2) Kwipalo indigenous community opposes alleged land clearing on customary land in Merauke
3) Papuan civilian allegedly tortured and subsequently executed following military detention in Intan Jaya
4) Pregnant woman and unborn baby killed by gunfire inside her home in Intan Jaya
5) American mission aviation pilot killed and civilian aircraft burned in Yahukimo
6) Govt, Komnas HAM launch probe into Papuan fatalities
7) DPD's Papua committee sets focus on Papuan safety, well-being
8) Papua Rights Group Urges Prabowo to Review Troop Deployment
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1) Military intervention at Kamuyen indigenous community’s blockade of disputed road project in Merauke
On 23 May 2026, members of the Kamuyen indigenous community reportedly maintained a peaceful blockade (pemalangan salib) against the construction of a 135-kilometre road project crossing their customary land in Nakias Village, Ngguti District, Merauke Regency, South Papua Province. According to reports, approximately 10 members of the Indonesian Army (TNI AD) attended the site and questioned community members about the blockade, raising concerns over the involvement of military personnel in a civil land dispute.
According to information received by LBH Papua Merauke, which represents the Kamuyen indigenous community, the community first erected a cross blockade on 8 October 2025 to prohibit activities on the disputed customary land. The organisation alleges that the cross was subsequently removed without consultation and that land-clearing activities continued. During the incident on 23 May 2026, community members reportedly informed the soldiers that they rejected both the company operating on their customary land and the National Strategic Project (PSN) associated with the road development. Earlier reports also alleged that company representatives sought to remove the blockade despite the community’s continued opposition.
LBH Papua Merauke further stated that the disputed road project remains the subject of ongoing legal proceedings and that the Jayapura Administrative High Court (PTUN Jayapura) had ordered that no activities should take place on the disputed land until a final judgment has been issued. Nevertheless, according to the reports received, activities associated with the project have continued.
LBH Papua Merauke further stated that the disputed road project remains the subject of ongoing legal proceedings and that the Jayapura Administrative High Court (PTUN Jayapura) had ordered that no activities should take place on the disputed land until a final judgment has been issued. Nevertheless, according to the reports received, activities associated with the project have continued.
The case raises concerns regarding the protection of Indigenous Peoples’ customary land rights, the right to peaceful protest, and the reported involvement of military personnel in a civilian land dispute. Relevant international standards include ICCPR Articles 21 and 27, ICESCR Article 1, and UNDRIP Articles 26 and 32, which recognise Indigenous Peoples’ rights to their traditional lands and require their free, prior and informed consent before development projects affecting those lands are undertaken.
Detailed Case Data
Document ID: HRM-CAS-097-2026
Region: Indonesia > South Papua > Merauke > Ngguti
Total number of victims: dozens
Document ID: HRM-CAS-097-2026
Region: Indonesia > South Papua > Merauke > Ngguti
Total number of victims: dozens
| # | Number of Victims | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1. | dozens | diverse | unknown | Indigenous Peoples | cultural rights |
Perpetrator: Republic Indonesia > Government
Issues: business, human rights and FPIC
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2) Kwipalo indigenous community opposes alleged land clearing on customary land in Merauke
On 15 May 2026, Indigenous landowners from the Kwipalo clan reportedly confronted workers of PT Murni Nusantara Mandiri (MNM) in Muchikai Hamlet, Jagebob District, Merauke Regency, South Papua Province, after the company allegedly continued clearing customary land belonging to the clan. According to the report, customary landowner Vincen Kwipalo and members of his extended family blocked two excavators and one company vehicle to prevent further land clearing.
The report alleges that the company continued the land-clearing activities despite objections from the customary landowners. The Kwipalo community called on solidarity groups, NGOs and environmental defenders to support their struggle against what they described as land grabbing linked to the National Strategic Project (PSN) in Merauke. No information has been received regarding an official response by the company or government authorities.
The case raises concerns regarding the protection of Indigenous Peoples’ customary land rights, including the right to free, prior and informed consent before development projects affect ancestral lands. Relevant standards include ICCPR Article 27, ICESCR Articles 1 and 15, and UNDRIP Articles 25, 26 and 32.
