1) An Kimin Kindergarten Established for Internally Displaced Children from Nduga
N PACNEWS READING TIME: 2 MINS READ JUNE 23, 2026 0 Author : CR18 Editor : Nuevaterra Mambor
Wamena, Jubi – The An Kimin Kindergarten learning group in Jayawijaya Regency, Papua Highlands Province, was established to provide educational opportunities for internally displaced children from Nduga Regency, Papua Highlands, who are currently living in the area.
An Kimin Kindergarten was founded after thousands of Nduga residents were displaced to various regions following the armed conflict in their home regency, which began in early December 2018.
An Kimin founder Intanus Gwijangge said children living in displacement sites had not received adequate education due to the lack of government support. The situation prompted his group to establish the learning program in 2021.
“For years, we have been working in the humanitarian sector, particularly in education, by establishing several community learning groups in Wamena since 2021,” Gwijangge said in a telephone interview on Monday (June 22, 2026).
The An Kimin learning program operates in three different locations. Group One is based in Sekom Village, Muliama District; Group Two in Musaima Village, Hubikiak District; and Group Three in Healekma Village, Napua District.
The program currently serves 100 students, 50 of whom have been registered in Indonesia’s Basic Education Data System (Dapodik). Five volunteers serve as teachers, with one assigned to Muliama, two to Healekma, and two to Musaima.
According to Gwijangge, the group has previously proposed that the Nduga Education Office provide a suitable school building to support teaching and learning activities. However, the proposal has yet to receive a response.
He explained that although the initiative is called An Kimin Kindergarten, its students are not limited to kindergarten-age children. The program also accommodates children of elementary and junior high school age.
“They are school dropouts from conflict-affected areas in Nduga, including Yigi, Mebarok, Mbugumu Yal, Paro, and other districts. We are trying to embrace them, so they do not lose their future,” he said.
Gwijangge said that last year, 13 students from An Kimin were enrolled in are educational foundation in Wamena to continue their studies under better conditions. Several other students have also been placed in schools in Napua District.
“We do all of this because we care about human resource development, not because of any personal interest. We have communicated this situation to the Head of the Nduga Education Office, but until now there has been no serious response,” he said.
Gwijangge hopes the Nduga Regency Government will support the initiative by helping provide dormitories, learning facilities, and other educational necessities.
According to him, the community-based education movement complements government efforts to fulfill children’s right to education.
“We are helping the regency government, provincial government, and other authorities prepare the next generation. Therefore, we hope there will be tangible support from the government for the efforts we have undertaken,” he said.
Gwijangge also expressed gratitude to the Rayori Biak Foundation for donating notebooks and pens to the learning program.
“The assistance is very meaningful. However, we still need many things, especially books, stationery, and clothing for children and students,” Intanus Gwijangge said. (*)
2) Indonesian military personnel allegedly intimidate catholic clergy at Timika Cathedral
23 June 2026 / 2 minutes of reading
Indonesian military personnel (TNI) allegedly entered the private residence (pastoran) of the Three Kings Cathedral (Katedral Tiga Raja) in Timika without authorisation during security operations surrounding the visit of the Vice President of Indonesia, Gibran Rakabuming Raka. According to public statements by Rev. Amandus Rahadat and Rev. Benyamin Sugiya Tanggu Magay, soldiers entered the cathedral compound and private areas of the priests’ residence, including bedrooms, without permission. Rev. Amandus also alleged that unidentified individuals had repeatedly attended Mass whilst secretly photographing and recording clergy and worshippers. Following public criticism by the Church, representatives of Kodim 1710/Mimika met the priests on 28 April 2026, apologised for the conduct of their personnel, and acknowledged that soldiers should not have entered the residence without an official assignment order.
According to Rev. Amandus, the incidents culminated during the Vice President’s visit to Timika, when uniformed TNI personnel allegedly entered the cathedral compound and the priests’ residence without authorisation. During a public announcement after Mass on 26 April 2026, he condemned the intrusion into private areas of the residence and questioned whether the Church was being treated as though it were harbouring terrorists. He also reported repeated surveillance during religious services and announced that the cathedral would strengthen security measures to protect clergy and worshippers.
