2) Military operations in Omukia District. Puncak Regency, leave at least four indigenous Papuans dead – Seven other wounded by explosive during evacuation of bodies
3) At least six indigenous Papuans injured by bullets during military operation in Tembagapura
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https://jubi.id/pacnews/2026/five-residents-in-tembagapura-reportedly-shot-dead/
1) Five residents in Tembagapura reportedly shot dead
IN PACNEWS READING TIME: 2 MINS READ MAY 9, 2026 0
Author : Arjuna Pademme
Editor : Nuevaterra Mambor
Jayapura, Jubi – Five residents near Kali Kabur in Tembagapura were reportedly shot dead, while a toddler was injured. in a shooting incident Spokesperson for the West Papuan Liberation Army (TPNPB), Sebby Sambom, said the victims were shot on Thursday (May 7, 2026).
Sambom alleged that the perpetrators were military personnel, stating that security forces had been conducting operations in the area from Thursday night through Friday morning (May 8, 2026).
“During the operation, Indonesian military personnel carried out brutal shootings against civilians living in gold panning camps. Five civilians at the scene died instantly, while a toddler suffered injuries to the lips after being struck by a bullet,” Sambom wrote in a press release issued on Friday.
According to Sambom, the incident forced thousands of civilians to flee to the Kimbeli area and to Timika. As of Friday afternoon, many displaced residents from Kali Kabur were still walking toward Timika through main roads and forest routes.
He added that the Papua Intelligence Service (PIS) had also reported additional casualties and injured victims who had yet to be evacuated because Indonesian military forces were still controlling the area.
“Meanwhile, along the Kali Kabur area, many bodies and victims have not yet been identified. The victims are civilians living in Kali Kabur who work daily as gold panners processing leftover waste from PT Freeport,” he said.
Sambom stated that the TPNPB National Commission condemned the incident, calling it a crime against humanity.
The TPNPB also called on Prabowo Subianto to take responsibility for the shooting victims in Tembagapura and across Tanah Papua more broadly.
“We also call on the International Red Cross to respond to the more than 107,039 displaced residents across Tanah Papua affected by military operations and the armed conflict between the TPNPB and Indonesian security forces,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mimika Police Chief Adjunct Senior Commissioner Billyandha Hildiario Budiman confirmed that six residents had reportedly been shot in Tembagapura.
He said the shootings occurred in two separate villages: Narangkea-Uyawin Village and Uyawin-Winni Mile 69 Village in the Kali Kabur area of Tembagapura District, as quoted by Kompas.com.
According to Budiman, the victims were temporarily evacuated to the Brimob Camp David post in Tembagapura.
“There is a one-year-old toddler and a 12-year-old girl who suffered injuries. Our priority is evacuating the victims and local residents first,” Billyandha Hildiario Budiman said. (*)
Arjuna Pademme
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https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/military-operations-in-omukia-district-puncak-regency-leave-at-least-four-indigenous-papuans-dead-seven-other-wounded-by-explosive-during-evacuation-of-bodies/
2) Military operations in Omukia District. Puncak Regency, leave at least four indigenous Papuans dead – Seven other wounded by explosive during evacuation of bodies
The Indonesian military (TNI) conducted operations in Omukia District, Puncak Regency, between 1 and 6 May 2026 which reportedly resulted in the deaths of four indigenous Papuans, including two women. Seven villagers reportedly were injured by booby traps that military personnel had planted under one of the bodies (see video testimony below: source: independent HRD). Following the operations, entire indigenous communities in the surrounding area fled to safety. Security force personnel allegedly opened fire at unarmed civilians working in their gardens.
The incidents occurred amidst continuing military operations in several conflict-affected areas of Puncak Regency, including Omukia District, Pogoma District and Kembru District. According to local human rights defenders, the operations raise serious humanitarian concerns in Central Papua province and endangered civilians already displaced by earlier violence.
Civilians shot during military operations
Indonesian military personnel reportedly began operations in the Eronggobak Village on 1 May 2026. During the operation, Mrs Tarling Wanimbo, 20, was reportedly shot whilst searching for food in her family’s garden. Her body was discovered on 2 May 2026. Military operations reportedly continued and expanded on 3 May 2026. Mrs Naena Murib, 31, was allegedly shot dead whilst gardening. Two other Papuan villagers, Mr Bebison Murib, 19, and Mr Amukiamen Magay, 41, were also reportedly shot dead during the operations.
