1) The right to health in West Papua – Systemic barriers to adequate healthcare
13 April 2026 / 5 minutes of reading
Over a three-month period spanning January to March 2026, multiple incidents across the Papua Provinces have raised serious concerns about the state of healthcare access for indigenous Papuans, not only in remote communities but also in urban areas. The cases documented below point to systemic failures at several levels of the healthcare system. Issues of concern reportedly included the misuse of public health infrastructure, the absence of basic services in geographically isolated communities, the prioritisation of administrative procedures over emergency care, and the compounding impact of armed conflict on civilian health outcomes. These failures carry implications under Indonesian constitutional law, the Special Autonomy framework for Papua, and international human rights standards, including the right to the highest attainable standard of health as guaranteed under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).
While the reported incidents distinct in their immediate circumstances, the cases reflect a set of recurring structural conditions. There is a persistent absence of healthcare facilities in geographically remote communities, with severe disruption to healthcare systems in conflict-affected areas. Instead of allowing humanitarian access to internally displaced persons and reinforce adequate healthcare services in conflict-affected areas across West Papua, the Indonesian government deploys more troops to these areas. Soldiers guard health institutions or patrol from door-to door, offering basic medical examinations. Such measures add to the already existing trauma among the indigenous population and are no sustainable solution to West Papua’s long-standing health crisis. Similarly concerning is the growing trend of reported cases involving administrative protocols that have taken precedence over emergency medical response.
Case examples
On 29 January 2026, a community leader in Sinak District, Puncak Regency, Central Papua, fell seriously ill and required urgent referral to a higher-level facility (see photo on top & video below, source: independent HRD). Residents transported the patient on a makeshift stretcher along a rocky road, as no ambulance was available to them. According to witness accounts and a subsequent open letter addressed to the President of Indonesia and relevant provincial and regency authorities, a government health department vehicle was stationed at the scene. When residents requested that it be used to transport the patient, the officer in charge declined. The letter further alleged that the same vehicle had been observed on prior occasions being used to transport personal goods such as firewood and building materials rather than patients.
A longer-standing and more structurally entrenched situation has been documented in Omon Village, Jayapura Regency, home to members of the Elseng indigenous community. Despite being recorded in government and academic documents since at least 1970, the village has no road access, no electricity, no school, and no permanent healthcare facility. Reaching the nearest health clinic in Bangai Village requires an approximately 18-kilometre journey on foot through dense rainforest, crossing multiple rivers. Volunteer medical workers from the Papua Medical Community Without Borders, who have been visiting the community since 2021, report that sick residents must be carried by relatives along this route and that some have died before reaching care. Maternal deaths during unassisted home births have been reported by community members as recurring. During a medical visit in December 2025 volunteers examined 75 residents and documented 21 cases of malaria, 14 of acute respiratory infection, and additional cases of skin infection, hypertension, digestive disorders, and anaemia. Village leadership has raised these issues at district-level development planning consultations repeatedly over the years, without resulting in concrete improvements. The Jayapura Deputy Regent, acknowledging the village’s isolation, stated in late 2025 that road construction would be budgeted for 2026.
On 8 March 2026, Martina Biri, a 23-year-old student from the Kimyal tribe and originally from Yahukimo Regency, reportedly died at Yowari District General Hospital in Jayapura Regency. According to accounts provided by her family and corroborated by a community statement from Kimyal residents in Jayapura, Mrs Biri arrived at the hospital at approximately 5:15 pm in a deteriorating condition. The person accompanying her informed duty staff that the patient required immediate attention, but staff directed them to complete administrative registration before treatment proceeded. The patient was subsequently taken to a blood testing room, where she waited approximately 10 to 15 minutes. When her companion briefly left to collect the test results, Mrs Biri was found unresponsive in the hospital reception area and was pronounced dead without receiving substantive medical treatment. The Director of Yowari Hospital acknowledged the concerns raised by the family and confirmed that an internal clinical audit and CCTV review would be conducted. The family has requested the dismissal of staff on duty at the time, transparency regarding hospital procedures see video below, source: independent HRD). This incident has been raised in the context of a broader concern about administrative barriers for patients immediately requiring emergency care.
In Intan Jaya Regency, the healthcare situation is further complicated by ongoing armed conflict between Indonesian security forces and the West Papua National Liberation Army. Reporting and field data collected between 2019 and 2025, with conditions continuing into early 2026, document the closure or dysfunctionality of community health centres, the withdrawal of medical personnel from outside the region due to safety concerns, the disruption of immunisation and maternal health programmes, and deteriorating sanitation conditions among the internally displaced populations (IDPs). IDPs have increased exposure to infectious disease, while the militarisation of civilian spaces continues. Heavy military presence in and near public facilities has contributed to reduced community trust in public services. Six health centres in Intan Jaya have been identified as requiring serious the serious attention of the local government. The presence of armed personnel and security operations cause fear, stress and psychological trauma amongst the population in Intan Jaya. This situation has reportedly led to an increase in mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, particularly amongst women, children and the elderly. Limited availability of healthcare workers, particularly doctors and nurses from outside the region, has resulted in rising rates of illness and mortality.
