youths travelled by motorbike to a shop in Moanemani town to purchase rice and cigarettes. After paying and preparing to leave, the shop owner accused them of not paying for the cigarettes, which triggered a heated argument. The dispute attracted a crowd consisting of Indigenous Papuan residents, non-Papuan civilians, and members of the TNI and Polri.
Security personnel reportedly opened fire without issuing prior warnings to disperse the crowd. Mr Yoneas Yobe, 29, who was passing the area, sustained a bullet wound to the lower jaw. The projectile entered the left side of his chin and exited on the right side, causing severe bleeding and immediate collapse. Mr Yobe was immediately admitted to Dogiyai Regional General Hospital for emergency treatment.
Later that afternoon, tensions escalated further when security forces reportedly used live ammunition to pursue civilians who were responding to the shooting by throwing stones and bringing traditional weapons, such as bows, arrows and machetes (see videos below, source: independent HRD). During this pursuit, Mr Kris Dou, 19, was reportedly shot in the left chest. He did not seek formal medical treatment following the incident. Instead, he decided to treat the wounds using traditional methods.
On 4 March 2026 at around 08:00 am, additional shooting incidents were reported in Moanemani amid continuing unrest and large-scale security deployments. Public activities across Dogiyai Regency were disrupted, with schools and offices closed and cross-regency transport halted between 3 and 6 March 2026, except for convoys escorted by security forces.
A further incident occurred in Pogito Village, Kamu District on 7 March 2026 at approximately 2:00 pm, when police officers escorting vehicles reportedly opened fire at villagers. Mr Jhon Pekei, 25, who was standing by the roadside, was struck by a bullet in the left side of his back, below the shoulder blade (see photos below, source: independent HRD).. Witnesses alleged that police personnel involved in the operation were associated with the Polres Dogiyai.
The repeated use of firearms by security forces in populated civilian areas has reportedly created widespread fear and disruption among the indigenous population in Doiyai. Residents reported the presence of security force personnel moving with full weaponry across multiple locations, contributing to heightened tensions and concerns about further civilian casualties and potential prolonged conflict.
Human rights analysis
The reported incidents raise serious concerns regarding the use of force and firearms by law enforcement officials, particularly the apparent firing of projectiles into crowds without warning and the use of live ammunition against civilians. Even though protesters reportedly threw stones and brought traditional weapons security force operations must be guided by the Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials. Such actions may violate international standards requiring that force be lawful, necessary, proportionate, and used only as a last resort.
The shootings also indicate potential violations of the right to life, and the right to security of person protected under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Particularly in the context of heavy militarisation, collective punishment-like responses affecting broader civilian populations violate fundamental human rights principles and are contrary to Indonesia’s effort to promote rule of law in the country.
Security force members open fire at a group of Papuan protesters in Moanemani, Dogiyai Regency, on 4 March’26
Mr Yoneas Yobe (left), Kris Douw (centre), and Jhon Pekei (right & bottom)
Detailed Case Data
Location: Moanemani/ Ikebo, Kamu, Dogiyai Regency, Central Papua, Indonesia (-4.0034934, 136.0348675) Moanemani Town and Pogita Village, Kamu District
Region: Indonesia, Central Papua, Dogiyai, Kamu
Total number of victims: 3
Location: Moanemani/ Ikebo, Kamu, Dogiyai Regency, Central Papua, Indonesia (-4.0034934, 136.0348675) Moanemani Town and Pogita Village, Kamu District
Region: Indonesia, Central Papua, Dogiyai, Kamu
Total number of victims: 3
| # | Number of Victims | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1. | 1 | Yoneas Yobe | male | 29 | Indigenous Peoples | ill-treatment, right to life |
| 2. | 1 | Kris Douw | male | 19 | Indigenous Peoples | ill-treatment, right to life |
| 3. | 1 | Jhon Pekei | male | 25 | Indigenous Peoples | ill-treatment, right to life |
Perpetrator: Indonesian Security Forces
Issues: indigenous peoples, security force violence
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2) Papuan rebel attacks threaten stability, researcher says
March 16, 2026 12:45 GMT+700
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Attacks by West Papua National Liberation Army rebels risk disrupting development and social stability in Indonesia’s Papua region, a security researcher said, after recent violence left two civilians dead.