Detailed Case Data
Document ID: HRM-CAS-096-2026
Region: Indonesia > South Papua > Merauke > Jagebob
Total number of victims: dozens
Document ID: HRM-CAS-096-2026
Region: Indonesia > South Papua > Merauke > Jagebob
Total number of victims: dozens
| # | Number of Victims | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1. | dozens | diverse | unknown | Indigenous Peoples | cultural rights |
Perpetrator: Private Company
Perpetrator details: PT Murni Nusantara Mandiri (MNM)
Issues: business, human rights and FPIC—————————————————————————
3) Papuan civilian allegedly tortured and subsequently executed following military detention in Intan Jaya
Between 29 June and 1 July 2026, members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) allegedly tortured 19-year-old Papuan civilian, Mr Okto Tigau, during detention and subsequently executed him in the Mamba Village, Sugapa District, Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua Province. According to media sources and independent local sources, Mr Tigau was arbitrarily detained after being intercepted by military personnel whilst travelling to the local Population and Civil Registration Office to process his identity documents. His body was discovered on 1 July 2026 behind a military post with multiple gunshot wounds and extensive injuries reportedly consistent with torture. The allegations have not yet been investigated, and no official statements have been released by the TNI in response to the incident.
According to information from the victim’s family and witnesses, Mr Okto Tigau had travelled to Mamba Village to attend the funeral of a relative before intending to visit the Population and Civil Registration Office (Dukcapil) to process his identity card and other civil registration documents. On 29 June 2026, he reportedly travelled by motorcycle taxi towards the government office complex. Whilst passing the area between the government offices and the Maleo military post, Mr Tigau and the motorcycle taxi driver were allegedly stopped by TNI personnel. Both men were reportedly taken to a military post for questioning.
The driver was later released and informed the victim’s family that Mr Tigau remained in military custody. After receiving no further information regarding his whereabouts, relatives and local residents initiated a search. On 1 July 2026, his body was found behind the Rajawali Habema military post in Mamba Village. Family members alleged that he had been tortured before being killed. According to reports, the body displayed multiple gunshot wounds to the chest and neck, stab wounds to the head, injuries to the face, and other severe wounds, including the partial removal of both ears (see photos below, source: independent HRDs). These allegations require an independent forensic investigation to establish the precise cause and circumstances of death.
The discovery of Mr Tigau’s body prompted strong reactions from local authorities, community representatives and national officials. The Regent of Intan Jaya, Mr Aner Maisini, expressed deep concern over the incident and called on the President, the Minister of Defence and the Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces to review the deployment of non-organic military units in Intan Jaya. He stressed that even where security forces suspect an individual of links to an armed group, Indonesian law requires due process and prohibits arbitrary deprivation of life.
Indonesia’s Minister for Human Rights, Mr Natalius Pigai, likewise urged the TNI Commander and the Chief of the Indonesian National Police to exercise greater control over personnel deployed in West Papua and emphasised that the protection of civilians must remain the highest priority. Representatives of the Central Papua Papuan People’s Assembly (MRP) also called for an independent investigation and raised concerns about the continuing escalation of violence and its impact on civilians in Intan Jaya. At the time of writing, no official statement from the TNI addressing the allegations surrounding Tigau’s death had been reported.
Human rights analysis
If an investigation confirms the allegations, the arbitrary detention, torture and killing of Mr Okto Tigau would constitute serious violations of the right to life, the prohibition of torture and the right to liberty and security of person under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), including Articles 6, 7 and 9. Indonesia would also have an obligation to conduct a prompt, effective, independent and impartial investigation in accordance with the Minnesota Protocol on the Investigation of Potentially Unlawful Death (2016). The allegations further engage Indonesia’s obligations under the Convention against Torture (CAT), Articles 2, 12 and 13, as well as Articles 28A and 28I of the 1945 Constitution and Law No. 39 of 1999 on Human Rights.
Human Rights Monitor calls on the Indonesian authorities to secure and preserve all evidence, conduct an independent forensic examination, ensure witness protection, establish the circumstances surrounding Mr Tigau’s detention and death, and hold all those responsible accountable through fair and transparent judicial proceedings.
