1) Students urge authorities to respond to situation in Kembru District
IN PACNEWS READING TIME: 4 MINS READ APRIL 21, 2026 0 Author : Aida Ulim Editor : Nuevaterra Mambor
Students from Puncak and Puncak Jaya held a peaceful protest and delivered a public statement in Jayapura City regarding alleged acts of violence by security forces against civilians in Puncak Regency, Central Papua. The demonstration took place at the Mimika student dormitory in Waena, Jayapura, on Monday (April 20, 2026). —
Jayapura — Students from Puncak Regency, Central Papua, have urged both the Puncak regency administration and the Central Papua provincial government to immediately address the situation facing residents in several villages in Kembru District following a military operation in the area on April 14, 2026.
The operation reportedly resulted in civilian casualties, with several people said to have been killed by gunfire and others sustaining gunshot injuries.
The call was conveyed by the students to Jubi after they held a press conference and a peaceful protest in Jayapura City, Papua, on Monday (April 20, 2026).
According to the students, the most urgent needs of affected residents include medical treatment for the injured, as well as access to medicines and basic food supplies.
esidents of several villages, including Tenoti and Kumikomo in Kembru District, have reportedly fled their homes to areas they consider safer following the military operation. As a result, they are in urgent need of security guarantees and access to basic-necessities.
“We, the students, hope that the regent of Puncak, the Puncak Regional Legislative Council, and various legal aid institutions will step in and pay serious attention to this issue, so that residents can have a proper place to live and feel safe,” said Aiton Kogoya, the field coordinator of the protest.
Earlier, the Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI) was reported to have conducted a military operation in Pogoma District on April 13, 2026. The area had been designated as a conflict zone by security forces and the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB).
Military operations by Indonesian security forces were reported to have expanded into several villages in Kembru District on April 14, 2026. As a result, nine residents from Tenoti and Kumikomo villages were reported killed by gunfire, while five others sustained gunshot injuries.
Those who died were identified as Wundilina Kogoya (36), Kikungge Walia (55), Pelen Kogoya (65), Tigiagan Walia (76), Ekimira Kogoya (47), Daremet Telenggen (55), Inikiwewo Walia (52), Amer Walia (77), and a five-year-old child, Para Walia. The injured included Onde Walia (5), Aliko Walia (5), Nokia Kogoya (21), Anite Telenggen (17), and Daniton Tabuni. Anite Telenggen was referred to a hospital in Jayapura for further treatment, while Onde Walia was transferred to a hospital in Nabire, Central Papua.
On the other hand, the TNI stated that the TPNPB had attacked two women and a child in Sinak District on April 15, 2026. The victims were reportedly shot and later evacuated to the Mulia Regional General Hospital in Puncak Jaya Regency for medical treatment.
“Regarding the situation in Puncak today, it is indeed not stable, particularly in Sinak, Pogoma, and Kembru districts. Large-scale military operations are taking place in Kembru,” said Aiton Kogoya.
Students urged both local and central governments to open access for the Indonesian Red Cross and civilian humanitarian workers to enter villages in Kembru District to assess the condition of residents. They said several areas remain inaccessible, reportedly still under military control, making it difficult to verify whether additional casualties have occurred.
“We call on the Regent of Puncak, the Puncak Regional Legislative Council, and the Central Papua provincial government to take action. Residents of Kembru District are displaced and scattered in various locations. Some have fled to Sinak, Bina, and other districts. The government must take notice and gather the displaced, as many are currently left without proper support,” he said.
In other press statement delivered at the Mimika student dormitory in Waena, Jayapura, students from Puncak and Puncak Jaya condemned what they described as acts of violence by security forces against civilians in Puncak.
They urged the Government of Indonesia to grant full access to the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) to directly assess the situation in the region.
According to the students, the continued presence of military forces in Puncak has contributed to alleged serious human rights violations occurring in a systematic and widespread manner, triggering large-scale displacement from 2022 to 2026. They said the situation has made it difficult for residents to access essential services such as healthcare and education.
