A widespread security operation was reportedly launched in Intan Jaya on 11 April 2023 in the districts Sugapa, Hitadipa and Agisiga. Indonesian military reportedly raided the villages Eknemba, Munimai, Danggoa, Mbamogo, Ndugusiga, Titigi, and Tousiga. Local observers claim that security forces set at least 29 residential houses and a church in the villages of Munimai and Danggoa on fire. The security force members allegedly executed two 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 villagers during the raid in the Minumai Village, Agisiga District. They reportedly executed Pastor Ebi Bagau and Abiani Weya inside the KINGMI Eklesia Church and disappeared the bodies. Two other indigenous women were allegedly tortured during the raid.
Extra-judicial executions of villagers also accompanied the raids in other villages. Mr Molombabega Hagisimijau, a sixty-year-old indigenous Papuan, was reportedly killed by security force members in the Titigi Village, Sugapa District. On 13 April 2023, Mrs Damiana Mirip’s body was found near her burnt house in Danggoa village. 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 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
name of the location: Titigi (-3.6176893144171203, 136.95331858598288)
administrative region: Indonesia, Papua Tengah Province, Intan Jaya Regency, Sugapa District, Titigi Village
total number of victims: two
period of incident: 11.04.2023
perpetrator: other security forces
perpetrator details: unknown
Issues: extra-judicial killings, indigenous peoples
Sources:
Further HRM News: https://humanrightsmonitor.org/news/indonesian-govt-intensify-security-operations-in-west-papua-observers-say-raids-accompanied-by-killings-torture-and-burning-of-houses/
| Number | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1 | Molombabega Hagisimijau | female | 60 | indigenous | execution |
| 1 | Damiana Mirip | female | unknown | indigenous | execution |
