News on West Papua's human rights and conflict situation
Two-year-old killed during armed clashes in Sugapa, Intan Jaya – another minor seriously injured
Various observers have claimed that Indonesian military helicopters dropped explosives on multiple villages in the Pegunugan Bintang Regency, Papua Province. According to witness testimonies, the air raids occurred between 10 and 21 October 202 in the villages Pelebip, Kiwi, Delpem, and Lolim, all located in the Kiwirok District. The houses in the affected villages reportedly burnt to the ground due to the attacks.
The Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Desk (JPIC) of the Evangelical Church in the Land of Papua (GKI TP) has published a report on the situation in the Maybrat regency. The church workers visited internally displaced persons in the Maybrat Regency, Papua Province, in late September 2021. According to JPIC, 861 IDPs from the villages Roma, Tolak, Kisor, Krus, Imsun, Yeek, Susumuk, Buohsa, Kaitana, Awet Maem, Hora Iek, Tehahite and Fuog have sought shelter in the villages Karsu, Subin dan Sris, Aitinyo District. The local community, the district government, and local churches have provided basic needs such as staple food and clothes. Among the IDPs are 91 primary school students. They are attending classes in three primary schools in the Aifat District.
Situation in Pegunungan Bintang – Video shows conditions in IDP shelters
Human rights activists in Pegunungan Bintang Regency have uploaded a video showing a group of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from the Kiwirok District, Pegunungan Bintang Regency. The group mainly consists of women and children. They are hiding in a temporary shelter in the Papuan highland forest. The video shows about 60 people, mainly women, older adults and children, sitting together in the jungle. One of the women is sharing raw leaves and several bananas among the children. Another woman raises her voice and appeals to the group in the indigenous Ngalum language: “Indonesia[n soldiers] came and burnt our villages to the ground. We have already fled to the forest for one month. There is hardly any food so all children must eat what we have.”
Police officers shoot dead Papuan man in Wamena – Two others injured by bullets
A member of the police mobile brigade (Brimob) reportedly shot dead Mr Surya Wenda in the highland town of Wamena, Jayawijaya Regency, on 12 October 2021. Bullets injured two other indigenous Papuans during the incident. Witnesses say the police forcefully dispersed a private celebration with firearms. Following the incident, residents found at least nine bullet shells at the site of the crime.
Johny Kamuru, the regent of Sorong Regency, Papua Barat Province, has issued a decree for the legal recognition of the Gelek Malak Kalawilis Pasa, an indigenous clan of the Moi tribe (see photo, source: Jubi). The legislation gives the clan legal certainty over 3,247 hectares of customary land in the Sayosa District. On 15 October, the regent confirmed the enactment of the decree in an official ceremony which Moi representatives attended.
Papuan man shot down during conflict between security forces and gold miners at Freeport Mine, Mimika Regency
The Papuan media outlet Jubi has reported another case of enforced disappearance from the Intan Jaya Regency, where the armed conflict between the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) and Indonesian security forces has been ongoing since December 2019. Witnesses saw four military members arresting Mr Semuel Kobogau (see photo below, source: JPIC Kingmi Papua) inside a small store in Sugapa town on 5 October 2021. Witnesses saw the military members bringing Semuel Kobogau, 31, to the Raider 501 military post.
New links between New Zealand investor and deforestation in West Papua revealed
A special investigation by the media outlet Newsroom has revealed relations between large-scale deforestation in West Papua and a New Zealand property developer named Neville Mahon. Neville Mahon allegedly holds 51% shares in the Indonesian Digoel Agri Group. Three of the group’s subsidiaries, including the companies, PT. Bovendigoel Budidaya Sentosa and PT. Perkebunan Bovendigoel Sejahtera, operate oil palm plantations with a concession area of 78,630 hectares.
