AWPA -West Papua Update No 5/2026
28 September 2026.
The human rights situation in West Papua continues to deteriorate. There are ongoing military operations, regular clashes between the Indonesian security forces and the TPNPB and crackdowns on peacefully rallies held by civil society organisations in the territory.
IDP Update August’26: Central Govt notes presence of more than 120.000 persons internally displaced by armed conflict in West Papua
General, Human Rights News, Reports / Indonesia, West Papua / 7 September 2026
The period between July and August 2026 was characterised by new conflict-driven internal displacements in the regencies Yahukimo, Intan Jaya, and Paniai. Updated information on the situation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Oksop and the Puncak Regency over the same period describe ongoing displacements due to heavy military presence, ongoing security operations, and little or no humanitarian access for IDPs sheltering in forests and host communities. As of late August 2026, more than 127.031 civilians across multiple regencies in West Papua remained internally displaced due to military operations and armed conflict (see table below)……………………….
Full update
Human Rights Monitor
Papua Monitor Q2 2026: Escalating conflict, drone attacks and mass displacement
Human Rights News, Reports / Indonesia, West Papua / 28 July 2026
This 11-page report lists cases and developments, including human rights violations and their patterns; developments in the armed conflict and its impact on civilians; significant political shifts in Indonesia
affecting West Papua; and international responses and initiatives.
Summary
Human rights
From April to June 2026, the human rights situation in West Papua was dominated by military operations and armed violence in Puncak and Intan Jaya regencies, Papua Tengah Province. Security operations were also reported in Mimika, Nduga, Yahukimo and Lanny Jaya regencies. HRM documented 24 victims of alleged extrajudicial killings during the quarter, alongside a marked increase in reported ill-treatment linked to security-force operations in the central highlands…………………………..
Full PDF update. https://humanrightsmonitor.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/HRM-PMR-2026-03-Q2-2026-Papua-Monitor.pdf
Pacific support
The 55 Pacific Islands Forum was held in Koror, Republic of Palau between 31 August – 3 September. West Papua was mentioned in the Forum Communique
WEST PAPUA (PAPUA)
23. Leaders, recognising Indonesia’s sovereignty over West Papua (Papua), called on all parties to protect and uphold the human rights of all residents. Leaders recalled the decisions of Leaders in 2023 and 2025 on the appointment of Special Envoys, including the 2018 invitation by Indonesia to the UN Human Rights Commissioner and agreed to facilitate a dialogue with Indonesia on areas of shared interest for mutual understanding. Leaders further agreed to facilitate a mission with interested Leaders, in consultation with the Melanesian Spearhead Group Secretariat, and report back to Forum Leaders in 2027.
Full Communique
https://forumsec.org/sites/default/files/2026-09/55PIFLM%20Communique.pdf
Hopefully, the Leaders will continue to press Jakarta until it allows a visit by the UN Human Rights Commissioner to the territory
Kanaky was also mentioned in Communique
NEW CALEDONIA
21. Leaders welcomed the update on the recent political development provided by New Caledonia. Leaders reaffirmed the Forum's continued support to New Caledonia, and Leaders further reaffirmed the Forum's attentive role in continuing to engage with New Caledonia on its political, economic and social situation and on monitoring the self-determination process in New Caledonia.
22. Leaders recalled the process of self-determination in New Caledonia and further reaffirmed the support for sustained inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders towards a peaceful political transition. Leaders noted the outcomes of the Melanesian Spearhead Group Special Session convened in Koror on 31 August 2026.
Solomon Islands PM Raises West Papua Issue at UN
PNG Today. Posted by Staff Reporter International News
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale has raised concerns over reported human rights violations in West Papua during the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Speaking during a session on decolonisation, Wale described the people of West Papua as “our Melanesian brothers and sisters” and said reports of alleged human rights abuses had persisted for too long and should be independently verified. Wale said Solomon Islands continued to respect Indonesia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while maintaining its friendship with the Indonesian Government and people. He also renewed the Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ call for Indonesia to facilitate a long-awaited visit to West Papua by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. According to Wale, allowing the UN rights chief to visit West Papua would demonstrate confidence between the parties and create an opportunity for concerns about the situation to be independently assessed.