Many internally displaced persons are now living in temporary shelters under inadequate conditions, lacking sufficient protection from weather and security threats. Vulnerable groups, including women and children, are at heightened risk of violence and trauma.
Given these conditions, the students emphasized the need for an immediate response from the government, humanitarian agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure that the basic needs of affected communities are met.
Deputy field coordinator Otty Telenggen said the alleged acts of violence by security forces against civilians in Puncak could constitute serious human rights violations and are inconsistent with Indonesian law, including legislation on human rights and human rights courts.
“We believe these actions have had a significant impact on vulnerable groups such as women and children, who should receive special protection from the state,” he said.
The students called on the government to conduct a thorough, transparent, and fair investigation into the shootings in Puncak, to halt military operations in civilian areas, and to withdraw security forces to prevent further violations.
They also urged the President of Indonesia to instruct the TNI Commander to take legal action against personnel involved in the incidents in Kembru District.
“We call on Komnas HAM to immediately conduct a direct investigation in Puncak. We demand that humanitarian access be opened for national and international organizations to assist affected communities, and that access be granted to national and international media so that information about the situation in Papua can be reported transparently,” he said. (*)
2) West Papua National Committee (KNPB) issues demands over alleged civilian casualties in Puncak Military Operation.
IN PACNEWS READING TIME: 4 MINS
APRIL 21, 2026 0
Author : Aida Ulim Editor : Nuevaterra Mambor
Jayapura, Jubi — The Central Executive Board of the Komite Nasional Papua Barat (BPP-KNPB) has issued a number of demands in response to a military operation conducted in several villages in Kembru District, Puncak Regency, Central Papua, on April 14, 2026.
The demands were conveyed during a press conference held in Waena, Jayapura City, Papua, on Monday (April 20, 2026).
According to BPP-KNPB, the operation in Kembru District resulted in civilian casualties. At least nine civilians were reported killed by gunfire, while five others sustained gunshot wounds. All of the victims were residents of Tenoti and Kumikomo villages in Kembru District.
Those reported killed were identified as Wundilina Kogoya (36), Kikungge Walia (55), Pelen Kogoya (65), Tigiagan Walia (76), Ekimira Kogoya (47), Daremet Telenggen (55), Inikiwewo Walia (52), Amer Walia (77), and a five-year-old child, Para Walia.
Meanwhile, those reported injured by gunfire were identified as Onde Walia (5), Aliko Walia (5), Nokia Kogoya (21), Anite Telenggen (17), and Daniton Tabuni.
BPP-KNPB strongly condemned the actions of Indonesian security forces, accusing the military and police (TNI–Polri) of carrying out bombings and armed attacks against unarmed civilians in Pogoma and Kembru districts, Puncak Regency, Central Papua.
The group called on the Indonesian government to take full responsibility for the deaths and injuries among civilians, as well as for the destruction of homes and community property resulting from the operation.
It further asserted that such actions constitute a serious violation of international humanitarian law, describing them as war crimes. According to BPP-KNPB, those responsible — including commanding officers — should be held accountable through international legal mechanisms.
BPP-KNPB called for the immediate and full suspension of all military operations in civilian areas, particularly in displacement sites in Kembru District.
The group also urged the establishment of an independent and transparent international investigation to uncover the facts surrounding alleged human rights violations in Puncak, Papua.
BPP-KNPB also demanded full access for national and international journalists, as well as humanitarian organizations, to ensure the protection of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
The group called for an end to arbitrary arrests of civilians and urged the immediate release of seven individuals reportedly detained in East Beoga District, while also demanding a halt to alleged acts of torture and intimidation.
It further called for a stop to the deployment of additional military forces and urged the withdrawal of all troops, both organic and non-organic, from Puncak and across Papua.
KNPB also appealed to all parties involved in the armed conflict, including Indonesian security forces (TNI–Polri) and the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), to immediately cease violence and open the way for peace negotiations mediated by neutral international actors. The organization called on the international community to take concrete steps in response to what it described as a humanitarian emergency in Papua.
At the same time, KNPB reiterated its long-standing political demand for the Papuan people’s right to self-determination as a fundamental solution to the protracted conflict.