On 28 April 2026, representatives of Kodim 1710/Mimika, led by the Deputy District Military Commander, met Rev. Amandus and Rev. Benyamin at the cathedral (see group photo above). Rev. Amandus later clarified that the meeting had been intended to seek clarification rather than to interrogate the priests, contrary to reports circulating on social media. During the meeting, the military reportedly acknowledged that soldiers should not enter a private residence without an official assignment order and apologised on behalf of the District Military Commander and Regional Military Commander. The priests accepted the apology but stressed that such incidents must not be repeated.
The reported intrusion and surveillance raise concerns regarding the rights to privacy, freedom of religion and the independence of religious institutions. Entering a private residence without legal authority may constitute an arbitrary interference with privacy under Article 17 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), while surveillance of clergy and worshippers may have a chilling effect on the exercise of freedom of religion and expression. Although the military apologised and acknowledged procedural shortcomings, there should be an impartial investigation, accountability for any misconduct, and guarantees that similar incidents will not recur.
Video with a message condemning the intrusion
Detailed Case Data Document ID: HRM-CAS-086-2026 Region: Indonesia > Central Papua > Mimika Total number of victims: 2
#
Number of Victims
Name, Details
Gender
Age
Group Affiliation
Violations
1.
1
Amandus Rehadat
male
adult
Religious Group
2.
1
Benyamin Sugiya Tanggu Magay
adult
Religious Group
Perpetrator: Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces > Indonesian Military (TNI)
3) Indonesian military allegedly raid homes and intimidate residents in Yahukimo
23 June 2026 / 2 minutes of reading
Indonesian military personnel from a Marine unit (Korps Marinir) allegedly carried out a pre-dawn raid on two civilian homes in the Kebun Nenas residential area on Jalan Kali Merah, Dekai, Yahukimo Regency, on the night of 25 April 2026 at approximately 3 am. According to information received, military personnel forcibly entered the homes of Mr Naton Pahabol and Mr Devi Itlay, damaging doors and windows, ordering family members outside, photographing them, and conducting warrantless searches. No arrests were reported, but the operation allegedly caused significant fear, trauma and insecurity among the affected civilians.
According to the information received, members of the Indonesian Marines simultaneously raided the two residences in the Kebun Nenas area during the early hours of 25 April 2026. The soldiers reportedly forced entry by kicking in the doors of the houses, causing damage to the doors and windows. Family members of Mr Naton Pahabol were allegedly ordered to leave their home, instructed to sit on the ground outside, and photographed by the security forces. The personnel then conducted an extensive search of the property, inspecting all rooms, including bedrooms and bathrooms. During the search, they confiscated one handheld radio (HT) that the family reportedly used for communication with relatives in their village. According to the source, the device was not returned. Similar damage to doors and windows was reportedly inflicted during the raid on the home of Mr Devi Itlay.
The reported conduct raises concerns regarding compliance with Indonesia’s obligations under international human rights law. The forced entry into private homes without any publicly known judicial authorisation or legal basis may constitute an arbitrary interference with privacy, family and home, contrary to Article 17 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Indonesia is a State Party. The confiscation of private property without due process may also violate protections against arbitrary deprivation of property under domestic law. Furthermore, photographing family members after forcing them from their home and conducting military-style operations against civilians may amount to intimidation and contribute to a climate of fear, particularly in conflict-affected areas such as Yahukimo Regency.
Damaged window and door
Detailed Case Data Document ID: HRM-CAS-085-2026 Region: Indonesia > Highland Papua > Yahukimo > Dekai Total number of victims: 2
#
Number of Victims
Name, Details
Gender
Age
Group Affiliation
Violations
1.
1
Naton Pahabol
male
adult
Indigenous Peoples
2.
1
Devi Itlay
male
adult
Indigenous Peoples
Period of incident: 25/04/2026 – 25/04/2026 Perpetrator: Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces > Indonesian Military (TNI) > Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL)
4) Police officer allegedly hits woman during motorcycle accident and opens fire at by-standers in Dekai
23 June 2026 / 2 minutes of reading
A woman sustained critical injuries after allegedly being struck by a motorcycle ridden by two members of the Yahukimo District Police in Dekai, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province, on 3 May 2026. The victim, Mrs Nelly Wenda (see photo on top, source: independent HRD), was reportedly hit while walking along Route 1. Witnesses accused that the officers intoxicated as the accident occurred. Following the collision, tensions escalated when local residents protested the incident, Thereupon, police officers allegedly discharged their firearms indiscriminately towards by-standers. Mrs Wenda was admitted to Dekai Regional General Hospital in critical condition, where she received medical treatment.