Relatives and community members mourn the loss of Mr Okto Tigau
Relatives and community members find Okto Tigau’s body in Mamba Village, 1 July 2026
Detailed Case Data
Document ID: HRM-CAS-095-2026
Region: Indonesia > Central Papua > Intan Jaya > Sugapa
Total number of victims: 1
Document ID: HRM-CAS-095-2026
Region: Indonesia > Central Papua > Intan Jaya > Sugapa
Total number of victims: 1
| # | Number of Victims | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1. | 1 | Okto Tigau | male | 19 | Indigenous Peoples | arbitrary detention, execution, right to life, torture |
Perpetrator: Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces > Indonesian Military (TNI)
Perpetrator details: Members of the Rajawali Maleo TNI Post in Mamba Village
Issues: indigenous peoples, security force violence——————————————————————————
4) Pregnant woman and unborn baby killed by gunfire inside her home in Intan Jaya
A pregnant indigenous woman, Mrs Melkiana Duwitau, 31, was killed after a bullet penetrated the wall of her home in the J2 area of Wandoga Village, Sugapa District, Intan Jaya Regency, on 2 July 2026. The incident occurred amid an exchange of gunfire in and around Sugapa. According to initial reports from local Human Rights Defenders and community sources, Mrs Duwitau succumbed to her injuries. The unborn child later died in the hospital following the mother’s death. At the time of writing, the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain contested and have not been independently verified.
Local sources confirmed that gunfire erupted between 7:.30 pm and 8.00 pm in the vicinity of Bilogai and Wandoga villages. Witnesses say that Indonesian military personnel stationed at a military post in the J2 area allegedly opened fire towards civilian residential areas following an earlier exchange of gunfire. During the incident, a bullet reportedly penetrated the wall of Mrs Melkiana Duwitau’s house and fatally wounded her whilst she was inside. Following the shooting, she was taken to the Sugapa Health Centre, where medical personnel confirmed her death.
Subsequent reports indicate that doctors carried out an emergency caesarean section after her admission, finding that the baby had already died. On 3 July 2026, the bodies of Melkiana Duwitau and her unborn child were reportedly transferred from the Sugapa Health Centre to the family’s funeral home in Wandoga. The funeral procession was accompanied by members of the local community, students, traders and community leaders, who marched through Sugapa whilst expressing grief and calling for justice (see photos and videos below, source: independent HRD).
Background
Human Rights Monitor is not aware of any official statement by the Indonesian military or police addressing the shooting of Mrs Melkiana Duwitau, while similar incidents have repeatedly occurred in Suagapa. An armed clash in the Yokatapa Village, Sugapa District, Intan Jaya Regency, Papua Tengah Province, on 8 April 2024, resulted in the death of thirteen-year-old Ronaldus Duwitau. Six-year-old Nepina Duwitau sustained multiple bullet wounds on the hand and the head. he gunshots reportedly rang out from the nearby Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) posts located next to Bank Papua Sugapa.
The incident occurred against the backdrop of a marked escalation of armed violence in Intan Jaya in the past months, including repeated reports of drone strikes, house burnings and exchanges of fire between Indonesian security forces and the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB). Local Human Rights Defenders continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the origin of the fatal bullet.
Human rights analysis
The reported killing of Mrs Melkiana Duwitau raises serious concerns under international human rights law. Security forces are required to distinguish at all times between civilians and persons directly participating in hostilities and to take all feasible precautions to protect civilian life during security operations. The alleged firing of live ammunition into residential areas, resulting in the death of a pregnant civilian inside her home, potentially constitute a grave violation of the right to life as protected under Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and may also engage Indonesia’s obligations under international humanitarian law as the incident occurred as part of the ongoing non-international armed conflict in West Papua.
Shooting in Sugapa that reportedly occurred around 7:30 pm, on 2 July 2026
Detailed Case Data
Document ID: HRM-CAS-097-2026
Region: Indonesia > Central Papua > Intan Jaya > Sugapa
Total number of victims: 2
Document ID: HRM-CAS-097-2026
Region: Indonesia > Central Papua > Intan Jaya > Sugapa
Total number of victims: 2
| # | Number of Victims | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1. | 1 | Meliana Duwitau | female | 31 | Indigenous Peoples | right to life, unlawful killing |
| 2. | 1 | unborn baby | 0 - 3 years | Indigenous Peoples | right to life, unlawful killing |
Perpetrator: Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces > Indonesian Military (TNI)
Issues: , indigenous peoples, security force violence, women and children
Sources:
Sasagupapua.com
Related Cases:
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5) American mission aviation pilot killed and civilian aircraft burned in Yahukimo
On 2 July 2026, members of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) reportedly shot and killed American pilot Nicholas F. Goselin after a PT Associated Mission Aviation (AMA) aircraft, registration PK-RCY, landed at Ipdeheik Airstrip in Balinggama Village, Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan province. The aircraft was subsequently burned. Seven Papuan passengers on board reportedly survived the attack. The incident resulted in the immediate suspension of PT AMA’s pioneer flight operations in the Wamena and Dekai service areas, disrupting a vital air transport network serving remote communities.