KNPB Chairman Agus Kossay said that military operations conducted on April 13–14 in Pogoma and Kembru districts involved the use of helicopters and drones, which he alleged were used to carry out bombings and shootings in residential areas, including Guamo village in Pogoma District.
He said the incidents occurred amid ongoing armed clashes between the Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI) and TPNPB in several مناطق, but that the violence reportedly extended into civilian areas and displacement sites.
“As a result, civilians — including women, children, and the elderly — became the primary victims,” Kossay said.
He added that preliminary data gathered by BPP-KNPB indicated that at least 12 civilians were killed and seven others injured. However, other reports put the death toll at nine, with five people injured.
“The exact number of victims remains unclear. Limited access to information on the ground has been a major constraint, as several areas remain under the control of security forces,” he said.
KNPB stated that the use of heavy weaponry in civilian-populated areas constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law, which obliges the protection of civilians in armed conflict.
KNPB Deputy Chairman Warpo Wetipo said that, as a democratic country that upholds humanitarian values and adheres to international law, Indonesia should allow international actors to access Papua to monitor and investigate alleged human rights violations.
“Indonesia also needs to provide broader access for civilians in conflict-affected areas, particularly those who have long faced limitations in accessing basic services such as education, healthcare, medicines, and humanitarian aid,” he said.
He also urged the Indonesian government to allow the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit Papua, saying such a visit would be crucial for conducting direct investigations into incidents in the region.
Meanwhile, KNPB national spokesperson Ogram Wanimbo rejected claims by the military linking TPNPB to attacks on civilians. He argued that throughout the history of the Papua conflict since the 1960s, pro-independence groups have not targeted civilians or residential areas, and described such allegations as unfounded.
“Therefore, we stress that historically, both OPM and TPNPB have never targeted civilians. We believe the accusations made do not reflect the facts on the ground. We firmly state that the perpetrators in this incident were members of the TNI,” Wanimbo said.
He also dismissed statements made by military officials, including regional commanders and senior leadership, regarding the shooting incident in Puncak that implicated TPNPB.
According to him, testimonies from affected residents indicate that the perpetrators were TNI personnel. He urged the media to report the incident based on verified facts.
“Do not spread unverified or inaccurate information. We reiterate our call for the military to withdraw from districts and villages. Civilians have the right to live safely and peacefully in their own communities. Conflict zones should not be located in residential areas,” he said. (*)
3) Vice President Gibran invites Mama Papua to shop at the supermarket to commemorate Kartini Day
21 April 2026, 23:20 | Editorial Team
JAKARTA - Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka invited Mama Papua or mothers to shop at one of the supermarkets in Sorong, West Papua, as a form of appreciation for women in commemorating Kartini Day.
After departing from Yahukimo and continuing his working visit in Sorong, Vice President Gibran was greeted with a lively enthusiasm by mothers or known as "Mama" as women who drive the economy of the people in Papua.
"This really helps us. I can buy children's needs, such as diapers, sugar, telu and others. Thank you to Mr. Gibran," said Joice Merauga (46), one of the recipients of assistance when he was met in Sorong, West Papua, Tuesday, April 21.
As a form of appreciation for women, Gibran gave shopping vouchers worth Rp500 thousand each for 100 widows in Sorong so that they could buy daily necessities that could be obtained at supermarkets.
The Papuan mothers seemed enthusiastic to greet Gibran, even some of them had the opportunity to interact directly.
Form of concern
The Head of the Social, Women's Empowerment, and Child Protection Service for West Papua Province, Anie Nauw, said that this activity was not just a ceremonial agenda, but a form of concern that was felt directly by the community.
He explained that his party had specifically prepared 100 widows to be able to meet directly with the Vice President.
"This momentum is extraordinary for us. On Kartini Day, Papua mothers can meet directly with the Vice President and feel real attention through simple activities such as shopping together," he said.
Anie also emphasized the importance of sustainability in supporting women, especially in Papua.
According to him, the role of women needs to be strengthened so that they can contribute to various sectors of development.