According to information received, Mrs Nelly Wenda was walking from a residential area on Route 1 when two officers from the Yahukimo District Police, travelling on a motorcycle, allegedly struck her in front of a roadside kiosk at approximately 04:40 pm. Witnesses alleged that the officers appeared to be intoxicated at the time of the incident. The collision caused the victim to suffer severe injuries requiring emergency medical treatment.
The incident immediately drew the attention of nearby residents. Some residents reportedly reacted by throwing stones at the officers. In response, the officers fired their weapons indiscriminately in the direction of by-standers. No information had been received indicating that anyone had been struck by the gunfire. Police officers detained the perpetrators and promised that both officers would be held accountable for the accident. However, there has been no information about disciplinary sanctions against the officers at the time of writing.
Human rights analysis
If confirmed, the incident raises serious concerns regarding the use of force by law enforcement officials and the protection of civilians. The alleged operation of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol by police officers would constitute a grave breach of professional standards and potentially criminal conduct. Furthermore, the reported indiscriminate discharge of firearms in response to stone-throwing appears inconsistent with the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality and precaution governing the use of force under international human rights law, including the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials. The authorities are obliged to conduct a prompt, impartial and effective investigation into both the collision and the subsequent use of firearms, to preserve evidence, identify those responsible, and ensure accountability where violations are established.
Police officers calm down local residents following the traffic accident involving tow police officers in Dekai on 3 May 2026
Detailed Case Data Document ID: HRM-CAS-084-2026 Region: Indonesia > Highland Papua > Yahukimo > Dekai Total number of victims: 1
#
Number of Victims
Name, Details
Gender
Age
Group Affiliation
Violations
1.
1
Nelly Wenda
female
adult
Indigenous Peoples
ill-treatment
Period of incident: 03/05/2026 – 03/05/2026 Perpetrator: Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces > Indonesian Police > POLRES
Perpetrator details: 2 members of the Yahukimo District Police
Issues: indigenous peoples, security force violence, women and children
5) Arbitrary arrest of hospital patient in Dekai, Yahukimo Regency
23 June 2026 / 2 minutes of reading
On 29 April 2026, members of the Cartenz Peacekeeping Special Police Unit reportedly arrested Mr Natan Heluka, 21, at Kilo 4, Dekai, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan province. At the time of his arrest, Mr Heluka reportedly suffered from long-standing blurred vision and was receiving emergency medical treatment at the Accident and Emergency Unit of Yahukimo Regional General Hospital. According to the information received, the arrest was carried out without an arrest warrant or any clear legal justification.
The reasons for the arrest were not communicated to the victim or his family, and no arrest warrant was presented. HRM did not receive confirmed information regarding whether Mr Heluka was subjected to ill-treatment, torture, or coercive interrogation. As of 30 April 2026, Heluka had not been released, despite his poor physical condition.
Human rights analysis
The reported circumstances indicate a possible case of arbitrary deprivation of liberty in violation of domestic and international legal standards. Under Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), everyone has the right to liberty and security of person and must not be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention. The apparent failure to present an arrest warrant or provide the legal basis for the arrest also raises concerns regarding compliance with Indonesia’s Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), particularly the procedural safeguards governing lawful arrest and detention. Furthermore, if the victim was removed from or prevented from accessing necessary medical treatment, this may also interfere with the right to health protected under Article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).
Detailed Case Data Document ID: HRM-CAS-083-2026 Region: Indonesia > Highland Papua > Yahukimo > Dekai Total number of victims: 1
#
Number of Victims
Name, Details
Gender
Age
Group Affiliation
Violations
1.
1
Natan Heluka
male
21
Indigenous Peoples
arbitrary detention
Period of incident: 29/04/2026 – 30/04/2026 Perpetrators: Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces > Indonesian Police
6) Gen Z protests expansion of food, energy projects in Indonesia’s Papua
Demonstrators marched with red crosses amid government's fresh funding surge
By UCA News reporter Published: June 23, 2026 12:27 PM GMT
Dozens of young Papuans took to the streets to protest further expansion of the state-backed food and energy projects that they say threaten the ancestral land and livelihood of thousands of indigenous people.