A team consisting of humanitarian workers of the Evangelical Church in Indonesia (GIDI) and one member of the Papuan Provincial Parliament (DPRP) have compiled updated information about the situation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) during a field trip to the Puncak Regency between 6 and 12 July 2021. The humanitarian team brought 7 tons of rice to Puncak for distribution among IDPs in Ilaga and Gome districts. According to data from the Social Affairs Department in Puncak Regency, at least 4,862 persons from 5 districts have been internally displaced since April 2021. In addition, an unknown number of IDPs have sought shelter in the villages Paluga and Bogolobak, Ilaga Utara District. Two women and three minor IDPs have reportedly died since April 2021.
Joint security forces arrested six Papuan villagers on 28 September 2021 in the Kokas Village, Aifat District. According to information received, they had been internally displaced due to security force operations in Maybrat and sought shelter at the Kokas Village. Four of the arrested villagers are below the age of 18 years and still join junior high school. They are Robi Yaam (15 years), Lukas Ky (14 years), Paulus Ky (16 years) and Gidion Waimbewer (11 years). The other arrestees were identified as Yohanes Ky, 76, and Amos Ky, 21.
- Two-year-old killed during armed clashes in Sugapa, Intan Jaya – another minor seriously injured
- Indonesian military allegedly bombing villages in Pegunungan Bintang
- Criminalisation of Haris Azhar and Fatia Maulidyanti – Police mediation failed
- Situation of IDPs in Maybrat Regency – 861 IDPs from thirteen villages fled to Aitinyo District
- Situation in Pegunungan Bintang – Video shows conditions in IDP shelters
- Police officers shoot dead Papuan man in Wamena – Two others injured by bullets
- Regent issues legal recognition of indigenous peoples' rights in Sorong
- Papuan man shot down during conflict between security forces and gold miners at Freeport Mine, Mimika Regency
- Enforced disappearance in Intan Jaya Regency – Relatives call upon the police to find Sem Kobogau
- Situation in Maybrat – more than 2,768 indigenous peoples from 50 villages displaced as security operation goes on
- New links between New Zealand investor and deforestation in West Papua revealed
- More than 10,000 security forces deployed to secure national sports event in West Papua – Authorities ban Morning Star symbol
- Police disperse peaceful West Papua rally in front of US Embassy in Jakarta - at least 15 protesters arrested
- Security force officers arrest six IDPs in Maybrat, among them four minors
- About 1,000 indigenous Papuans in Pegunungan Bintang Regency flee their homes
- New report by UN Secretary-General addresses intimidation and criminalisation of five West Papua activists
- One of six Papuans arrested in Dekai dies during custody
- Update on treason trial in Sorong – All defendants acquitted
- Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea refer to the human rights situation in West Papua during UN General Assembly
- Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment files lawsuit against human rights defenders
- UN Special Rapporteur calls upon Indo Govt to provide sufficient medical treatment to Victor Yeimo
- Series of arbitrary arrests in response to armed clashes throughout September 2021
Two-year-old killed during armed clashes in Sugapa, Intan Jaya – another minor seriously injured
Armed clashes between Indonesian security forces and the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPN PB) in Intan Jaya’s largest town Sugapa on 26 October 2021 resulted in the death of a two-year-old infant, Nopelinus Sondegau. Another minor named Yoakim Majau, 6, sustained a bullet injury during the incident. Helpers brought both victims to the local health centre but were forced to return home as the health centre was already closed and health workers were not present. Witnesses claim that the shots came from the direction of the military command (Koramil) in Sugapa. The firefights lasted from the late afternoon until 9:00 pm. The security situation in Sugapa remains tense.
Indonesian military allegedly bombing villages in Pegunungan Bintang
Various observers have claimed that Indonesian military helicopters dropped explosives on multiple villages in the Pegunugan Bintang Regency, Papua Province. According to witness testimonies, the air raids occurred between 10 and 21 October 202 in the villages Pelebip, Kiwi, Delpem, and Lolim, all located in the Kiwirok District. The houses in the affected villages reportedly burnt to the ground due to the attacks.Criminalisation of Haris Azhar and Fatia Maulidyanti – Police mediation failed
A mediation meeting between the Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Panjaitan, and the human rights activists Fatia Maulidyanti and Haris Azhar, ended without mutual agreement. The meeting on 21 October 2021 was held to seek a solution between the conflict parties outside of the law. The mediation process was facilitated by Yusri Yunus, the head of the public relations department of the Indonesian police, Polri. Meanwhile, a second video published in early October 2021 on the social media platform YouTube revealed further allegations regarding links between high-ranking government officials and security force members with mining activities in Kalimantan and West Papua. The video quickly went viral with more than 109,000 views as of 26 October.
