3) Naval military police shoot former soldier during attempted arrest in Sorong Regency
Women from the Korowai area in Yahukimo Regency, Highland Papua Province, shelter at a displacement site in the forest. – Jubi/ Courtesy of local residents
Jayapura, Jubi – Dozens of residents in the Korowai area of Yahukimo Regency, Highland Papua Province, have reportedly fled into the forest since 22 July 2026. The displaced residents are believed to be sheltering in the border region between Yahukimo, Pegunungan Bintang Regency, and Boven Digoel Regency in South Papua Province. Three residents have also reportedly been shot dead.
A source told Jubi that, based on confirmed information so far, the displaced include at least 26 women and one child who are sheltering at a location in the forest.
The source said the actual number of displaced people could be significantly higher, as many evacuation sites have yet to be verified due to the vast forest terrain. Communication has also been hampered by rivers that are difficult to cross and the absence of mobile phone or internet coverage.
“The women and children fled on 22 July 2026 at around 11 a.m. Papua time after three Indonesian military helicopters landed troops along the riverbank near civilian settlements in Korowai, Yahukimo, Highland Papua,” the source, identified only by the initials OB, said in a written statement to Jubi on Thursday night, 30 July 2026.
According to the source, women and children have since scattered deeper into the forest to avoid what they described as an ongoing military operation, alleging that soldiers fired indiscriminately from both the ground and helicopters.
“The displaced people are scattered in different locations, making it impossible to determine their total number. They remain in the forest without food, drinking water, or shelter. They are traumatised by the military operation,” the source said.
The source also reported that three residents had been shot dead. They were identified as Yatimin Wonda, also known as Nareman, Wanengga Kogoya, and a third Korowai resident whose identity has not yet been confirmed.
Separately, the central headquarters of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) also stated that civilians had been displaced in Yahukimo Regency.
TPNPB-OPM spokesperson Sebby Sambom said the group had received reports from the Papua Intelligence Service (PIS), the TPNPB’s intelligence wing, in Boven Digoel alleging that the Indonesian military had been conducting operations in the Korowai area, along the border between Yahukimo Regency and Pegunungan Bintang Regency, from 19 to 30 July 2026.
According to Sambom, the PIS reported that the Indonesian military had deployed drones and more than three military helicopters to carry out aerial operations and transport troops into the forest along the border.
“Since 19 July, Indonesian military personnel have carried out aerial gunfire targeting civilian settlements, and the operation is continuing,” Sambom said in a written statement issued on Thursday, 30 July 2026.
He said the combined air and ground operation was aimed at pursuing fighters from TPNPB Regional Command XVI Yahukimo following the shooting of pilot Nicholas F. Goselin on 2 July 2026. Goselin had been flying an aircraft operated by AMA Airlines into an area in Yahukimo that TPNPB had declared a “red zone.”
Sambom said the PIS also reported that the military operation had resulted in the deaths of three civilians, identified as Yatimin Y.B. Wonda, Wanenga Kogoya, and another civilian whose identity has yet to be confirmed.
“Many other residents remain unaccounted for. Meanwhile, hundreds of people have fled from Korowai toward Yahukimo, Pegunungan Bintang, and surrounding forest areas. The displaced include pregnant women, children, and elderly people. The state must take responsibility,” he said.
The TPNPB National Command Headquarters called on President Prabowo Subianto, Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, and Indonesian Military Commander Agus Subiyanto to halt military operations in civilian settlements in Korowai.
Sambom said that if the military intended to engage in combat, it should confront TPNPB forces directly at their bases, adding that the group was prepared to face them.