Police stopped a protest march on June 21, citing a lack of a permit and a ban on Sunday demonstrations, when members of Papuan Generation Z, or Gen Z Papua, began their ‘Red Cross March’ at the Red Bridge in the provincial capital, Jayapura.
Tensions briefly flared when officers attempted to confiscate protesters’ banners that had slogans against the government’s food project, the military presence in the area, and an alleged genocide against Papuans.
The current protest is against Indonesia's Strategic National Projects (PSN), a government-backed initiative encompassing food estates, sugarcane plantations, and rice field expansion in South Papua.
President Prabowo Subianto has declared his ambition to open 2.5 million new hectares of land in Papua to support national food and energy security, with Merauke at the center of those plans.
The current PSN covers up to 2.73 million hectares in Merauke alone.
“This is a symbol of rejection [of PSN] and of our deep concern for the condition of Papua,” Aldy Hukubun, a Gen Z Papua representative, said.
The protest march was in response to Indonesia's Ministry of Agriculture allocating more than 5.5 trillion rupiah (US$335 million) to expand new rice-field development and crop programs across Papua.
Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman announced on June 18 that land under development has now reached 870,000 hectares, including 80,000 hectares of new rice paddy fields added over the past two years.
Protester Brush Wadi said the expansion means indigenous communities are losing more of their customary lands and forests, their food source, and spiritual space.
Researchers from Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency have described the food estate model as a “paradox of recognition” — the state claims to protect indigenous rights while, in practice, overriding them.
“The land of Papua is not doing well,” Hukubun said. “Development must take into account human beings and the environment, not just production numbers.”
Father John Bunay, coordinator of Papua Indigenous Priests, said that for the Papuan people, land is not merely an economic commodity or commercial asset, but a primary source of life, a living pharmacy, and a sacred cultural space.
"It is God who gave this land to the tribes; it cannot simply be taken away," he said.
7) Central Papua Government Receives Home Affairs Ministry Award for Reducing Unemployment
IN PACNEWS READING TIME: 2 MINS READ JUNE 23, 2026 0 Author : Arjuna Pademme Editor : Nuevaterra Mambor
Jayapura, Jubi – The Central Papua Provincial Government has received an award from Indonesia’s Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) in recognition of its success in reducing the unemployment rate.
As part of the award, the provincial government received a trophy and a fiscal incentive worth Rp3 billion, which has been transferred to the Central Papua Provincial Government’s account.
The award was presented to Central Papua Governor Meki Nawipa during the 2026 Papua Regional Outstanding Regional Leaders Awards ceremony in Jayapura, Papua, on Monday evening (June 22, 2026).
The Ministry of Home Affairs assessed that the account of the Central Papua Provincial Government, under the leadership of Governor Meki Nawipa and Deputy Governor Deinas Geley, had demonstrated innovation in regional development, including efforts to reduce unemployment across the province.
The evaluation for the unemployment reduction category considered the quality of planning, budget support, and the province’s success in lowering unemployment rates.
Innovation in the labor and employment sector was considered a key indicator in creating effective, adaptive solutions that deliver tangible benefits to the community.
The Central Papua Provincial Government also secured second place in the provincial-level inflation control category, earning an additional fiscal incentive of Rp2 billion.
In addition to the provincial government, several regency administrations in Central Papua also received awards. Dogiyai Regency was named third-best performer in the same category and received an additional fiscal incentive of Rp1 billion.
Nabire Regency was awarded first place among provincial capitals and received an additional fiscal incentive of Rp3 billion. Meanwhile, Mimika Regency achieved top honors in the creative financing category as well as in poverty alleviation and stunting reduction, earning a total fiscal incentive of Rp6 billion.
Minister of Home Affairs Muhammad Tito Karnavian said the awards were intended to encourage and motivate regional leaders to continue delivering their best performance.
However, he reminded regional leaders to exercise caution in the use of the additional fiscal incentives they receive and warned against any misuse of the funds that could result in legal consequences. (*)
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