Situation of IDPs in Maybrat Regency – 861 IDPs from thirteen villages fled to Aitinyo District
The Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Desk (JPIC) of the Evangelical Church in the Land of Papua (GKI TP) has published a report on the situation in the Maybrat regency. The church workers visited internally displaced persons in the Maybrat Regency, Papua Province, in late September 2021. According to JPIC, 861 IDPs from the villages Roma, Tolak, Kisor, Krus, Imsun, Yeek, Susumuk, Buohsa, Kaitana, Awet Maem, Hora Iek, Tehahite and Fuog have sought shelter in the villages Karsu, Subin dan Sris, Aitinyo District. The local community, the district government, and local churches have provided basic needs such as staple food and clothes. Among the IDPs are 91 primary school students. They are attending classes in three primary schools in the Aifat District.
Situation in Pegunungan Bintang – Video shows conditions in IDP shelters
Human rights activists in Pegunungan Bintang Regency have uploaded a video showing a group of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from the Kiwirok District, Pegunungan Bintang Regency. The group mainly consists of women and children. They are hiding in a temporary shelter in the Papuan highland forest. The video shows about 60 people, mainly women, older adults and children, sitting together in the jungle. One of the women is sharing raw leaves and several bananas among the children. Another woman raises her voice and appeals to the group in the indigenous Ngalum language: “Indonesia[n soldiers] came and burnt our villages to the ground. We have already fled to the forest for one month. There is hardly any food so all children must eat what we have.”Police officers shoot dead Papuan man in Wamena – Two others injured by bullets
A member of the police mobile brigade (Brimob) reportedly shot dead Mr Surya Wenda in the highland town of Wamena, Jayawijaya Regency, on 12 October 2021. Bullets injured two other indigenous Papuans during the incident. Witnesses say the police forcefully dispersed a private celebration with firearms. Following the incident, residents found at least nine bullet shells at the site of the crime.
Regent issues legal recognition of indigenous peoples' rights in Sorong
Johny Kamuru, the regent of Sorong Regency, Papua Barat Province, has issued a decree for the legal recognition of the Gelek Malak Kalawilis Pasa, an indigenous clan of the Moi tribe (see photo, source: Jubi). The legislation gives the clan legal certainty over 3,247 hectares of customary land in the Sayosa District. On 15 October, the regent confirmed the enactment of the decree in an official ceremony which Moi representatives attended.On 16 October 2021, the Freeport security task force members, together with the Amole police unit, reportedly evicted the camp of traditional gold miners at mile 74 Ritz. They mainly consist of indigenous Papuans who pan for gold in the Ajikwa River, where PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) dumps its mining tailings. According to information from local sources, one of the gold panners, Mr Diolameo Mom, 36, sustained a bullet injury in the chest as the security forces opened fire at the gold panners at Mile 74. Thereupon, the miners attacked the security forces with rocks. Multiple Freeport vehicles were allegedly damaged during the unrest.