Relatives demand an explanation for the delayed emergency treatment of twenty-year old Martina Biri at Yowari Hospital, Jayapura Regency, 8 March 2026
Community members have to carry a sick village leader in the Sinak District to the nearest hospital in Puncak Regency, 29 January 2026
Detailed Case Data Region: Indonesia, Central Papua, Intan Jaya Region: Indonesia, Papua, Jayapura Regency Region: Indonesia, Central Papua, Puncak Total number of victims: thousands
#
Number of Victims
Name, Details
Gender
Age
Group Affiliation
Violations
1.
1
male
elderly
Indigenous Peoples
right to health
2.
1
Martina Biri
female
0
Indigenous Peoples
right to health
3.
hundreds
Indigenous Peoples
right to health
4.
thousands
Indigenous Peoples
right to health
Period of incident: 10/12/2025 – 31/03/2026 Perpetrator: , Public Health Services Issues: indigenous peoples, women and children
2) Missionary priest who shaped Papua Church dies at 86
Dutch-born Franciscan Nicolas Syukur Dister spent over five decades forming clergy, laity in Indonesia’s easternmost region
By UCA News reporter Published: April 13, 2026 05:32 AM GMT
Indonesian Catholics are mourning the death of Father Nicolas Syukur Dister, a Dutch-born Franciscan missionary who devoted more than five decades to the vast archipelagic nation, particularly in its easternmost region of Papua.
Widely known as Father Nico, he died in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, on April 11. He was 86.
In an official announcement, the Dutch Franciscan order described him as “a strong and resolute brother, a man of prayer, and a great scholar with extraordinary diligence.”
“He formed many outstanding people, both clergy and laity, including myself as the first indigenous Papuan bishop,” he told UCA News.
Dister was born in Maastricht, the Netherlands, on March 7, 1939. After studying philosophy and theology at the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium and the University of Münster in Germany, he arrived in Indonesia in 1973. He taught at the Driyarkara School of Philosophy in Jakarta and at the Karya Wacana Catechetical Institute before responding to a missionary call to Papua.
In 1983, he joined the Fajar Timur School of Philosophy and Theology in Jayapura, where he later served as rector from 1984 to 1988. There, he helped lay the foundations of a theological tradition rooted in the social, cultural and existential realities of Papuans.
Dister later renounced his Dutch citizenship and became an Indonesian citizen, adopting the name “Syukur,” meaning gratitude, which he said symbolized the diversity of the Indonesian archipelago. He returned to the Netherlands in April 2024.
Evans Silitubun, an alumnus of the Fajar Timur institute, remembered him as a rare fatherly figure.
“When our faith was nearly shattered by questions, Father Nico never judged us. Instead, he said, ‘Doubt first, but do not stop there. Let us search together.’ He taught us that true faith is never afraid of questions,” Silitubun said.
Soleman Itlay, a young Papuan Catholic activist, described Dister as a guardian of the Church’s memory in Papua.
“Our struggle to establish Catholic Mission Day in Papua could not be separated from Father Nico’s advice. He consistently reminded us of the importance of preserving the history of the Catholic mission and its heritage in Papua,” he said.
“He frequently guided us so that we would not lose the historical roots of the Catholic faith in Papua. Even shortly before his departure, Father Nico remained active in our discussion group, offering insights and thoughtful notes,” he added.
Beyond teaching, Dister co-founded the Papua Daughters of Mercy Foundation in 1992 with Sister Maricen Warson DSY in Sentani, Jayapura Regency. The foundation serves orphans, widows and economically marginalized communities, with many of those in its care later becoming teachers, university graduates and professionals across Papua.
1) The right to health in West Papua – Systemic barriers to adequate healthcare
2) Missionary priest who shaped Papua Church dies at 86
1) Military members arbitrarily detain and torture two KNPB activists in Dekai, Yahukimo
10 April 2026 / 3 minutes of reading
On 23 March 2026, Marine Corps (TNI AL) members arbitrarily detained Yuni Suhun, 23, and Mr Eliaton Wetapo, 31, at the marines’ post in the Kokamo Village, Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency, Highlands Papua Province. They were reportedly subjected to torture during interrogation. Both detainees are indigenous Papuans and associated with the West Papua National Committee (KNPB), a movement organisation, promoting the right to self-determination through peaceful means.