According to aviation information cited by BBC Indonesia, the aircraft departed Wamena Airport at approximately 06.30 am and landed at Balinggama at approximately 06.46 am. After the pilot reported that the aircraft had landed, communication with the airstrip reportedly broke off. Authorities later received emergency information between approximately 09.39 and 09.49 am. Indonesian military forces evacuated the pilot’s body on 3 July 2026, while reporting that all seven passengers were safe.
On the day of the attack, PT AMA formally notified Indonesia’s Directorate of Air Transport that it was suspending all pioneer flight operations in the Wamena and Dekai areas until further notice because of the deteriorating security situation. The suspension affected one of the principal air transport providers serving remote communities in Yahukimo and neighbouring regencies, where air transport is essential for the movement of people, food, medicines and other basic supplies.
TPNPB representatives claimed responsibility for the killing and the burning of the aircraft, alleging that civilian aircraft had been used to transport Indonesian military personnel and logistics into areas considered by TPNPB to be operational zones. The Director of PT AMA, Bob Kayadu, rejected these allegations, stating that AMA does not transport military goods and that cargo can be verified through flight manifests. The Catholic Bishop of Jayapura, Mgr. Yanuarius Theofilus Matopai You, also stated that AMA operates as a church-linked humanitarian aviation service for remote communities and denied that the aircraft was used for military purposes.
The attack forms part of a broader pattern of attacks against civilian aviation in West Papua since 2021. Beyond the immediate loss of life, such attacks disrupt humanitarian access, medical referrals, food distribution, education, church services and government services in mountainous areas where air transport is often the only practical means of reaching remote indigenous communities. Following the attack, PT AMA suspended operations in the affected region because of security concerns.
Deliberate attacks against civilians and civilian objects are prohibited under international humanitarian law. Civilian aircraft are presumed to be civilian objects unless they become military objectives under the applicable rules of international humanitarian law. The publicly available information concerning alleged military use of the aircraft remains disputed. TPNPB alleged that civilian aircraft were transporting Indonesian military personnel and supplies, whereas PT AMA and church representatives categorically denied these allegations and stated that the airline operated exclusively for humanitarian and civilian purposes. These competing claims require an independent and impartial investigation before any conclusions can be drawn.
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6) Govt, Komnas HAM launch probe into Papuan fatalities
July 6, 2026 19:59 GMT+700
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government and the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) will investigate the deaths of civilians during a recent armed confrontation in Papua.
The investigation will cover the deaths of Melkiana Duwitau, a pregnant woman, and her unborn baby, who were killed during an exchange of fire between military personnel and armed insurgents in Intan Jaya, Central Papua, last week.
"The government will take concrete legal measures to investigate the deaths of civilians, including a pregnant mother, during the armed conflict in Papua," Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Affairs Yusril Ihza Mahendra stated at a press conference with Komnas HAM on Monday.
Yusril said that while the government and the Indonesian military are conducting their own investigation, Komnas HAM, at the same time, will carry out its probe and submit its recommendations to the government, the minister said.
He added that the security operations against armed criminal groups in Papua avoid impact on civilian lives.
Yusril also said the investigation should be fair and impartial to determine the circumstances surrounding the civilian fatalities during the clash between military forces and armed insurgents.
"Let us hear Komnas HAM's recommendations to the government once it completes the investigation," he added.
Meanwhile, Komnas HAM stated an armed confrontation on July 2 between the Indonesian military's Habema Joint Operations Command and groups affiliated with the Free Papua Movement (OPM) in Wandoga Village, Intan Jaya District, Central Papua, resulted in civilian casualties.
Based on its preliminary findings, the agency said Melkiana Duwitau, who was eight months pregnant, was struck by stray bullets while inside her home, killing both her and the unborn baby. The military stated that she was shot by the armed insurgents.
Komnas HAM also highlighted an attack on a passenger plane operated by Associated Mission Aviation (AMA) in Balinggama, Yahukimo District, Papua Pegunungan, on the same day.
The agency said the attack was suspected to have been carried out by an OPM faction led by Elkius Kobak.
