2) Indonesia's military denies role in Papua child death
3) Pesta Babi film screening in Yogya exposes reality of food estate projects in Papua
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(Photos/video in report)
Human Rights Monitor
1) Military operations against IDP settlements in Puncak Regency kill at least nine civilians, injure six
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)
On 18 April 2026, the National Human Rights Commission of the Republic of Indonesia (Komnas HAM) publicly stated that the operation in Kemburu District had caused 12 civilian deaths, including children and women, and had left many others seriously injured. The Governor of Central Papua Province also referred publicly to emerging information indicating about 12 deaths, whilst acknowledging that data collection was incomplete because some affected villages remained inaccessible while residents had fled into the forest.
Human rights analysis
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
Document ID: HRM-CAS-056-2026
Region: Indonesia > Central Papua > Puncak > Kembru
Total number of victims: 15
| # | Number of Victims | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1. | 1 | Anite Telenggen | female | 15 | Indigenous Peoples | ill-treatment |
| 2. | 1 | Nokia Teelenggen | male | 19 | Indigenous Peoples | ill-treatment |
| 3. | 1 | Irian Walia | male | 3 | Indigenous Peoples | ill-treatment |
| 4. | 1 | Once Walia | male | 3 | Indigenous Peoples | ill-treatment |
| 5. | 1 | Aliko Walia | male | 3 | Indigenous Peoples | ill-treatment |
| 6. | 1 | Anebegawi | male | 55 | Internally Displaced Person (IDP) | ill-treatment |
| 7. | 1 | Wundelina Kogoya | female | 36 | Indigenous Peoples | right to life, unlawful killing |
| 8. | 1 | Kikungge Walia | female | 55 | Indigenous Peoples | right to life, unlawful killing |
| 9. | 1 | Pelen Kogoya | male | 65 | Indigenous Peoples | right to life, unlawful killing |
| 10. | 1 | Kigiagan Walia | female | 76 | Indigenous Peoples | right to life, unlawful killing |
| 11. | 1 | Ekemira Kogoya | male | 47 | Indigenous Peoples | right to life, unlawful killing |
| 12. | 1 | Daremet Telenggen | male | 55 | Indigenous Peoples | right to life, unlawful killing |
| 13. | 1 | Iniki Wewo Walia | female | 52 | Indigenous Peoples | right to life, unlawful killing |
| 14. | 1 | Amer Walia | 77 | Indigenous Peoples | right to life, unlawful killing | |
| 15. | 1 | Para Walia | 5 | Indigenous Peoples | right to life, unlawful killing |
Perpetrator: Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces
Issues: indigenous peoples, security force violence, women and children
Related Cases:
Allegations of extrajudicial execution and post-mortem mutilation during security raid in Omukia District, Puncak Regency
Army members shoot dead three indigenous Papuans in Puncak Jaya – Military claims victims were rebels
At least three indigenous Papuans killed and one wounded during military operations in Puncak Regency
Indonesian security forces alleged of killing indigenous Papuan woman and injuring eight villagers with bullets in Puncak Regency
Military members alleged of executing indigenous Papuan in Ilu District, Puncak Jaya
Military members alleged of torturing and arbitrarily detaining Papuan men in Keangga, Puncak Regency
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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.
Related news: Papuan separatists kill three ojek drivers: military
Related news: Papuan rebels assault workers in Puncak: police
“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.
Related news: Papuan separatists kill three ojek drivers: military
Related news: Papuan rebels assault workers in Puncak: police
Translator: Walda Marison, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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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".]
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