"We hope that in the future there will be no more inequality. Papuan women must continue to be encouraged to be empowered, work, and have an impact," he added.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
4) KNPB leadership meeting declares Papua a 'military and humanitarian emergency zone’
Suara Papua – April 19, 2026
Reiner Brabar, Sorong – The 8th National Leadership Meeting (Rapimnas) of the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) has declared Papua a "military and humanitarian emergency zone".
This decision follows the protracted conflict that continues to press down on the lives of civilians and adds to the long list of humanitarian conflicts in the land of Papua that to this day still attracts national and international attention.
In press release number 053.I/SP/BPP.KNPB/IV/2026, the KNPB said that it considers that the situation in Papua has gone beyond normal conditions. The decades-long conflict has become not only a political issue but has also developed into a humanitarian crisis.
The KNPB traces the roots of the conflict to differing views on Papua's political status since the integration process into Indonesia, including the implementation of the 1969 Act of Free Choice (Pepera), which is deemed not to have fully implemented the democratic principles of "one man, one vote".
These differing interpretations of history, according to the KNPB, continue to fuel tensions to this day.
KNPB's chairperson Agus Kossay stated that the situation in Papua is at a critical point. According to the KNPB, on the ground armed conflicts between security forces and armed groups are reportedly occurring in several areas such as Nduga, Intan Jaya, Yahukimo, Paniai and Maybrat. As a result, civilians have been the most affected, with casualties and large-scale displacement.
The KNPB estimates that more than 100,000 people have been displaced by these conflict. However, this figure has not yet been able to be independently verified by other parties.
"The conflicts since 1961 to this day have not stopped. Displacement continues to occur in various locations, and the number of affected residents continues to grow. This indicates an emergency situation that requires the attention of all parties", said Kossay in an official statement on Saturday April 18.
KNPB national spokesperson Ogram Wanimbo emphasised that the declaration of emergency status is an effort to attract wider public attention.
"We see that Papua is not in good situation. Therefore, we invite all elements of society to view this issue from a humanitarian perspective", said Wanimbo.
In its statement, the KNPB emphasised several demands including the formation of an independent fact-finding team by the United Nations (UN), the cessation of military operations impacting civilians and the opening of access for international observers.
In addition to this, the KNPB also requested a review of investment policies and national strategic projects (PSN) in the land of Papua, which have not fully involved and have harmed indigenous communities.
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "KNPB Nyatakan Papua Zona Darurat Militer dan Kemanusiaan".]
1) Indonesia revises Papua toll to 15 dead after April 14 operation; probe under way
Monday, 20 Apr 2026 8:02 PM MYT
Human rights minister says 15 killed, 7 injured in April 14 operation
Anyone responsible for attacks on civilians will face legal repercussions, minister says
Human rights watchdog urges Indonesia to rethink Papua military operations
JAKARTA, April 20 — Indonesia said today that a total of 15 people were killed in Central Papua province earlier this month during a military operation against separatist rebels that drew condemnation from the country’s human rights watchdog.
Natalius Pigai, Indonesia’s Minister of Human Rights, told reporters today that another seven were also injured during the fighting.
He did not disclose how many of the casualties were civilian, but said anyone responsible for attacks against civilians “should face the legal process as soon as possible.”
The military said it had no information about the deaths, but the state-run National Human Rights Commission said over the weekend that 12 civilians, including women and children, were shot dead during an operation against separatists in central Papua on April 14. Dozens of others sustained serious injuries, it added.
It was not immediately clear whether they were killed by Indonesian or rebel fire, or both. The commission said it was investigating the deaths.
“We condemn the enforcement operation against Papuan rebels that resulted in civilian casualties,” commission chief Anis Hidayah said in a statement.
“All forms of attacks against civilians, whether in situations of war or otherwise, carried out by state or non-state actors, constitute violations of human rights and International Humanitarian Law,” she added.
The commission also urged Indonesia’s military to reevaluate operations against Papuan rebels, she said.
Pigai said the human rights ministry would also send a team alongside the human rights body to investigate the deaths.