The TPNPB also urged humanitarian organisations, including the Indonesian Red Cross and international relief agencies, to aid displaced residents in the Korowai area. (*)
2) Military personnel reportedly enter Catholic church compound during Sunday Mass in Intan Jaya
Human rights analysis
seven armed military officers standing in midst a crowd of worried worshippers in the Titigi Village, 26 July 2026
Document ID: HRM-CAS-108-2026
Location: 739V+FHP, Pugisiga, Agisiga, Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua 98971, Indonesia (-3.7312803, 137.0939657) St Francis Xavier Catholic Parish Church in Titigi Village
Region: Indonesia > Central Papua > Intan Jaya > Sugapa
Total number of victims: dozens
| # | Number of Victims | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1. | dozens | mixed | unknown | Indigenous Peoples | freedom of religion |
Perpetrator: Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces > Indonesian Military (TNI)
Issues: indigenous peoples
Related Cases:
3) Naval military police shoot former soldier during attempted arrest in Sorong Regency
Human rights analysis
Document ID: HRM-CAS-107-2026
Location: Aimas, Sorong Regency, Southwest Papua, Indonesia (-0.9569666, 131.3070473) Klalin 6, Warmon Village
Total number of victims: 1
| # | Number of Victims | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1. | 1 | Timotius Rumpaidum | male | adult | Indigenous Peoples | ill-treatment |
Perpetrator: Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces > Indonesian Military (TNI) > Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL)
Sources:
Sorong Raya News
Info Pengawas Korupsi
Mtro Papua News
The shipment, consisting of 75,520 packs of various cigarette brands, including Martil and GP, is estimated to be worth Rp1.36 billion. Authorities estimate the potential loss to the state from unpaid excise duties at approximately Rp1.35 billion.
Kodaeral XI Commander Rear Admiral Joko Andriyanto said the operation stemmed from intelligence received in early July 2026 regarding the alleged distribution of untaxed cigarettes in Merauke.
A joint team launched an investigation and traced a shipment believed to have been transported from Surabaya aboard the cargo vessel KM Spill Hasia.
After the vessel docked in Merauke, the cargo was unloaded at a freight forwarding company before being dispatched to its intended destination at the KNS I complex.
“As the shipment was being delivered, our team tracked it. When the package was opened together with the recipient, we found cigarettes without excise tax stamps. A subsequent search uncovered a total of 94 cartons,” Joko told a press conference at Kodaeral XI headquarters on Thursday, 30 July 2026.
Joko said the primary concern in the case was that none of the seized cigarettes carried the mandatory excise tax stamp.
“We have questioned those connected to the shipment regarding ownership. However, the main issue in this case is that the cigarettes were distributed without any excise tax stamps,” he said.
He added that determining whether the cigarettes were genuine or counterfeit, as well as conducting further investigations into the case, falls under the authority of the relevant government agencies.
Merauke Customs and Excise chief Isa Ramadhan described the seizure as one of the largest confiscations of untaxed cigarettes ever made in the regency.
According to Isa, Customs routinely conducts surveillance through maritime patrols, border inspections, and monitoring within Merauke town.
Although officers have previously found cigarettes without excise stamps in small retail shops and on fishing vessels, the quantities were relatively minor.
“We have encountered untaxed cigarettes before, but never on this scale. Usually, we find only a single carton,” he said.
Isa noted that the Merauke Customs office, which oversees Merauke, Mappi, Asmat, and Boven Digoel regencies, has only 29 personnel, making close cooperation with other law enforcement agencies essential.
Merauke Police Chief Senior Commissioner Leonardo Yoga said the operation underscored the importance of inter-agency cooperation in tackling crimes that cause significant losses to the state.
“We will continue strengthening coordination and collaboration with all relevant agencies to prevent the widespread distribution of illicit cigarettes and other criminal activities in Merauke,” he said.
- Investigators from the relevant agencies are continuing their inquiries to identify those responsible for the shipment and distribution of the untaxed cigarettes, in accordance with their respective legal mandates. (*)
Jayapura, Jubi – Beginning in 1947, Dutch colonial authorities intensified efforts to suppress support for the Indonesian republican movement among civil servants, including both Indigenous Papuans and migrants from other parts of the archipelago.
Officials suspected of sympathising with the Republic of Indonesia were either imprisoned or pressured to abandon their political views. At the same time, the Dutch encouraged some Papuan leaders to pursue independence outside the framework of the Indonesian Republic.
Among those arrested during this period were prominent figures Martin Indey, Hemanus Rumere, and several associates from Biak, who were detained and imprisoned in Hollandia. Corinus Krey was exiled to Digul.
