The conflict in Intan Jaya, Papua Tengah Province, re-aggravated in the Sugapa District after armed clashes between Indonesian security forces and the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB). TPNPB fighters attacked a military post in the Titigi Village, Sugapa District, on 4 July 2023, around 1:30 pm. An indigenous woman, Mrs Dilagalu Hagisimijau, was injured by bullets during a subsequent firefight. She sustained a bullet wound on the right thigh and received medical treatment at the Public Hospital in Sugapa Town (see photos, source: independent HRDs). The shooting of Mrs Dilagalu Hagisimijau exemplifies the inherent vulnerability faced by civilians residing in conflict zones. According to the TPNPB, two Indonesian soldiers were injured and one killed during the firefight. The clashes continued for the following two days.
On the evening of 5 July 2023, Indonesian security forces reportedly detonated two explosives near the Mamba Village, Sugaüa District. Security forces the local population in the villages of Mamba, Bilogai, Wandoga, and Yokatapa to leave their houses after dusk. The restrictions on movement imposed in affected villages have severe implications for the people’s fundamental rights, impeding their access to their gardens and essential services and creating an environment marked by uncertainty and vulnerability. As clashes persist between the Indonesian military, police forces, and the TPNPB OPM, innocent individuals are increasingly exposed to risks of injury and death. These indiscriminate attacks on non-combatants highlight a blatant disregard for the principles of international humanitarian law, which emphasize the protection of civilian lives during armed conflicts.
Human rights organisations have called upon the Indonesian Government to recognize the urgent need for an independent investigation into such incidents and hold accountable those responsible for the violation of human rights. The Indonesian authorities must prioritize protecting human rights, establish mechanisms for accountability, and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Intan Jaya to alleviate the suffering endured by civilians living in the conflict areas.
Mrs Dilagalu Hagisimijau receiving medical treatment at the Sugapa Hospital
Detailed Case Data
name of the location: Titigi (-3.633061421042025, 136.9469381770013)
administrative region: Indonesia, Papua Tengah Province, Intan Jaya Regency, Sugar District, Titigi Village
total number of victims: one
period of incident: 04.07.2023
perpetrator: security forces, TPNPB
perpetrator details: unknown
Issues: ill-treatment, indigenous peoples
Sources:
Further HRM News:
| Number | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1 | Dilagalu Hagisimijau | female | unknown | indigenous | ill-treatment |