Enforced disappearance in Intan Jaya Regency – Relatives call upon the police to find Sem Kobogau
The Papuan media outlet Jubi has reported another case of enforced disappearance from the Intan Jaya Regency, where the armed conflict between the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) and Indonesian security forces has been ongoing since December 2019. Witnesses saw four military members arresting Mr Semuel Kobogau (see photo below, source: JPIC Kingmi Papua) inside a small store in Sugapa town on 5 October 2021. Witnesses saw the military members bringing Semuel Kobogau, 31, to the Raider 501 military post.Situation in Maybrat – more than 2,768 indigenous peoples from 50 villages displaced as security operation goes on
The Civil Society Coalition for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Maybrat (KMSPPM) published new data on the current situation in Maybrat on 2 October 2021. According to a press release, more than 2768 indigenous Papuans from 50 Villages in the districts Aifat Selatan, Aifat Timur, Aifat Timur Jauh, Aifat Timur Tengah and Aifat Timur Selatan have fled their homes. They fear being arbitrarily arrested or tortured during the security force operation in Maybrat, which has been ongoing since 2 September 2021. The IDPs sought shelter (see photo, source: independent HRDs) in the nearby districts Aiyawasi, Kumurkek, Aitinyo, and other regencies, such as South Sorong, Bintuni, and Sorong.
The Civil Society Coalition for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Maybrat (KMSPPM) published new data on the current situation in Maybrat on 2 October 2021. According to a press release, more than 2768 indigenous Papuans from 50 Villages in the districts Aifat Selatan, Aifat Timur, Aifat Timur Jauh, Aifat Timur Tengah and Aifat Timur Selatan have fled their homes. They fear being arbitrarily arrested or tortured during the security force operation in Maybrat, which has been ongoing since 2 September 2021. The IDPs sought shelter (see photo, source: independent HRDs) in the nearby districts Aiyawasi, Kumurkek, Aitinyo, and other regencies, such as South Sorong, Bintuni, and Sorong.
New links between New Zealand investor and deforestation in West Papua revealed
A special investigation by the media outlet Newsroom has revealed relations between large-scale deforestation in West Papua and a New Zealand property developer named Neville Mahon. Neville Mahon allegedly holds 51% shares in the Indonesian Digoel Agri Group. Three of the group’s subsidiaries, including the companies, PT. Bovendigoel Budidaya Sentosa and PT. Perkebunan Bovendigoel Sejahtera, operate oil palm plantations with a concession area of 78,630 hectares.
More than 10,000 security forces deployed to secure national sports event in West Papua – Authorities ban Morning Star symbol
The National Sports Games (PON XX) are currently taking place in the regencies Jayapura, Mimika and Merauke, Papua Province, from 2 to 15 October 2021. According to the media outlet Indoposco, more than 10,000 security force personnel have been deployed to the sports venues to secure the mass event. They comprise 1,686 police mobile brigade (Brimob) members, 5,500 police officers, 2,800 military members as well as members of the Densus 88 anti-terror special forces.
The National Sports Games (PON XX) are currently taking place in the regencies Jayapura, Mimika and Merauke, Papua Province, from 2 to 15 October 2021. According to the media outlet Indoposco, more than 10,000 security force personnel have been deployed to the sports venues to secure the mass event. They comprise 1,686 police mobile brigade (Brimob) members, 5,500 police officers, 2,800 military members as well as members of the Densus 88 anti-terror special forces.
Police disperse peaceful West Papua rally in front of US Embassy in Jakarta - at least 15 protesters arrested
A team consisting of humanitarian workers of the Evangelical Church in Indonesia (GIDI) and one member of the Papuan Provincial Parliament (DPRP) have compiled updated information about the situation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) during a field trip to the Puncak Regency between 6 and 12 July 2021. The humanitarian team brought 7 tons of rice to Puncak for distribution among IDPs in Ilaga and Gome districts. According to data from the Social Affairs Department in Puncak Regency, at least 4,862 persons from 5 districts have been internally displaced since April 2021. In addition, an unknown number of IDPs have sought shelter in the villages Paluga and Bogolobak, Ilaga Utara District. Two women and three minor IDPs have reportedly died since April 2021.Security force officers arrest six IDPs in Maybrat, among them four minors
Joint security forces arrested six Papuan villagers on 28 September 2021 in the Kokas Village, Aifat District. According to information received, they had been internally displaced due to security force operations in Maybrat and sought shelter at the Kokas Village. Four of the arrested villagers are below the age of 18 years and still join junior high school. They are Robi Yaam (15 years), Lukas Ky (14 years), Paulus Ky (16 years) and Gidion Waimbewer (11 years). The other arrestees were identified as Yohanes Ky, 76, and Amos Ky, 21.About 1,000 indigenous Papuans in Pegunungan Bintang Regency flee their homes
Following the burning of public facilities in the Kiwirok District on 13 September 2021, about 1,000 indigenous Papuans in the Pegunungan Bintang Regency have fled their homes. They fear becoming victims of state violence during security operations, which Indonesian military and police forces have launched against the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) in Pegunungan Bintang.