Meanwhile, Papua New Guinea’s position on West Papua has not been publicly stated during the week. Prime Minister James Marape remains one of two Pacific Islands Forum Special Envoys responsible for engaging Indonesia on the issue. Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is the other envoy.
The Melanesian Spearhead Group has set December 31, 2026, as the deadline for the proposed visit by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. MSG leaders have indicated that Indonesia’s associate membership of the group could be reviewed at its 2027 summit if access to West Papua is not granted
This year marked 64 years since he New York Agreement. West Papuans held rallies to commemorate this tragic event in their history. The security forces responded in their usual heavy-handed approach to demonstrations in West Papua.
West Papua: Protesters shot in police crackdown on demonstrations
KNPB supporters protesting in Jayapura City, West Papua, on August 15, against the New York Agreement, which robbed Papuans of their right to self determination. Photo: Jubi/Aida Ulim
Protests across West Papua on August 15 marked 64 years since a United States-brokered deal between the Netherlands and Indonesia robbed West Papuans of their right to self determination. The 1962 New York Agreement brought the former Dutch colony under Indonesian control. Police attacked hundreds of members of the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) and students from Cenderawasih University (Uncen) in Jayapura City on August 15, after security forces blocked the protest from marching to the Jayapura Regent's Office……………………….
An Al Jazeera (English ) youtube report on the rallies
Indonesia’s West Papuan protesters face police crackdown over independence calls
Indigenous West Papuans have taken to the streets across
Indonesia’s resource-rich West Papua region to mark the 64th anniversary of the
signing of the New York Agreement. In Jayapura and other towns, demonstrators
were met with tear gas and water cannon fired by Indonesian police. The 1962
agreement transferred control of the former Dutch colony to the United Nations
and later to Indonesia, ending hopes of independence for many Indigenous West
Papuans. Civil society groups, including the West Papua National Committee, say
the denial of self-determination remains a root cause of the decades-long
conflict. Military operations in the region have forced tens of thousands of people
from their homes, while Jakarta has deployed large numbers of troops. The
Indonesian government maintains that West Papua is part of its sovereign
territory and continues to reject independence efforts. Al Jazeera’s Joel Evans
reports....
'They just have to get out': Civilians pay the price for West Papua conflict
Tiana Haxton RNZ News Pacific 25 September 2026, 4:20pm
More than 125,000 people are reported to have been displaced in West Papua as armed conflict escalates, but the real number is likely much higher. A recent report from the Human Rights Monitor said military operations and armed violence have been particularly intense in the central highlands of Indonesian-ruled Papua region this year.
Indonesian security forces have been in an ongoing fight with small groups of guerilla fighters with the West Papua Liberation Army, or TPNPB, in the mountainous interior of Papua. A senior lecturer and researcher on South East Asian conflicts said it's the civilians caught in the middle who end up suffering the most.
Caught in the middle
Hipolitus Wangge, an Indonesian who is currently a senior lecturer at Universiti Sains Malaysia's Political Science Department, said many indigenous displaced people (IDPs) flee their home villages, and are forced to live in the jungle with limited access to supplies. He said 'the cycle of violence in West Papua' has shown no signs of ending anytime soon and fears that even more people will be displaced. "So both sides are busy claiming victories and asserting control over the area and its people, which just keeps the tension going," Wangge said. "Without any signs of talks or mediations, communications, building trust, people living in these conflict zones will continue to be caught in the middle.”
The Human Rights Monitor report documents dozens of armed clashes during the second quarter of this year directly impacting civilians: with drone attacks, shoot outs between forces, and villages burnt down. Recent reports from Yahukimno regency show that civilians continue to be victims of shootings by security forces. Wangge said that those not killed or injured in the conflict often have to run away. "You will find districts like Mimika, Nduga, Yahukimo, Puncak, Intan Jaya, those are the so-called hotspots of the conflict. They have been trying to live outside the kind of major battles." As the report explains, once these civilians have been displaced to makeshift forest camps, the lack of healthcare resources in particular results in even more deaths.