Local reports indicate that indigenous communities in the Omukia District were unable to safely recover or evacuate victims for several days due to the ongoing military presence and security situation.
Explosion during evacuation injures seven civilians
On 6 May 2026, residents and community leaders reportedly attempted to evacuate the bodies. During the evacuation process, an explosion reportedly occurred near one of the bodies. Members of the evacuation team alleged that the explosion originated from a booby trap attached to a deceased victim. Seven individuals were reportedly injured, including church leaders, traditional leaders, village officials and the Omukia District Deputy Secretary (see video testimony below: source: independent HRD).
According to the team, the evacuation of the bodies had been coordinated with local military leaders, who had permitted access to the shooting sites without warning the team of possible booby traps in the area. If verified, the alleged use of explosive devices in connection with dead bodies would constitute a grave violation of international humanitarian law and may amount to a war crime under international criminal law.
Internally displaced persons reportedly intimidated
The operations in Omukia District reportedly occurred against the backdrop of broader military operations in Puncak Regency since April 2026. Residents from conflict-affected areas in Kembru District and Pogoma District reportedly fled to Omukia District seeking safety. The area is exclusively inhabited by indigenous Papuans. Communities in the area continue to face severe humanitarian challenges, including insecurity, trauma, restricted movement and difficulties accessing food and medical assistance.
Local sources reported that Indonesian security personnel entered displacement camps sheltering internally displaced persons (IDPs), conducted interrogations and fired shots around camp locations. These incidents allegedly created widespread fear amongst IDPs already affected by previous violence and displacement.
Continuing pattern of violence in Puncak Regency
The incidents in Omukia District follow earlier reports of civilian casualties during military operations in Kembru District on 14 April 2026. According to local sources, at least ten civilians were reportedly killed during those operations, whilst others sustained gunshot wounds, including children and women.
Sources further alleged that Indonesian security forces used helicopters during operations in Pogoma District and Kembru District causing the residents to flee their homes. The continuing military escalation in the Papuan highlands has contributed to repeated displacement and fear amongst indigenous Papuan communities.
Human rights defenders and local community representatives have called on the Government of Indonesia to immediately halt military operations targeting civilian areas and guarantee protection for civilians and IDPs in the Puncak Regency.
Human rights and humanitarian law analysis
Based on the preliminary information received, there are strong indications that the military operations in Omukia may have violated fundamental principles of international humanitarian lawapplicable during non-international armed conflict situations.
The reported shootings of civilians engaged in gardening and food gathering activities raise concerns regarding violations of the principle of distinction, which obliges parties to an armed conflict to distinguish at all times between civilians and combatants.
The alleged use of armed force against civilians not participating in hostilities may also constitute disproportionate use of force and violate the right to right to life enshrined in international human rights law, under Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
Particular concern also arises from reports that security forces entered displacement camps and fired shots near IDP shelters. Under international humanitarian standards, displaced civilians remain entitled to protection from violence, intimidation and arbitrary interference.
The alleged placement of explosive devices near deceased persons, if confirmed, would violate the obligation to respect and protect the dead. This practice violates international humanitarian law standards as it endangers humanitarian evacuation efforts and civilians attempting to recover bodies.
Video testimony by evacuation team in Omukia District, 6 May 2026
Detailed Case Data
Document ID: HRM-CAS-064-2026
Region: Indonesia > Central Papua > Puncak > Omukia
Total number of victims: 11
Document ID: HRM-CAS-064-2026
Region: Indonesia > Central Papua > Puncak > Omukia
Total number of victims: 11
| # | Number of Victims | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1. | 1 | Tarling Wanimbo | female | 20 | Indigenous Peoples | execution, right to life, unlawful killing |
| 2. | 1 | Naena Murib | female | 31 | Indigenous Peoples | execution, right to life, unlawful killing |
| 3. | 1 | Babison Naimar Murib | male | 19 | Indigenous Peoples | execution, right to life, unlawful killing |
| 4. | 1 | Amukiamen Magay | male | 41 | Indigenous Peoples | execution, right to life, unlawful killing |
| 5. | 7 | unknown | unknown | Indigenous Peoples | ill-treatment |
Perpetrator: Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces > Indonesian Military (TNI)
Issues: anti-personnel mines, 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
Security forces raid villages in Omukia and Gome - three Papuans arrested and tortured, one died
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3) At least six indigenous Papuans injured by bullets during military operation in Tembagapura
On 7 and 8 May 2026, military forces conducted an operation in the Kali Kabur (Kabur River) area of Tembagapura District, Mimika Regency, in the Central Papua province, resulting in injuries to at least six civilians. One of the injured victims is a one-year-old toddler. According to local human rights defenders, the operation targeted civilian mining camps along the Kabur River and triggered the internal displacement of an estimated thousand civilians fleeing towards Kimbeli and Timika (see photos and videos below, source: independent HRDs). Indonesian security forces maintain control over the area following the incident, preventing the evacuation of additional injured persons and the recovery and identification of all victims.