In 1949, the Round Table Conference concluded with the Netherlands recognising the independence of the Republic of the United States of Indonesia (RIS), of which the Republic of Indonesia became one constituent state. West Papua, however, remained under Dutch administration under an agreement that its political future would be negotiated within a year.
Following the transfer of sovereignty, many civil service positions previously held by officials from other parts of Indonesia who were considered sympathetic to the Indonesian Republic were filled by Eurasians who had fled Java. They occupied a large number of middle- and lower-level administrative posts, a development that significantly limited opportunities for the social and professional advancement of Indigenous Papuans.
In 1947, the Kainkain Karkara Biak, a Papuan advisory council, was established in Biak through elections. However, it later became a body whose primary role was to advise the local district officer on matters relating to customary law. Plans were also made in 1950 to establish municipal councils in several major towns, but disagreements over their powers and membership delayed their implementation for years.
Meanwhile, the Dutch authorities succeeded in winning the support of several conservative Papuan leaders, including Markus Kaisiepo, Abdullah Arfan, and Johan Ariks, as well as some left-leaning figures such as Nicolaas Jouwe. Other Papuan leaders—mostly aligned with the political left—who refused to change their position were accused of subversive activities, and many were imprisoned.
The conservative Papuan leaders subsequently established the Nieuw Guinea Unity Movement (Gerakan Persatuan Nieuw Guinea, GPNG) in several towns across the territory. The movement’s platform centred on rejecting Indonesia’s claim to West New Guinea and supporting continued Dutch administration.
Between 1950 and 1953, the Netherlands and Indonesia attempted to resolve the dispute through bilateral negotiations. However, tensions escalated after Indonesia’s federal system collapsed at the end of 1950 and was replaced by a unitary republic, reducing Dutch influence over Indonesian affairs.
The Netherlands argued that the provisions concerning West Papua in the Round Table Conference Agreement were no longer applicable following the constitutional change and refused to implement them. The negotiations ultimately failed, hardening the positions of both governments.
On 15 February 1952, the Dutch Parliament voted to incorporate West Papua into the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Following the decision, the Dutch government refused to reopen discussions on sovereignty, considering the matter settled.
In response, President Sukarno adopted a more confrontational stance toward the Netherlands. He initially sought—unsuccessfully—to persuade the Indonesian government to formally repudiate the Round Table Conference Agreement and impose economic sanctions on the Dutch, but the proposal was rejected by the Natsir Cabinet.
Undeterred, Sukarno made the recovery of West Irian the central objective of his presidency and launched a nationwide campaign to rally Indonesian public support through a series of speeches delivered between 1951 and 1952.
In West Papua, although the activities of groups affiliated with the Indonesian Independence Preparatory Committee (PKII) and the Indonesian Irian People’s Movement (KIM) declined significantly after many of their leaders were arrested under Dutch anti-subversion laws, several successor organisations remained active and continued to advocate for integration with Indonesia.
In 1951, a group of Papuans from western New Guinea established the Indonesian Islamic Party in Hollandia. The party strongly opposed Dutch colonial rule, prompting the authorities to arrest its members, who were subsequently sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment.
In 1947, the Kainkain Karkara Biak, a Papuan advisory council, was established in Biak through elections. However, it later became a body whose primary role was to advise the local district officer on matters relating to customary law. Plans were also made in 1950 to establish municipal councils in several major towns, but disagreements over their powers and membership delayed their implementation for years.
Meanwhile, the Dutch authorities succeeded in winning the support of several conservative Papuan leaders, including Markus Kaisiepo, Abdullah Arfan, and Johan Ariks, as well as some left-leaning figures such as Nicolaas Jouwe. Other Papuan leaders—mostly aligned with the political left—who refused to change their position were accused of subversive activities, and many were imprisoned.
The conservative Papuan leaders subsequently established the Nieuw Guinea Unity Movement (Gerakan Persatuan Nieuw Guinea, GPNG) in several towns across the territory. The movement’s platform centred on rejecting Indonesia’s claim to West New Guinea and supporting continued Dutch administration.
Between 1950 and 1953, the Netherlands and Indonesia attempted to resolve the dispute through bilateral negotiations. However, tensions escalated after Indonesia’s federal system collapsed at the end of 1950 and was replaced by a unitary republic, reducing Dutch influence over Indonesian affairs.