The incident killed American pilot Nicholas F. Goselin, while the seven Papuan passengers on board were unharmed.
The agency stated that the recent armed escalation in Papua has also claimed the lives of a local priest, a military officer, and a member of the armed group.
Related news: Task force confirms Bakusip group behind killing of US pilot in Papua
The investigation will cover the deaths of Melkiana Duwitau, a pregnant woman, and her unborn baby, who were killed during an exchange of fire between military personnel and armed insurgents in Intan Jaya, Central Papua, last week.
"The government will take concrete legal measures to investigate the deaths of civilians, including a pregnant mother, during the armed conflict in Papua," Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Affairs Yusril Ihza Mahendra stated at a press conference with Komnas HAM on Monday.
Yusril said that while the government and the Indonesian military are conducting their own investigation, Komnas HAM, at the same time, will carry out its probe and submit its recommendations to the government, the minister said.
He added that the security operations against armed criminal groups in Papua avoid impact on civilian lives.
Yusril also said the investigation should be fair and impartial to determine the circumstances surrounding the civilian fatalities during the clash between military forces and armed insurgents.
"Let us hear Komnas HAM's recommendations to the government once it completes the investigation," he added.
Meanwhile, Komnas HAM stated an armed confrontation on July 2 between the Indonesian military's Habema Joint Operations Command and groups affiliated with the Free Papua Movement (OPM) in Wandoga Village, Intan Jaya District, Central Papua, resulted in civilian casualties.
Based on its preliminary findings, the agency said Melkiana Duwitau, who was eight months pregnant, was struck by stray bullets while inside her home, killing both her and the unborn baby. The military stated that she was shot by the armed insurgents.
Komnas HAM also highlighted an attack on a passenger plane operated by Associated Mission Aviation (AMA) in Balinggama, Yahukimo District, Papua Pegunungan, on the same day.
The agency said the attack was suspected to have been carried out by an OPM faction led by Elkius Kobak.
The incident killed American pilot Nicholas F. Goselin, while the seven Papuan passengers on board were unharmed.
The agency stated that the recent armed escalation in Papua has also claimed the lives of a local priest, a military officer, and a member of the armed group.
Related news: Task force confirms Bakusip group behind killing of US pilot in Papua
Translator: Devi Nindy Sari R, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Bayu Prasetyo
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7) DPD's Papua committee sets focus on Papuan safety, well-being
July 6, 2026 15:03 GMT+700
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Regional Representative Council’s (DPD) Special Committee on Conflict Resolution and Humanitarian Affairs in Papua has reaffirmed its commitment to focusing on the safety and well-being of the Papuan people.
The statement comes in response to a string of recent violent incidents, including the fatal shooting of an American pilot by an armed group in Yahukimo, Highland Papua, and the death of a pregnant woman hit by a stray bullet in Intan Jaya, Central Papua.
Speaking during a press conference at the parliament complex in Jakarta, DPD Deputy Speaker Yorrys Raweyai stated that following its formation in May, the committee held its inaugural meeting this Monday.
"We have just finalized the committee's membership, and today we began scheduling our discussions to map out all the ongoing issues in Papua," he said.
Yorrys, who serves as the committee's chair, stated that the team plans to invite relevant stakeholders to delve deeper into the issues plaguing Papua and conduct field advocacy. This approach is expected to help the committee draft a set of comprehensive policy recommendations.
He noted that the committee will focus on two core issues, security matters - including alleged human rights violations - and the controversies surrounding the government's National Strategic Projects (PSNs).
Meanwhile, DPD member Eka Kristina Yeimo stressed that the government and lawmakers must pay serious attention to the violence in Papua, underscoring that the recent incidents cannot be allowed to continue.
In this regard, the special committee also aims to bridge the growing anxieties and concerns of the Papuan people regarding rights they feel have been neglected.
According to her, the complexity of the situation in Papua shows that no matter what incident occurs, it is the consequence of a series of unaddressed causes.
As the conflicts in Papua have forced some residents to flee their homes, the committee will also address the issue of displaced persons, particularly the fulfillment of the rights of vulnerable groups.
Related news: TNI to boost security deployment in vulnerable Papua areas
Related news: Govt allocates US$294.1 million to develop modern agriculture in Papua
The statement comes in response to a string of recent violent incidents, including the fatal shooting of an American pilot by an armed group in Yahukimo, Highland Papua, and the death of a pregnant woman hit by a stray bullet in Intan Jaya, Central Papua.
