Publications

A new report has revealed the devastating impacts of palm oil investment in Papua, Indonesia, on both the environment and indigenous communities. The study, conducted by researcher Wiko Saputra, found that while the economic benefits of the industry are limited, the environmental and social costs are significant.

he National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) has admitted to facing significant delays in investigating a torture case involving indigenous Papuan civilians in Puncak Regency, Central Papua Province. 

The case of Papuan journalist Victor Mambor, who was the victim of a Molotov bomb attack in early 2023, continues to be a source of controversy and concern. Despite multiple attempts to seek justice, the perpetrators of the attack remain at large.

On 18 July 2024, the dispute over gold panning land in Kapiraya District escalated tensions between the Mee and Kamoro tribes. This dispute threatens the peaceful coexistence that has long been maintained between the two tribes.

Recent findings highlight the ongoing use of treason charges to suppress peaceful activism in Papua, raising significant concerns over the infringement of fundamental human rights. A report by the Alliance for Democracy for Papua (AlDP) and Tapol, launched in Jayapura in July 2024, reveals that treason laws are frequently employed to criminalise activists advocating for Papuan rights.

On 23 January 2023, Papuan journalist Victor Mambor became the target of a bomb attack at his residence. This incident, which threatened him and underscored the dangers faced by journalists in Papua, has sparked significant controversy and criticism over the handling of the investigation by law enforcement.

The longstanding conflict between the family of the late Moses Yewen and the military presence in Fef district, Tambrauw Regency, Southwest Papua (Papua Barat Daya) Province has moved towards resolution. This follows a series of meetings and protests that highlighted the community’s grievances and demands. Mr Moses Yewen was tortured by military members on 9 April 2021 and died a month later. His relatives claim his death was a consequence of the torture he experienced.

The recent slogan “All Eyes on Papua” emerged in response to the viral “All Eyes on Rafah” campaign on Instagram. Indigenous communities and the youth in Papua hope that this movement will foster real solidarity with Papuan issues.

The case concerning the deadly shooting of Yulianus Tebai, a member of the Dogiyai Regency’s Pamong Praja Police Unit (Sat Pol PP) in Central Papua Province (Papua Tengah), has progressed to the witness examination phase at the Nabire District Court. Yulianus Tebai was shot on 21 January 2023 by a subordinate of Samuel D. Tatiratu, the Police Chief of Dogiyai.

The arrest of Peni Petrus Pekei, also known as Petrus Pekei, by the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force Cartenz and the Dogiyai Police on 17 May 2024, has sparked controversy in Paniai, Central Papua. Pekei, allegedly the General Operations Commander for the TPNPB-OPM (West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organisation) in the Dokoge-Paniai region, was arrested near Paniai.

Residents of Sugapa district in Intan Jaya Regency, Papua Tengah Province, are demanding the removal of military and police posts from their communities due to the dangers they pose to civilians caught in the crossfire of armed conflict.

On 1 May, eight civil society organisations forming the Papuan People’s Front (FRP) indeed held a peaceful demonstration in Manokwari. The demonstration commemorated the 61st anniversary of Papua’s annexation into Indonesia

On 1 May 2024, a demonstration was held by the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) in Jayapura, Papua Province, Indonesia. The demonstration commemorated the annexation of West Papua by Indonesia in May 1963, which ULMWP considers illegal.