The Netherlands argued that the provisions concerning West Papua in the Round Table Conference Agreement were no longer applicable following the constitutional change and refused to implement them. The negotiations ultimately failed, hardening the positions of both governments.
On 15 February 1952, the Dutch Parliament voted to incorporate West Papua into the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Following the decision, the Dutch government refused to reopen discussions on sovereignty, considering the matter settled.
In response, President Sukarno adopted a more confrontational stance toward the Netherlands. He initially sought—unsuccessfully—to persuade the Indonesian government to formally repudiate the Round Table Conference Agreement and impose economic sanctions on the Dutch, but the proposal was rejected by the Natsir Cabinet.
Undeterred, Sukarno made the recovery of West Irian the central objective of his presidency and launched a nationwide campaign to rally Indonesian public support through a series of speeches delivered between 1951 and 1952.
In West Papua, although the activities of groups affiliated with the Indonesian Independence Preparatory Committee (PKII) and the Indonesian Irian People’s Movement (KIM) declined significantly after many of their leaders were arrested under Dutch anti-subversion laws, several successor organisations remained active and continued to advocate for integration with Indonesia.
In 1951, a group of Papuans from western New Guinea established the Indonesian Islamic Party in Hollandia. The party strongly opposed Dutch colonial rule, prompting the authorities to arrest its members, who were subsequently sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment.
Another wave of arrests took place on 3 February 1952, targeting a group led by Simon Jentara that advocated the integration of West Papua into Indonesia.
Earlier, on 2 May 1950, the court of the Republic of the United States of Indonesia (RIS) ordered the release of Raja Sekar, Machmud Singgirei Rumagesan. He later founded the West Irian Revolutionary Bird of Paradise Movement (Gerakan Tjendrawasih Revolusioner Irian Barat, GTRIB) in 1953.
That same year, two uprisings against the Dutch colonial administration broke out in Papua. One occurred in the area surrounding Rumagesan’s traditional kingdom and was led by Abutalib bin Paris of Kokas, while another erupted in Waris District on 10 October 1953.
By 1953, the dispute over West Papua had become a defining issue in Indonesian domestic politics. Political parties from across the ideological spectrum—particularly the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI)—backed President Sukarno’s campaign to incorporate West Irian into Indonesia.
According to historians Audrey Kahin and George McTurnan Kahin, the PKI’s support for integration helped the party rebuild its political base while strengthening its image as a nationalist communist party aligned with Sukarno.
Also in 1953, during a visit by a delegation from the Dutch Parliament, petitions were submitted by leaders of the Nieuw Guinea Unity Movement (GPNG) in Hollandia, Biak, and Manokwari.
In addition to expressing their loyalty to the Dutch administration, the petitions called for improved access to education. They also highlighted growing local dissatisfaction over land disputes involving Eurasian settlers who had been resettled in Papua by the Dutch authorities.
In 1952, the Christelijk Werknemers Verbond Nieuw-Guinea–Perserikatan Sekerdja Kristen di Nieuw-Guinea (CWNG-Persekding), a Protestant labour organisation, was established. Initially, its primary concerns centred on the salaries of Dutch civil servants and the welfare of Eurasian contract workers.
Over time, the organisation expanded its focus to address the welfare of Indigenous Papuans and became increasingly active in education. Women’s groups affiliated with the organisation were also established, campaigning primarily for modern labour legislation.
Membership—particularly among Papuans—grew rapidly after 1957, exceeding 3,000 members by 1960.
Many Papuan members later joined the Papuan National Party (Parna), which advocated Papuan independence. Over time, however, several prominent figures within Parna, including E.J. Bonay and Frits Kirihio, began promoting cooperation with Indonesia. Under the leadership of Herman Wayoi, Parna subsequently became affiliated with the Indonesian National Party (PNI).
This shift was opposed by Kena U Embay, a movement established later, which argued that Parna was primarily seeking positions within the colonial bureaucracy. The group criticised Kirihio as the “Hitler of Papua” and instead advocated continued alignment with the Netherlands. (*)
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