Mr Yuni Suhun and Mr Eliaton Wetapo were on the way to the river to pan for gold when they were intercepted at the marines control post in the Kokamo Village. The TNI-AL personnel detained them inside the military post. The military personnel reportedly tortured both activists during detention after finding KNPB-related video content on their mobile phones. The detainees were blindfolded and subsequently beaten on the head with bare hands and blunt objects while their hands were tied behind the back. The ties were only removed for eating.
Mr Suhun and Mr Wetapo were released on 25 March 2026 at 11:20 am after attending a ceremony in which they were coerced to kiss the Indonesian flag and pledge allegiance.
Human rights analysis
The arbitrary detention and torture both constitute serious violations of international human rights law and Indonesia’s domestic legal framework. The arrest, carried out without a warrant and in the absence of any clearly defined criminal offence, violates the right to liberty and security of person as guaranteed under Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Furthermore, the treatment inflicted upon Mr Suhun amounts to torture or, at a minimum, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment under Article 7 of the ICCPR and the Convention against Torture (CAT), to which Indonesia is a state party. The coercion to participate in a ceremony pledging allegiance to the Indonesian flag further infringes upon the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and political expression under Article 18 and Article 19 ICCPR.
The targeting of Mr Yuni Suhun and Mr Eliaton Wetapo based on their alleged association with the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) raises additional concerns regarding discrimination and repression of peaceful political activity. As described, the KNPB promotes the right to self-determination through non-violent means, which is protected under international law, including Article 1 ICCPR. The actions of the Marine Corps personnel indicate a pattern of criminalising peaceful political expression and collective identity among indigenous Papuans.
These acts may also violate provisions of Indonesia’s Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), which requires lawful arrest procedures and prohibits coercion, as well as obligations under the Indonesian Constitution to respect human dignity. Immediate, independent, and impartial investigations are required to ensure accountability. The incident is part of a broader pattern of arbitrary detentions in the Yahukimo Regency since January 2026.
2) Police officers fire rubber bullets at villagers following protest in Kaugapu Village, Mimika Regency – Seven protestors injured
10 April 2026 / 2 minutes of reading
On 24 March 2026, Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob), members reportedly used excessive force against civilians during a community protest in Kaugapu Village, East Mimika District, Mimika Regency, Central Papua Province, resulting in seven residents sustaining gunshot wounds from rubber bullets. The incident occurred following tensions related to the poisoning of dogs belonging to the village head and longstanding grievances over unresolved customary land compensation.
On 23 March 2026, three dogs belonging to the Head of Kaugapu Village, Mr Xaverius Kapirapu, were allegedly poisoned, triggering anger among residents. In response, at approximately 07:00 am the following morning, members of the community erected a roadblock by felling a large tree across the Timika–Paomako main road, rendering it impassable until approximately 3:00 pm
The protest was not solely directed at the poisoning incident but was also driven by longstanding frustration regarding unresolved customary land disputes. Community members claim that land was appropriated during the tenure of former Mimika Regent Eltinus Omaleng without subsequent compensation to customary rights holders.
At approximately 5:15 pm, a large contingent of Brimob personnel arrived at the location. According to eyewitness accounts, security forces responded with the use of rubber bullets against the assembled villagers as tensions between the villagers and the police unfolded (see videos below, source: independent HRD). This action triggered a confrontation between the authorities and residents.
As a result, seven individuals sustained gunshot wounds. One victim required hospital treatment, while six others were treated privately at home. Later that evening, at approximately 8:00 pm, negotiations between community representatives and the village head resulted in the reopening of the road.
Human rights analysis
The reported use of excessive force against civilians raises serious concerns under international human rights law, particularly regarding the principles of necessity, proportionality, and legality in the use of force by law enforcement officials as stipulated in the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials. Even in the context of a roadblock, the deployment of rubber bullets must comply with strict standards, including the requirement that force be used only as a last resort and in a manner that minimises harm.
Brimob officers fired rubber bullets at villagers as tensions escalated in Kaugapu Village on 24 March 2026
3) Police officers arrest two Papuan gold panners without warrant in Yahukimo
10 April 2026 / 1 minute of reading
Members of the “Damai Cartens” police task force arbitrarily detained Mr Yominus Sekenil, 35, and Mr Eliaton Wetapo, 31, near the Nami River gold panning site in Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Highlands Province, on 22 March 2026. Security forces reportedly apprehended the two Papuan men without a warrant. The arrests appeared to be based on outer appearance and digital content found on the victims’ mobile phones. Both individuals remain in detention at the Yahukimo District Police headquarters (Polres Yahukimo) as of 10 April 2026, without clear legal grounds and access to legal counsel.
The circumstances of the arrests raise serious concerns under international human rights law. The failure to present an arrest warrant and the absence of clearly defined legal grounds both indicate arbitrary arrest. The reliance on subjective indicators, such as personal accessories and unspecified digital content, further indicates a lack of lawful basis, raising concerns regarding discriminatory or politically motivated profiling. The authorities’ failure to immediately disclose the victims’ whereabouts or ensure access to legal representation contravenes fundamental fair trial guarantees and due process rights. The lack of transparency surrounding their detention conditions and legal status is particularly concerning given the documented patterns of abuse in similar cases in the Dekai District.