"Many of IDPs are still living in jungles. So they have to survive during these constrained situations living in the jungle with very limited basic supplies," Wangge explained.
Victims on both sides
Wangge said people on both sides can feel trapped between Indonesian forces and the West Papuan freedom fighters struggling for independence.
He noted a particular risk for civilians following reports of Papuans who are suspected of being spies for the Indonesian security forces being tracked down and killed.
"They cannot just choose between one side or the other, because both sides also have some potential or capacity to target these civilians," he explained.
"So they just they just have to get out and then try to find some safety because of the fear, because of constant trauma, because of the instability in highlands of West Papua."
For the indigenous people, the consequences of the conflict are immediate: a home abandoned, a village emptied, a family separated, a community forced into the jungle in search of somewhere safe.
But Wangge notes the exact scale of displacement is impossible to establish as outside access to West Papua is heavily restricted.
The reported figures of over 125-thousand displaced people come from accounts by family members, churches or other stakeholders involved. Wangge believes there are many displaced people unaccounted for.
"It's even higher than the actual number, the ones that have been reported in the media, but nobody knows in this situations because there is no access.”
Lack of access
For several years, Indonesia has rejected calls from the Pacific Islands region for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to send an independent fact-finding mission into Papua. The 18 members of the Pacific Islands Forum have repeatedly urged Indonesia to grant access since 2019. Similar calls have also come from the Melanesian Spearhead Group, made up of Fiji, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and New Caledonia's Kanak independence movement. But despite these numerous requests, this access for the UN rights commissioner has still not been given, and Wangge is not confident the visit will happen any time soon, despite claims by Jakarta that it is on track. He said "Indonesia is adamant that the West Papua issue should be dealt with domestically, claiming its not up for regional debate”. "So, it's clear there is a need to finally address this long-standing conflict. But from my chats with some Indonesian diplomats, it looks like the UN visit is not going to be a priority.
"Instead, the Indonesian government will probably go for bilateral talks. Indonesia in this regard seems more interested in talking with Pacific countries or organisations than in real dialogue with Papuan political leaders and organisations."
Hipolitus Wangge said he expects the situation to only worsen as the year progresses, with talks of more Indonesian military infrastructure to be built in the Highlands and southern parts of Papua.
Surveillance of local people
Human Rights Monitor (HRM) published its September Update on the Maybrat region “Living in the shadow of the gun”.
Residents describe a system of control that reaches into every part of village life. Marines stop everyone travelling on the main road, search their vehicles and photograph their identity cards and driving licences. Anyone going to their garden or customary land must first report to the Marine post, and once there they are followed by surveillance drones. At times, access to forest and gardens is banned outright because of “security operations”, cutting indigenous families off from food and income. ................. https://humanrightsmonitor.org/news/maybrat-update-september-2026-living-in-the-shadow-of-the-gun/
HRM also published a report on
Impunity update September 2026: Stalled investigations and internal proceedings leave victims of security force violence in West Papua without justice
Human Rights News / Indonesia, West Papua / 17 September 2026
The past weeks have been characterised by a re-occuring pattern of impunity across the Papuan provinces. Civilians died or were seriously injured during security operations, families and lawyers file reports, legislative bodies form special committees, and the police pledge transparent investigations. Months later, no suspect have been named, no case file has reached a prosecutor and the officers involved remain on duty. From Merauke in the south to Sorong in the west and the central highlands, recent cases documented by Papuan legal aid organisations and human rights groups show that internal disciplinary mechanisms and administrative delays continue to obstruct criminal accountability in West Papua.
ULMWP factions take first step towards reconciliation and reunification
Jayapura, Jubi – Representatives and supporters of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) have agreed to begin a process of reconciliation and reunification, following a meeting in Port Vila, Vanuatu, on Saturday (22/08/2026).