Read moreFollowing the burning of public facilities in the Kiwirok District on 13 September 2021, about 1,000 indigenous Papuans in the Pegunungan Bintang Regency have fled their homes. They fear becoming victims of state violence during security operations, which Indonesian military and police forces have launched against the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) in Pegunungan Bintang.
New report by UN Secretary-General addresses intimidation and criminalisation of five West Papua activists
On 17 September 2021, the United Nations (UN) published its annual report on the Cooperation with the UN, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights. The Indonesia section of the report contains references to five cases of criminalisation and intimidation against human rights defenders working in or about West Papua, including Yones Douw, Wensislaus Fatubun, Veronica Koman, Victor Mambor, and Victor Yeimo. The Presidential Staff Office (KSP) criticised the UN for the report. KSP representative, Jaleswari Pramodhawardani, declared in an interview that the UN report did not provide a balanced view on the cases against the human rights defenders.
On 17 September 2021, the United Nations (UN) published its annual report on the Cooperation with the UN, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights. The Indonesia section of the report contains references to five cases of criminalisation and intimidation against human rights defenders working in or about West Papua, including Yones Douw, Wensislaus Fatubun, Veronica Koman, Victor Mambor, and Victor Yeimo. The Presidential Staff Office (KSP) criticised the UN for the report. KSP representative, Jaleswari Pramodhawardani, declared in an interview that the UN report did not provide a balanced view on the cases against the human rights defenders.One of six Papuans arrested in Dekai dies during custody
Media outlets and human rights defenders have documented the arrest of 29 persons in the Papuan regencies Yahukimo and Sorong throughout September 2021. Among them were seven children between 7 and 12 years and four other minors. In most of the cases, the police officers conducted the arrests without showing a warrant. The series of arrests are believed to be part of countermeasures in response to multiple attacks by the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPN PB) against military posts in Yahukimo and Maybrat.
Anias Yalak, also known as Senat Sol, one of the six Papuans arrested in the Yahukimo Regency on 2 September 2021, passed away at the Bhayangkara Police Hospital Jayapura on 26 September 2021. According to media outlet Suara Papua, Anias Yalak was dismissed from military service in 2019 and later joined the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPN PB). He was on a wanted list for alleged murder and illegal arms trade.
Update on treason trial in Sorong – All defendants acquitted
Judges at the Sorong District Court acquitted the six Papuan defendants Ham Nauw, Wenceslaus Saud, Cris Djanoma, Bertus Fenitruma, Jhon Bless and Doni Pattiruhu. The verdict was pronounced on 29 September 2021. The judges concluded that the evidence presented at court was insufficient to prove the defendants’ involvement in a treasonous act or criminal conspiracy against the state as stipulated in Articles 106 and 110 of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP).
Judges at the Sorong District Court acquitted the six Papuan defendants Ham Nauw, Wenceslaus Saud, Cris Djanoma, Bertus Fenitruma, Jhon Bless and Doni Pattiruhu. The verdict was pronounced on 29 September 2021. The judges concluded that the evidence presented at court was insufficient to prove the defendants’ involvement in a treasonous act or criminal conspiracy against the state as stipulated in Articles 106 and 110 of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP).Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea refer to the human rights situation in West Papua during UN General Assembly
Two states have addressed the human rights situation in West Papua at the 76th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations (UNGA). The UNGA has taken place at the UN headquarters in New York between 21 and 27 September 2021. Many states did not physically attend the UNGA but joined the assembly online, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to hamper international travel. On 26 September 2021, Bob Loughman, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu, expressed his concerns regarding the human rights situation in West Papua during his online speech at the general debate.
Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment files lawsuit against human rights defenders
The former military general and incumbent Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Panjaitan, filed a lawsuit against KontraS (Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence) coordinator, Fatia Maulidianti, and executive director of human rights NGO Lokataru, Haris Azhar, on 22 September 2021. The human rights activists discussed joint research findings of possible relations between security force deployments and economic interests behind gold mining operations in the Papuan regency Intan Jaya in a video that was uploaded on Azhar’s YouTube Channel on 20 August 2021. Previously, Panjaitan had twice sent a subpoena to the activists, asking them to apologize for the allegations raised against him publicly.
UN Special Rapporteur calls upon Indo Govt to provide sufficient medical treatment to Victor Yeimo
UN human rights expert expressed on 20 September 2021 that Indonesia must provide West Papuan human rights defender Victor Yeimo with proper medical care to keep him from dying in prison. As part of his work, Mr Yeimo, 39, had provided information to the international media about human rights in West Papua in his capacity as international spokesperson for the West Papuan National Committee (KNPB) and the Papuan People’s Petition (PRP). He was imprisoned in May 2021. Despite repeated requests from his lawyers for a delay on medical grounds, Mr Yeimo went on trial in a Jayapura court at the end of August on charges of treason and incitement related to his peaceful involvement in anti-racism and self-determination protests in 2019.
UN human rights expert expressed on 20 September 2021 that Indonesia must provide West Papuan human rights defender Victor Yeimo with proper medical care to keep him from dying in prison. As part of his work, Mr Yeimo, 39, had provided information to the international media about human rights in West Papua in his capacity as international spokesperson for the West Papuan National Committee (KNPB) and the Papuan People’s Petition (PRP). He was imprisoned in May 2021. Despite repeated requests from his lawyers for a delay on medical grounds, Mr Yeimo went on trial in a Jayapura court at the end of August on charges of treason and incitement related to his peaceful involvement in anti-racism and self-determination protests in 2019.
Series of arbitrary arrests in response to armed clashes throughout September 2021
Media outlets and human rights defenders have documented the arrest of 29 persons in the Papuan regencies Yahukimo and Sorong throughout September 2021. Among them were seven children between 7 and 12 years and four other minors. In most of the cases, the police officers conducted the arrests without showing a warrant. The series of arrests are believed to be part of countermeasures in response to multiple attacks by the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPN PB) against military posts in Yahukimo and Maybrat.
Lawyer and Human Rights Defender (HRD) Emanuel Gobay explains how indigenous Papuans are the target of racism, racial discrimination and human rights violations in Papua province, Papua Barat province and other parts of Indonesia.
Check out our comprehensive RESOURCES COLLECTION online about West Papua, its international debate, a compilation of UN recommendations and observations, the OPM and TPN-PB explained; among others.
About the ICP
Human Rights and Peace for Papua is an international coalition of faith-based and civil society organisations (the Coalition) addressing the serious human rights condition in West Papua and supporting a peaceful solution to the conflict there. West Papua (Papua) refers to the western half of the New Guinea island in the Pacific and comprises the eastern most provinces of Indonesia. Indigenous Papuans are suffering from a long and ongoing history of human rights violations and security forces subject them to violence including killings, torture and arbitrary arrests. Impunity prevails. A lack of adequate access to health care and education as well as demographical and economical marginalisation and discrimination mark the living condition for Papuans. A heavy presence of Indonesian security forces, lack of access for international observers such as journalists, corruption and transmigration from other parts of Indonesia aggravate the situation. Political prisoners and the persecution of political activists shows the extent of repression with which freedom of expression and indigenous peoples’ rights are being violated. Papua’s wealth in natural resources attracts businesses and security forces resulting in exploitation through mining, logging, harmful agricultural projects, and environmental degradation. This dynamic challenges traditional indigenous culture while Papuans demand their right to self-determination.
visit our website at www.humanrightspapua.org