Resource-rich Papua, home to the world’s second-largest gold and copper mine, has been beset by a simmering separatist movement since it was brought under Indonesian control after a 1969 vote overseen by the United Nations.
A military spokesperson for Papua told Reuters he had not received any information regarding civilian fatalities in Papua last week. A Papuan rebel group said 12 civilians were killed by military operations.
The military’s Habema taskforce carried out an operation on April 14 in Puncak region after receiving reports from civilians about the presence of rebels in their village, taskforce spokesperson Wirya Arthadiguna told Reuters.
Four rebels were killed during the operation in Kembru village, and there was a report of a child dying from a gunshot during an unrelated incident in a nearby village, Wirya said.
“No military personnel were present at that village at the time of the shooting of the child, and the two incidents took place at different locations and times and are not connected,” he said. — Reuters
1)Military operations against IDP settlements in Puncak Regency kill at least nine civilians, injure six
20 April 2026 / 6 minutes of reading
Between 13 and 15 April 2026, Indonesian security forces allegedly carried out ground and aerial military operations in Guamo Village, Pogoma District, and in IDP sites and multiple villages across Kembru District, Puncak Regency, Central Papua Province, resulting in the deaths of at least nine indigenous civilians, injuries to at least six others (see tables below, source: independent HRD). Reported victims include children, women and elderly persons. Available information indicates that the operations affected areas that had reportedly been designated as settlement sites for internally displaced persons (IDPs) by agreement between local communities, churches, government representatives, Indonesian security forces and TPNPB forces. By 18 and 19 April 2026, some official and semi-official sources had begun referring to 12 civilian deaths, indicating that the total number of victims is higher than currently reported.
According to testimonies, Indonesian military personnel began large-scale operations on 13 April 2026 at around 05:00 am, using six helicopters, one fighter aircraft, one military transport aircraft, drones and ground troops in and around Guamo Village, Pogoma District. The operations reportedly continued until around 5:00 pm, causing civilian casualties and displacement.
Human rights defenders further reported that from 13 to 15 April 2026, military forces continued ground and air operations in and around IDP settlements in Kembru District, including Gininggame, Makuma, Kemburu, Abui, Belabaha, Molu and Nilime villages. At least nine civilians were killed and six injured in two villages (see photos, videos & victim tables below, source: independent HRD), while access to at least five villages remained blocked, preventing full casualty documentation. Witnesses further alleged that grenades were thrown into residential huts while security forces indiscriminately opened fire at the settlements.
On 14 April 2026, six of the deceased were reportedly found by church workers and cremated according to local customs. Three additional victims were reportedly found on 15 April 2026. Local reports also state that homes, livestock and other civilian property were damaged or destroyed during the operations. Reports allege that further fatal shootings occurred on 16 April 2026.
The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) confirmed ongoing efforts to access affected villages and evacuate victims, highlighting severe logistical challenges and delayed medical response times due to infrastructure limitations and insecurity. According to information received, a PMI team arrived in the Sinak District, Puncak Regency, on 17 April 2026 (see photos below, source: independent HRDs)
From an international human rights and humanitarian law perspective, the alleged conduct by security forces raises serious concerns. If substantiated, the reported attacks may constitute violations of the principles of distinction and proportionality under International Humanitarian Law (IHL), which strictly prohibit attacks directed against civilians or civilian objects. The presence of children and a pregnant woman among the victims underscores potential breaches of special protections afforded to vulnerable groups, including under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The alleged targeting or endangerment of internally displaced persons (IDPs) further suggests violations of protections against attacks on humanitarian zones and civilian shelters. The allegations highlight the urgent need for independent, impartial, and forensic investigations, including ballistic analysis and witness testimony.
Even if military personnel believed that opposing fighters were present in or near the area, they remained bound by the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution under international humanitarian law. The reported use of explosive weapons, grenades and aerial fire in and around villages and IDP settlements raises a strong presumption of indiscriminate or disproportionate force, particularly given the number of child, female and elderly victims.