The meeting was convened by Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu’s Minister for Climate Change Adaptation, Energy, Environment, Meteorology, Geo-Hazards and Disaster Risk Management, and Joe Natuman, the government’s Special Envoy for Decolonisation and Maritime Boundary Delimitation.
The participants discussed the need to overcome divisions within the ULMWP and work together to advance the aspirations of the people of West Papua.
The meeting acknowledged continuing differences between ULMWP factions, represented at the meeting by Octavianus Mote and Benny Wenda. The participants also recognised the need to preserve and strengthen the West Papuan movement through cooperation and mutual respect.
They agreed in principle to take part in a reconciliation ceremony to be held in Port Vila in November 2026, which is intended to mark an important step towards restoring unity and encouraging constructive engagement among all stakeholders.
The meeting also recognised and supported the work of a Reconciliation Committee established in West Papua, which has been engaging with churches, customary leaders, communities and the wider West Papuan population.
As part of the process, the participants agreed to launch a structured “Reconciliation Pathway”, beginning immediately and leading towards the proposed reconciliation meeting in November.
The process will receive technical facilitation from the Berghof Foundation, the Pacific Conference of Churches, the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs and the Vanuatu National Council of Women.
The Vanuatu government said it was prepared to host and facilitate the process as part of its efforts to strengthen a united West Papuan voice on issues concerning the dignity, rights, welfare and human rights of Melanesian people in West Papua.
The government also urged all stakeholders to approach the reconciliation process in good faith, with humility, mutual respect and a shared commitment to the future of the people of West Papua.
Participants reaffirmed their belief that reconciliation and reunification were essential foundations for effective advocacy and joint engagement on issues affecting West Papua at national, regional and international levels.
The statement of intent was witnessed by Job Dalesa, chair of the Vanuatu Free West Papua Association, along with ULMWP members and senior officials attending the meeting. (*)
Director Dandhy Laksono: ‘What is happening in West Papua is pure colonialism’
22 September 2026 • 14 minutes reading time
The documentary Pesta Babi is causing quite a stir in Indonesia, and even far beyond the country’s borders. Yet co-director Dandhy Laksono remains as determined as ever. ‘The Papuan people deserve our full attention.’
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© Dandhy Laksono / Ontwerp: MO*
This year saw the release of Pesta Babi (literally translated as ‘Pig Festival’), the new documentary by directors Dandhy Laksono and Cypri Paju Dalu. The film is set in Papua, the western, Indonesian part of the island of New Guinea. The region is rich in gold, copper, nickel and gas, but also in vast areas of forest land which, according to the Indonesian government, are suitable for large-scale agriculture. Since 2020, forests in South Papua have been cleared on a massive scale to make way for food and energy plantations. Pesta Babi highlights the consequences of these ambitious projects whilst raising fundamental questions about land grabbing, militarisation and the rights of indigenous communities.
The documentary sparked a national debate in Indonesia that ultimately extends beyond deforestation alone: what is the relationship between the Indonesian state and the people of Papua? And to what extent does the country still bear the scars of its own colonial past? In the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, we speak to Dandhy Laksono, co-director of the film and one of the country’s best-known investigative journalists and documentary-makers. For more than twenty years, he has been exposing environmental problems, corruption, social inequality and human rights violations throughout the Indonesian archipelago. He gained recognition for, amongst other things, Sexy Killers (2019), about the close ties between the coal industry and the political elite, and Dirty Vote (2024), about the fraudulent use of campaign funds by the then presidential candidate and current president, Prabowo……………………….
The West Papua National Committee rejects government’s plan to register internally displaced Papuans
Jubi. News Desk August 25, 2026
The illustration of the West Papua National Committee. – Jubi/Aida Ulim
Jayapura, Jubi – The West Papua National Committee (KNPB) has rejected the Indonesian government’s plan to conduct a new registration of internally displaced people across conflict-affected areas of Papua, saying it fears the data collection will serve political interests rather than address the root causes of displacement.