Speaking during a press conference at the parliament complex in Jakarta, DPD Deputy Speaker Yorrys Raweyai stated that following its formation in May, the committee held its inaugural meeting this Monday.
"We have just finalized the committee's membership, and today we began scheduling our discussions to map out all the ongoing issues in Papua," he said.
Yorrys, who serves as the committee's chair, stated that the team plans to invite relevant stakeholders to delve deeper into the issues plaguing Papua and conduct field advocacy. This approach is expected to help the committee draft a set of comprehensive policy recommendations.
He noted that the committee will focus on two core issues, security matters - including alleged human rights violations - and the controversies surrounding the government's National Strategic Projects (PSNs).
Meanwhile, DPD member Eka Kristina Yeimo stressed that the government and lawmakers must pay serious attention to the violence in Papua, underscoring that the recent incidents cannot be allowed to continue.
In this regard, the special committee also aims to bridge the growing anxieties and concerns of the Papuan people regarding rights they feel have been neglected.
According to her, the complexity of the situation in Papua shows that no matter what incident occurs, it is the consequence of a series of unaddressed causes.
As the conflicts in Papua have forced some residents to flee their homes, the committee will also address the issue of displaced persons, particularly the fulfillment of the rights of vulnerable groups.
Related news: TNI to boost security deployment in vulnerable Papua areas
Related news: Govt allocates US$294.1 million to develop modern agriculture in Papua
Translator: Fath Putra, Raka Adji
Editor: Primayanti
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8) Papua Rights Group Urges Prabowo to Review Troop Deployment
Reporter Hendrik Yaputra July 6, 2026 | 11:23 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Executive Director of the Papua Human Rights and Justice Foundation (YKKMP) Theo Hesegem has urged Indonesian President Prabowo Subiantoto reevaluate the policy of deploying non-organic troops to Papua. According to him, the security approach is unable to solve the Papua problem.
"The security approach actually results in loss of life, displacement of the population, and deteriorating humanitarian conditions in various areas of Papua," said the humanitarian activist in Papua in a written statement on Monday, July 6, 2026.
According to Theo, one of the latest victims is American pilot Nicholas F. Goselin. Goselin was shot dead by the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM) in the Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Highlands, on Thursday, July 2, 2026. TPNPB-OPM accused the aircraft flown by Goselin of carrying logistics for the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) in Papua.
According to Theo, the conflict between the two parties sacrifices civilians, including pilots. However, civilian pilots play a crucial role in humanitarian services in Papua, as they transport healthcare workers, teachers, patients, logistics, food, medicine, and basic necessities to remote areas. "These areas can only be reached by air," he said.
In the perspective of international humanitarian law, he added, civilian flight pilots are considered civilians as long as they do not take direct part in hostilities. They should not be targeted in an attack.
The same protection also applies to healthcare workers, teachers, humanitarian volunteers, religious figures, women, children, the elderly, and the entire civilian population.
Therefore, he urged Prabowo to evaluate all security policies in Papua, prioritize peaceful dialogue, and ensure that healthcare, education, and humanitarian aid services continue to operate.
Tempo tried to confirm this with Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi. However, he has not responded.
Based on the Project Multatuli research in 2025, there are 83,177 personnel of combined organic forces of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the National Police (Polri) serving in Papua. This number consists of 56,517 TNI soldiers and 26,660 Polri personnel scattered across Papua.
Spokesperson for the TPNPB headquarters Sebby Sambom previously stated that the shooting of the American pilot and the burning were carried out by the TPNPB Kodap XVI Yahukimo militia led by Elkius Kobak. The aircraft flown by Nicholas was executed because it was suspected of carrying logistics for the TNI in Papua. Commander of the III Kogabwilhan Lieutenant General Lucky Avianto also confirmed that the pilot was shot by the TPNPN militia led by Elkius Kobak.
Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago stated that the government will not tolerate any form of violence. According to him, the shooting has affected the activities of the population, as air transport has become the lifeline for the people of Papua.
Djamari stated that the ministry will push for an investigation process and law enforcement measures against the perpetrators while also promoting efforts to secure pioneer flights to ensure the safety of the population and the continuity of public services," said the retired general on Saturday, July 4, 2026.
Read: Indonesian Military to Reinforce Troops in Papua After Pilot Killing
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