The alleged killing of civilians, including children, women, a pregnant girl and elderly persons, implicates the right to life under Article 6(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which requires the state not only to refrain from arbitrary deprivation of life but also to prevent, investigate, punish and remedy potentially unlawful killings. The reported use of grenades, aerial fire and live ammunition in civilian settlements and displacement sites further raises concerns under Article 7 ICCPR and the Convention against Torture (CAT), Articles 2 and 16, ias the infliction of severe physical and mental suffering on civilians may amount to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.
The operational context, characterised by limited access to healthcare, delayed evacuation and the reliance on traditional shelters as emergency care sites, exacerbates the severity of harm and may amount to failures in fulfilling the obligation to ensure medical care for the wounded and sick. Allegations that military personnel performed medical functions also raise concerns under Indonesian Law No. 36/2014 on Health.
Victims of security force violence in Puncak Regency between 13 and 16 April 2026
Indonesian Red Cross Team arriving in Sinak District, Puncak Regency, on 17 April 2026
Internally displaced persons following military operations in Puncak, 13-16 April’26
Civilians killed during security operation in Puncak Regency between 13–16 April 2026 (temporary status as of 20 April 2027)
No.
Name
Age
Sex
Village of origin
Location of incident
Reported status
1
Wundilina Kogoya
36
Female
Gininggame Village, Kemburu District, Puncak Regency
Gininggame Village, Kemburu District
Killed
2
Kikungge Walia
55
Female
Gininggame Village, Kemburu District, Puncak Regency
Gininggame Village, Kemburu District
Killed
3
Pelen Kogoya
65
Female
Pogoma Village, Pogoma District, Puncak Regency
Gininggame Village, Kemburu District
Killed
4
Tigiagan Walia
76
Male
Gininggame Village, Kemburu District, Puncak Regency
Gininggame Village, Kemburu District
Killed
5
Ekemira Kogoya
47
Female
Gininggame Village, Kemburu District, Puncak Regency
Gininggame Village, Kemburu District
Killed
6
Daremet Telenggen
55
Male
Pogoma Village, Pogoma District, Puncak Regency
Gininggame Village, Kemburu District
Killed
7
Iniki Wewo Walia
52
Male
Gininggame Village, Kemburu District, Puncak Regency
Gininggame Village, Kemburu District
Killed
8
Amer Walia
77
Male
Aguit Village, Kemburu District, Puncak Regency
Gininggame Village, Kemburu District
Killed
9
Para Walia
5
Female child
Gininggame Village, Kemburu District, Puncak Regency
Gininggame Village, Kemburu District
Killed
Civilians injured with gunshot wounds during security operation in Puncak Regency between 13–16 April 2026 (temporary status as of 20 April 2027)
No.
Name
Age
Sex
Village of origin
Location of incident
Church affiliation
Current condition
1
Anite Telenggen
15
Female
Gininggame Village, Kemburu District, Puncak Regency
Gininggame Village, Kemburu District
Kingmi Church
Gunshot and blast injuries to forehead, neck, right shoulder and right finger; referred from Mulia Hospital to Dian Harapan Hospital, Jayapura; reported to be pregnant
2
Nokia Telenggen
19
Male
Kemburu Village, Kemburu District, Puncak Regency
Kemburu District
Kingmi Church
Gunshot injury to hip/waist area; treated in Mulia Hospital
3
Irian Walia
3
Male child
Tenoti Village, Kemburu District, Puncak Regency
Tenoti Village, Kemburu District
Kingmi Church
Leg injury from gunfire and/or explosion; treated in Mulia Hospital
4
Once Walia
3
Male child
Tenoti Village, Kemburu District, Puncak Regency
Tenoti Village
Kingmi Church
Penetrating injury to the back; treated in Mulia Hospital
5
Aliko Walia
3
Male child
Tenoti Village, Kemburu District, Puncak Regency
Tenoti Village, Kemburu District
Kingmi Church
Gunshot wound to the chest; treated in Mulia Hospital
6
Anebagawi
55
Male
Tenoti Village, Kemburu District, Puncak Regency
Tenoti Village
Kingmi Church
Gunshot wound to the thigh; treated in Mulia Hospital
Detailed Case Data Document ID: HRM-CAS-056-2026 Region: Indonesia > Central Papua > Puncak > Kembru Total number of victims: 15
2) Indonesia's military denies role in Papua child death
April 20, 2026 19:52 GMT+700
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s military said Monday its troops were not involved in the fatal shooting of a child in Central Papua, as authorities investigate the incident amid ongoing unrest in the region.