The concern was raised by KNPB chair Agus Kossay in a written statement on Monday (August 24, 2026). Kossay said the proposed registration, announced by Indonesia’s Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai during a recent visit to Nabire, was aimed at strengthening Jakarta’s political position through a narrative of development and welfare in Papua.
“The KNPB firmly rejects the state’s plan to register internally displaced people through government institutions as comparative data on displacement in Papua, because it is intended to strengthen the Jakarta government’s position under the pretext of development and improving the welfare of Papuans,” Kossay said.
He said the KNPB based its position on data compiled by churches and human rights workers, which estimate that 125,931 people have been internally displaced by the armed conflict in Papua.
The organisation also rejected the involvement of individuals claiming to represent KNPB in any cooperation with the Ministry of Human Rights or the Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Papua’s Development (KEP2OKP) on the issue of internal displacement. Kossay referred to previous statements by Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai and KEP2OKP chair Velix Wanggai, who said the government intended to open dialogue with strategic organisations, including the KNPB, to discuss internally displaced people, ending violence and achieving lasting peace in Papua.
However, Kossay said the KNPB, both as an organisation and on behalf of the Papuan people, rejected the proposal because it did not address what it considers the root cause of the Papua conflict, which has resulted in civilian casualties and mass displacement.
According to Kossay, the conflict stems from the 1962 New York Agreement and Indonesia’s Trikora military operation, which he said undermined the United Nations mechanism for the 1969 Act of Free Choice and the Papuan people’s right to self-determination.
“This has been the main source of conflict in Papua for the past 65 years. The central government’s offer of development and welfare is not a framework for resolving the root causes of the Papua conflict. It is a framework for maintaining Indonesia’s illegal occupation of Papua,” he said.
Kossay argued that the Indonesian government and the Papuan people should instead agree on a conflict resolution process mediated by a neutral international party.
He said the KNPB continued to advocate for a review of what it described as legal and political violations surrounding the Papuan people’s right to self-determination under the 1962 New York Agreement.
The KNPB also called on political leaders from Pacific, African and Caribbean countries to urge Indonesia to grant access to the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the International Committee of the Red Cross to assess the situation of internally displaced people in conflict areas and investigate alleged human rights abuses and militarisation in Papua.
Kossay said the KNPB fully supported the classification of the situation in Papua as a non-international armed conflict involving the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) and the Indonesian state.
He said the Indonesian government should formally recognise that status so that all parties would be obliged to comply with international humanitarian law and human rights standards, while allowing independent international humanitarian organisations to assist internally displaced communities in conflict-affected areas. (*)
Indonesia's Human Rights Minister Says Papuans Can Demand Justice but Not Independence
Reporter Antara August 18, 2026 | 07:52 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai emphasized that the people of Papua are permitted to demand welfare, justice, and their rights, but they may not demand independence for Papua from the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
According to him, voicing aspirations and advocating for solutions to community issues remains permissible as long as it is done through lawful and constitutional means.
"What is not allowed is declaring, 'We want independence; let us break away from Indonesia.' That is forbidden. Other demands are permissible and pose no problem, provided they are pursued correctly—advocating for people in a way protected by law and grounded in a clear legal basis," Pigai said during a working visit to the Central Papua Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) in Nabire on Monday evening (August 17).
He stated that demanding a life of welfare, justice, prosperity, and health for the Papuan people is, in fact, part of fulfilling the constitutional mandate that must be championed.
Therefore, the public need not fear raising issues of injustice, provided there is a legal basis and the actions are carried out through legitimate mechanisms.
"However, if you are calling for the Papuan people to be prosperous, treated fairly, and healthy, you are actually upholding the mandate of the 1945 Constitution. That is something that must be fought for through both words and deeds. Never be afraid to speak out against injustice," he said.
Pigai encouraged the public and legislators in Central Papua to prioritize evidence-based advocacy by gathering facts, data, information, and documentation regarding the issues faced by the community.