4) Nabire police chief intimidates Papuan journalist in response to publication of article on illegal mining
9 April 2026 / 3 minutes of reading
Papuan Journalist Mr Mis Murib, affiliated with the Nadi Papua Media, was reportedly subjected to intimidation following the publication of an investigative report on illegal gold mining activities in the Siriwo upstream area, Nabire Regency. The intimidation included direct messages from individuals suspected to be police officers, culminating in a message sent by Nabire Police Chief AKBP Samuel Dominggus Tatiratu summoning the journalist to provide formal clarification. The incident constitutes a potential violation of press freedom and protection guarantees for journalists.
According to the information received, Mr Mis Murib received a series of messages exerting pressure shortly after publishing an investigative article on 16 February 2026, alleging that illegal gold mining operations at kilometre 80 of the Trans-Papua road were purportedly authorised by local police. The situation escalated on 17 February 2026, when the Nabire Police Chief addressed the journalist directly in shared WhatsApp group with other journalists, demanding accountability and instructing Mr Murib to come to the police station for questioning. This followed earlier instances of pressure linked to previous investigative reporting. On 18 February 2026, the Police Chief publicly denied any involvement of the police in issuing mining permits and characterised the request for clarification as part of lawful procedure, later issuing an apology for any misunderstanding.
On 13 March 2026, a civil society coalition, the Forum Solidaritas Peduli Media Nadi Papua, issued a formal statement in Nabire condemning the intimidation. The forum highlighted a broader pattern of threats and pressure against journalists in Tanah Papua, including prior incidents such as an alleged threatening message received by Mis Murib from an unidentified number in November 2025. The forum also raised concerns regarding a police summons issued to Nadi Papua on 10 March 2026, warning that such actions may amount to criminalisation of journalistic work.
Human rights and legal analysis
The reported actions raise serious concerns under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and domestic legal frameworks protecting freedom of expression and media freedom. The summoning of a journalist in response to published reporting without prior recourse to established mechanisms such as the right of reply or correction, may constitute undue interference with legitimate journalistic activity. The pattern of intimidation, including direct and indirect threats, potentially violates the obligation of state authorities to ensure a safe and enabling environment for journalists.
The case also engages protections under Indonesian law, notably Law No. 40 of 1999 on the Press, which guarantees legal protection for journalists (Article 8) and establishes corrective mechanisms (Articles 1(11–12), 5(2–3)) as the appropriate response to disputed reporting. Any attempt to bypass these mechanisms through coercion or intimidation may contravene Article 18(1) of the same law.
5) Police officers allegedly intimidate activists following peaceful fundraising in Nabire
9 April 2026 / 2 minutes of reading
On 28 March 2026, officers of the Nabire Police Intelligence and Criminal Investigation Units intercepted a group of activists associated with the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) following a peaceful fundraising activity at Karang Tumaritis Market in Nabire Town. The incident, which occurred at approximately 11:30 am, involved intimidation measures, including photographing participants, erecting a roadblock, and a subsequent pursuit using riot control (Dalmas) vehicle. The KNPB is a political movement organisation peacefully advocating for the right to self-determination through a referendum. They organise peaceful mass protests and political discussions.
The KNPB members began their fundraising activity at 08:11 am in the Karang Pasar area. The activity reportedly concluded without incident at 11:20 Papua Time. As members prepared to disperse, plainclothes intelligence officers photographed participants and questioned them about the purpose of the activity. Shortly thereafter, additional officers from the Intelligence and Criminal Investigation Units established a roadblock using two vehicles and one motorbike, preventing the group from leaving freely. During a tense exchange, officers demanded that the KNPB flag be removed. The group complied with the demand in order to avoid escalation.
Following the negotiations, KNPB members began to disperse. However, two Dalmas riot control trucks pursued the activists into residential areas, creating fear of arbitrary detention among participants. No arrests were reported, yet the actions of the police are emblematic for repressive policing in West Papua, given the peaceful nature of the activity.
Human rights analysis
From a human rights perspective, the incident raises serious concerns regarding violations of the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association. The use of surveillance, coercive questioning, forced removal of political symbols, and pursuit into residential areas suggest undue interference with lawful civic activity. Even in the absence of formal arrests, such conduct may constitute intimidation and harassment, which can have a chilling effect on political participation and civil society engagement in West Papua.
The absence of a clear legal basis for the intervention further raises concerns under the principle of legality and necessity. Peaceful fundraising and political expression fall within protected democratic activities. Any restrictions should be strictly justified, proportionate, and grounded in law. The reported actions of the Nabire police appear to fall short of these standards.