According to information received from local human rights defenders and statements published by local media outlets, the operation began on the evening of 7 May 2026 and continued until the morning of 8 May 2026. Witnesses alleged that Indonesian military personnel opened fire in areas occupied by traditional gold miners and civilian residents. Media reports referencing a statement issued by the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) alleged that five civilians were killed at the scene. While this information remains to be verified, more media reports and local human rights defenders have confirmed that civlllians have been injured, including a toddler. Thousands of civilians have reportedly fled through forests and along public roads towards Kimbeli and Timika City to escape the violence.
Media reports citing the Central Papua Regional Police stated that at least six civilians sustained gunshot wounds during the incident. Among the reported victims were a one-year-old boy identified by the initials KM, a 12-year-old girl identified as IW, a 22-year-old woman identified as NN, as well as other male and female victims. Police officials stated that the injured victims were evacuated to the Brimob Camp David MP 72 post and later transferred for medical treatment, including at the SOS Tembagapura Hospital. According to local authorities, investigations into the chronology of events and the parties involved remain ongoing.
Additional reports indicated that approximately 256 residents sheltering in the Kali Kabur area were evacuated by joint security forces consisting of Brimob Battalion B, the Amole Task Force, and the Tembagapura Police Sector. Security forces reportedly transferred evacuees to the Brimob post at MP 72 and subsequently relocated them to areas considered safe. Police authorities stated that information regarding fatalities had not yet been officially confirmed at the time of reporting.
Human rights analysis
The reported use of lethal force against civilians in a populated civilian area raises serious concerns under international human rights law and international humanitarian law. Indonesia, as a State Party to the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), is obligated to protect the right to life under Article 6 and to ensure effective investigations into potentially unlawful killings. The alleged shooting of civilians, including children, may constitute arbitrary deprivation of life if the use of force was not strictly necessary and proportionate. The reported inability of victims to access medical evacuation due to continued military control of the area may additionally violate protections relating to the right to health and humanitarian access.
The displacement of large numbers of civilians following armed operations also raises concerns regarding the protection of internally displaced persons and the obligation of state authorities to minimise harm to civilians during security operations. Under the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, lethal force may only be used when strictly unavoidable to protect life. Any military or law enforcement operation conducted in civilian-populated areas must comply with the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution.
Victims of military shooting in Tembaggapura being evacuated to Kimbeli and Timika, 8 May 2026
Detailed Case Data
Document ID: HRM-CAS-065-2026
Region: Indonesia > Central Papua > Mimika > Tembagapura
Total number of victims: 6
Document ID: HRM-CAS-065-2026
Region: Indonesia > Central Papua > Mimika > Tembagapura
Total number of victims: 6
| # | Number of Victims | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1. | 6 | mixed | unknown | Indigenous Peoples | ill-treatment |
Perpetrator: Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces
Issues: indigenous peoples, security force violence, women and children
Sources:
Tomei
Nabire News
Nabire News
Related Cases:
Papuan man shot dead during security operation in Tembagapura, Mimika regency
Police officers fire rubber bullets at villagers following protest in Kaugapu Village, Mimika Regency – Seven protestors injured
Military members accused of arbitrary detention and beating of indigenous Papuan in Timika
Military member alleged of beating Papuan man to death in Timika
Military vehicle causes deadly accident in Timika – human rights observers demand justice for violating traffic rules.
KNPB member arbitrarily detained in Timika
Police arbitrarily arrest Papuan boat operator in Timika
Police officer beats street vendor in Timika
Papuan man shot dead during security operation in Tembagapura, Mimika regency
Police officers fire rubber bullets at villagers following protest in Kaugapu Village, Mimika Regency – Seven protestors injured
Military members accused of arbitrary detention and beating of indigenous Papuan in Timika
Military member alleged of beating Papuan man to death in Timika
Military vehicle causes deadly accident in Timika – human rights observers demand justice for violating traffic rules.
KNPB member arbitrarily detained in Timika
Police arbitrarily arrest Papuan boat operator in Timika
Police officer beats street vendor in Timika
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