He noted that complaints supported by evidence could be processed through legal mechanisms, potentially leading to binding court rulings.
"I say this because I am here in a conflict zone. If I were in the provincial capital, I wouldn't know the details. The goal here is to help protect the community and ensure justice for them," he said.
He also assessed that access to justice needs to be strengthened by bringing law enforcement institutions closer to communities in conflict-affected areas.
Pigai mentioned that he had received proposals to establish prosecutor's offices to serve the Paniai area and its surroundings, as well as the Puncak Jaya and Mulia areas and their vicinities. However, he noted that the presence of the prosecutor's office, the police, and the courts must be balanced by the strength of civil society and advocates capable of supporting citizens in fighting for their rights.
"The fact is, there will always be judges, prosecutors, and police. But who, then, stands up for the public? Who are the lawyers? Who provides the advocacy?" he asked.
Natalius Pigai emphasized that strengthening public advocacy does not run counter to the state, provided it is conducted within the framework of the law. In fact, he encourages the emergence of more champions of justice, truth, and humanity in Papua.
"As long as we have a voice, we must at least have the courage to speak out. Let more champions of justice, truth, and humanity emerge in Papua. If we compete to produce such advocates for humanity, the sun of justice will rise, starting from Central Papua," he said.
TNI commander says Papua separatists must be defeated
September 27, 2026 20:32 GMT+700
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian National Armed Forces Commander General Agus Subiyanto said separatist groups in Papua must be defeated, while security operations should be conducted alongside territorial approaches to support development and residents' welfare. "The OPM (Free Papua Movement) is separatist, so it must be defeated. There can be no separatists in our country," Agus told reporters in Jakarta on Sunday. Asked about public concerns over armed-group activities, Agus said resolving the Papua conflict could not rely solely on the military and required cooperation among multiple parties. "As I said from the beginning, resolving the Papua issue requires collaboration, not just the TNI. If it is only the TNI, there will be violence," he said.
Agus said the military was also conducting extensive territorial operations through various activities to support the needs of people in Papua. Those efforts include building churches, providing bore wells for clean water, repairing schools, delivering healthcare, and deploying soldiers to teach in remote areas. "So we go there to help accelerate development and improve the welfare of the people there, to speed up development," Agus said. Agus said security and development approaches must be pursued collaboratively so that efforts to address Papua's problems are not viewed solely through a military lens.
Earlier, OPM Kodap III Ndugama-Derakma leader Egianus Kogoya and operations commander Major Belia Kogeya protested the TNI's use of Super Tucano aircraft in military operations in Nduga, Highland Papua. Both rebel figures voiced objections to the use of heavy weaponry and aerial strikes during ongoing counterinsurgency operations in the area. The separatist group claimed airstrikes and heavy fire wounded six members, alleging military operations targeted coordinates near their Nduga headquarters. Translator: Devi NSR, Rahmad Nasution Editor: Azis Kurmala
Opinion pieces/reports/media releases etc.
The New York Agreement 64 years on - West Papuans 'still oppressed'
https://nit.com.au/13-08-2026/25927/the-new-york-agreement-64-years-on-west-papuans-still-oppressed
Papuan traditions and Empire’s mess
https://freedomnews.org.uk/2026/09/20/papuan-traditions-and-empires-mess/
PAPUA 2026 AUGUST List of information sources in Bahasa /English
https://awpasydneynews.blogspot.com/2026/09/papua-2026-august-list-of-information.html
West Papua: The Geopolitical Silence Surrounding an Indigenous People (Indonesia)
Breaking the Wall of Silence: Shoebridge on the Inaugural International Parliamentarians for West Papua Meet in Canberra
TAPOL's 3rd Quarterly Update 2026
https://tapol.org/news/tapols-3rd-quarterly-update-2026
Call for EOIs: HOPE Papua Holistic Outreach for Protecting and Empowering Children
AWPA statement on the New York Agreement
https://awpasydneynews.blogspot.com/2026/08/awpa-statement-64-years-since-new-york.html
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