Heri Herdiawanto, a researcher at the Geopolitics and Defense Studies Center of Al-Azhar Indonesia University, condemned the incidents and warned that continued violence could undermine security and economic activity.
The West Papua National Liberation Army, known as TPNPB, attacked a rebel command post linked to Kodap (Regional Defense Command) XXXIII/Rumana in Tambrauw District, Southwest Papua, and in the Grasberg area of Tembagapura, Central Papua.
The attacks occurred on March 8 and March 11, according to information confirmed by Heri in Jakarta on Monday.
He said the incidents resulted in the deaths of two civilians and violated humanitarian principles, worsening security conditions in Papua and raising concerns about the safety of local communities.
“The victims in this incident were civilians working as honorary employees of the local government,” Heri said, noting that ordinary residents who should be protected instead became casualties of the conflict.
He warned that recurring violence could create fear among residents and disrupt daily life across affected areas.
According to Heri, instability caused by armed attacks can affect multiple sectors, including public services, education and local economic activities.
“When violence occurs repeatedly, communities live in fear,” he said, adding that such conditions could slow regional development and weaken public confidence in the security situation.
He stressed that protecting civilians must remain the top priority in efforts to manage conflict in Papua.
All parties involved should exercise restraint and pursue more constructive approaches aimed at creating a stable and secure environment for local communities, he said.
Violence will not resolve the underlying problems, Heri added, emphasizing the need to build trust, ensure civilian safety and support sustainable development in Papua.
He said improving living conditions and maintaining security were essential to ensuring the welfare of communities across the region.
Heri also urged all sides to uphold the principles of Indonesia’s state ideology, Pancasila, including humanitarian values, unity and deliberation in resolving differences.
“Conflict only leaves grief and suffering. Lasting peace will open the door to development and prosperity for the people of Papua,” he said.
Related news: TNI-Polri vow firm action against armed groups in Papua
Related news: Indonesia evacuates mining workers in Papua after armed attack
Heri Herdiawanto, a researcher at the Geopolitics and Defense Studies Center of Al-Azhar Indonesia University, condemned the incidents and warned that continued violence could undermine security and economic activity.
The West Papua National Liberation Army, known as TPNPB, attacked a rebel command post linked to Kodap (Regional Defense Command) XXXIII/Rumana in Tambrauw District, Southwest Papua, and in the Grasberg area of Tembagapura, Central Papua.
The attacks occurred on March 8 and March 11, according to information confirmed by Heri in Jakarta on Monday.
He said the incidents resulted in the deaths of two civilians and violated humanitarian principles, worsening security conditions in Papua and raising concerns about the safety of local communities.
“The victims in this incident were civilians working as honorary employees of the local government,” Heri said, noting that ordinary residents who should be protected instead became casualties of the conflict.
He warned that recurring violence could create fear among residents and disrupt daily life across affected areas.
According to Heri, instability caused by armed attacks can affect multiple sectors, including public services, education and local economic activities.
“When violence occurs repeatedly, communities live in fear,” he said, adding that such conditions could slow regional development and weaken public confidence in the security situation.
He stressed that protecting civilians must remain the top priority in efforts to manage conflict in Papua.
All parties involved should exercise restraint and pursue more constructive approaches aimed at creating a stable and secure environment for local communities, he said.
Violence will not resolve the underlying problems, Heri added, emphasizing the need to build trust, ensure civilian safety and support sustainable development in Papua.
He said improving living conditions and maintaining security were essential to ensuring the welfare of communities across the region.
Heri also urged all sides to uphold the principles of Indonesia’s state ideology, Pancasila, including humanitarian values, unity and deliberation in resolving differences.
“Conflict only leaves grief and suffering. Lasting peace will open the door to development and prosperity for the people of Papua,” he said.
Related news: TNI-Polri vow firm action against armed groups in Papua
Related news: Indonesia evacuates mining workers in Papua after armed attack
Translator: Benardy F, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Primayanti
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