“No TNI personnel were on duty in Jigiunggi Village at the time of the shooting,” Lieutenant Colonel Wirya Arthadiguna, spokesman for the Habema Joint Operations Command, said in a statement.
The military reported two separate incidents on Tuesday, April 14, with the first clash in Kembru Village confirmed to involve armed members of the Free Papua Movement (OPM).
Arthadiguna said troops responded to reports from residents about the presence of OPM insurgents in Kembru and moved to verify the information on the ground.
He said the rebels opened fire first, triggering a gunfight in which four insurgents were killed and their equipment seized by Indonesian forces.
From the Kembru incident, troops confiscated two improvised rifles, an air rifle, ammunition, a bow and arrows, and several bladed weapons, he added.
On the same day, authorities received a report from Jigiunggi village chief Venius Walia about a child who had died from a gunshot wound.
“TNI personnel immediately verified the report. The fatality is confirmed, but the cause of the shooting remains under investigation,” Arthadiguna said.
He stressed that preliminary findings indicate the child’s death was not caused by Indonesian military personnel.
The military pledged to conduct a transparent and professional investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Separatist violence linked to the OPM has intensified in Indonesia’s easternmost provinces in recent years, targeting civilians, infrastructure workers and security forces.
The campaign has heightened security concerns in remote areas of Papua, where clashes between armed groups and the military occur intermittently.
One of the most prominent cases involved the abduction of New Zealand pilot Phillip Mark Mehrtens on February 7, 2023, by fighters led by Egianus Kogoya in Nduga District.
Mehrtens was held captive for more than a year before being released in September 2024.
3) Pesta Babi film screening in Yogya exposes reality of food estate projects in Papua
KR Jogja – April 18, 2026
Agito Yacobson Sitepu, Yogya – The Social Movement Institute (SMI) held a screening and discussion of the documentary film "Pesta Babi: Colonialism in Our Time" at the Papuan student dormitory in Yogyakarta, Central Java, on Friday evening April 17.
This investigative film by the New Indonesia Expedition team examines the chaotic nature of the national strategic projects (PSN) in Papua.
The post-screening discussion featured competent speakers, including the film's director Dandhy Laksono, Made Supriatma (ISEAS Researcher) and Dimibeu Haluk from the Papuan Student Alliance (AMP).
The film "Pesta Babi" (Pig Festival) chronicles the struggle of indigenous Papuans to defend their ancestral lands and forests from the threat of food security projects, or food estates. Furthermore, the documentary exposes the involvement of business circles and palm oil conglomerates in this national program.
Breaking taboos and raising public awareness
Laksono said he hopes this work will open the eyes of the wider public to the horrific events taking place in Papua. He believes the reality in Papua should no longer escape the attention of the Indonesian public.
"With this film, hopefully, we can be moved to have a deeper discussion about Papua. Hopefully, things that have been considered taboo will spark us to ask questions about the events taking place there", Laksono said during the discussion session.
Connection between agrarian issues and militarism
Laksono added that this film not only addresses food security but also provides education about renewable energy. This documentary boldly exposes the increasingly massive military operations and the ongoing agrarian conflict.
"The film's approach is diverse. There is a team specifically focused on agrarian issues, human rights, the military, and so forth. All of this is captured as a unified connection in this film, Pesta Babi", continued the investigative journalist.
Through the film screening, discussion participants were invited to reflect on the meaning of development, which often sacrifices the basic rights of indigenous peoples and forest ecosystems, which are the lungs of the world.
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Nobar Film 'Pesta Babi' di Asrama Papua Yogyakarta: Dandhy Laksono Bongkar Realita PSN Food Estate".]
