A widespread security operation was reportedly launched in Intan Jaya on 11 April 2023 in the districts Sugapa, Hitadipa and Agisiga (see map and photos below, source: independent HRDs). Indonesian military reportedly raided the villages Danggoa, Mbamogo (Munumai Hamlet), Titigi, and Tousiga. Local observers claim that security forces set dozens of residential houses and a church in the villages of Munimai and Danggoa on fire. The security force members allegedly executed four indigenous Papuans during the raids. Military spokespersons have denied these allegations, saying the TPNPB members were responsible for destroying the residential houses.
According to information received, security force members burnt ten houses to the ground and killed two persons during the raid in the Munumai Hamlet of Mbamogo, Agisiga District. They reportedly executed Rev Habel Bagau and Rev Paulus Bagau. Additionally, two indigenous women were allegedly tortured during the raid.
Extra-judicial executions also accompanied the raids in other villages. On 11 April 2023, security forces reportedly killed Mr Sepi Hagismijau in the neighbouring Titigi Village. Two minors named Amon Bugau, 15, and Yulianus Duwitau, 16, sustained bullet injuries as security forces released shots near residential houses. On 13 April 2023, Mrs Wanomina Weya’s body was found near her burnt house in Danggoa Village, Agisiga District. She was allegedly executed during the raid on 11 April.
Following the raids, indigenous Papuans from the affected villages fled toward the Hitadipa District and neighbouring villages, which they considered safe. Others reportedly sought shelter in the surrounding forest. Further displacements were reported from the villages Mamba, Jenetapa, Bamba, and Janamba because people feared further security force raids. In total, the internal displacements have reportedly affected nineteen church congregations.
The Papua Legal Aid Institute (LBH Papua) calls for the immediate formation of a Refugee Protection Team to safeguard conflict-affected communities in Intan Jaya. LBH Papua urged the Indonesian Government to take appropriate action without harming the civilians and to avoid further internal displacements.
The Head of Information of Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih, Colonel Herman Taryaman, confirmed that the 305/Tengkorak Infantry Battalion Task Force was stationed in Intan Jaya Regency to protect the community from the TPNPB and provided logistical assistance in the form of food to the residents of Mbamogo and Titigi. He denied the allegations that TNI troops raided indigenous settlements and burned houses to the ground. According to Taryaman, the arson of residential houses was committed by TPNPB members.
Detailed Case Data
Location: Agisiga District
Region: Indonesia, Central Papua, Intan Jaya, Agisiga
Total number of victims: 7
#
Number of Victims
Name, Details
Gender
Age
Group Affiliation
Violations
1.
1
Paulus Bagau, Pastor
male
50
Indigenous Peoples
execution, disappearance
2.
1
Habel Bagau, Pastor
male
60
Indigenous Peoples
execution, disappearance
3.
1
Wanomina Weya
female
unknown
Indigenous Peoples
execution
4.
1
Sepi Hagismijau
male
unknown
Indigenous Peoples
execution
5.
1
Amon Abugau
male
15
Indigenous Peoples
ill-treatment
6.
1
Yulianus Duwitau
male
16
Indigenous Peoples
ill-treatment
7.
1
Rut Bagau
female
unknown
Indigenous Peoples
ill-treatment
Perpetrator: Other Security Forces
Perpetrator details: unknown
Issues: security force violence, indigenous peoples, women and children