# Extrajudicial execution of indigenous Papuan during military operation in Intan Jaya

**Publisher:** [Human Rights Monitor](https://humanrightsmonitor.org)
**Document ID:** HRM-CAS-037-2025
**Document Type:** Case
**Document URL:** https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/extrajudicial-execution-of-indigenous-papuan-during-military-operation-in-intan-jaya/
**Issues:** indigenous peoples | security force violence
**Publication Date:** April 9, 2025
**Last Updated:** July 24, 2025
**Tags:** Indonesia | West Papua

## Summary
On 30 March 2025, Indonesian military forces reportedly shot dead Mr Okto Zanambani, an indigenous resident of Janamba village, during an intensified counterinsurgency campaign in the districts of Hitadipa and Sugapa, Intan Jaya Regency, Papua Tengah Province.

## Detailed Case Narrative
On 30 March 2025, Indonesian military forces reportedly shot dead Mr Okto Zanambani, an indigenous resident of Janamba village, during an intensified counterinsurgency campaign in the districts of Hitadipa and Sugapa, Intan Jaya Regency, Papua Tengah Province. According to reports by the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), the operation, part of a broader offensive targeting TPNPB forces. According to local informants, Mr Zanambani was not affiliated with any armed group.

The killing took place amid a series of coordinated ground and air assaults by the Indonesian military, including aerial bombings in six locations across the two districts. Mr Zanambani was reportedly doing timber works near the Village Eknemba as military infantry forces opened fire at him. Relatives began searching for the body after the raids had been seized. They discovered the body on 3 April 2025 and cremated the remains at his home in Janamba Village. The attack occurred in the context of ongoing clashes between TPNPB forces and Indonesian troops, particularly around military posts in Titigi. At the same time, intense bombardment led to the destruction of civilian houses, causing widespread fear and mass displacement.

The incident is emblematic of a broader [pattern of extrajudicial killings and indiscriminate military operations in the Papuan central highlands](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OntaTBg7I5A&t=1412s). Similar to [other reported cases](https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/military-again-alleged-of-executing-papuan-civilian-in-mamba-village-intan-jaya/), the death of Mr Okto Zanambani highlights the grave [risks civilians face during counterinsurgency raids, which are often carried out without distinction between combatants and non-combatants](https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/joint-security-forces-allegedly-burned-houses-and-killed-three-papuans-during-raids-in-puncak-regency/). The [continued use of airstrikes, village raids, and collective punishment](https://humanrightsmonitor.org/news/military-intensifies-operations-in-pegunungan-bintang-and-puncak-throughout-january-and-february25/) reflects systemic impunity and [a disregard for international humanitarian and human rights law](https://humanrightsmonitor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/HRM_Scorched_Earth_Special_Report_2024.pdf). Such actions further exacerbate the cycle of violence and deepen the mistrust between indigenous Papuans and Indonesian state institutions.

### Relatives discovered Okto Zanambani's body on 3 April 2025 and subsequently crmated the body in the Janamba Village, Intan Jaya
![](https://humanrightsmonitor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Body_Airaid-EJK-case_Intan-Jaya_March25_1-1024x461.jpeg)

![](https://humanrightsmonitor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Body_Airaid-EJK-case_Intan-Jaya_March25_2-1-461x1024.jpeg)

![](https://humanrightsmonitor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Body_Airaid-EJK-case_Intan-Jaya_March25_3-461x1024.jpeg)

## Incident Period & Location
- **Start Date:** March 30, 2025
- **End Date:** March 30, 2025
- **Period Type:** Single Day
- **Reference Date:** March 30, 2025 (used for chronological ordering)
- **Location:** - Eknemba
- **Administrative Regions:**
  - **Region 1:** Indonesia (Country) > Central Papua (Province) > Intan Jaya (Regency) > Hitadipa (District)

## Victims
**Total number of victims:** 1

| Count | Name | Age | Gender | Groups | Violations |
|-------|------|-----|--------|--------|------------|
| 1 person | Okto Zanambani | unknown | male | Indigenous Peoples | unlawful killing |

## Perpetrators
**Perpetrator Category Paths:**
- **Category 1:** Republic Indonesia

- **Perpetrator Description:** Indonesian military forces during counterinsurgency operation