On 6 May 2025, an explosion near the Kelanungin Village, Gome District, Puncak Regency, Papua Tengah Province, resulted in the death of an 18-year-old civilian, Mr Deris Kogoya, and caused serious injuries to a 21-year-old Mr Jemi Alom. The explosive, a shrapnel bomb hidden in a biscuit tin box, together with other food supplies. A military officer had reportedly given the package to the victims, asking them to deliver it to a third person affiliated with the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB). The incident occurred in the context of an illegal ammunition and arms trade involving military personnel. According to local informants, the TPNPB had used the young men as messengers for an unlawful transaction of a gun and ammunition.
After receiving the package, Mr Deris Kogoya and Mr Jemi Alom drove from Ilaga town to the Gome District by motorcycle. After parking at a church compound, they decided to open the package because it felt unusually heavy. According to Mr Alom, the package contained instant noodles and a biscuit tin box that was closed with duct tape. The shrapnel bomb exploded as Mr Kogoya tried to open the tin box, resulting in his instant death at the site of the crime. Mr Jemi Alom was standing further away from the detonation and sustained serious injuries to his legs (see photos below; source: WPCC). He treated his wounds with traditional medical treatment instead of professional healthcare at the public hospital due to fear of reprisals by military members.
The case raises concerns about the adherence to international humanitarian and human rights law. Shrapnel bombs are not inherently prohibited under international humanitarian law (IHL), but their use is strictly regulated. They are lawful only if employed in compliance with the core IHL principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution. This means they must be directed at military objectives and must not indiscriminately affect civilians or civilian objects. The expected civilian harm must not be excessive in relation to the anticipated military advantage, and all feasible measures must be taken to minimize harm to civilians. Use of shrapnel bombs in densely populated areas, without distinction or proportionality, or in a manner that causes superfluous injury or unnecessary suffering, would be unlawful. Shrapnel bombs are not categorically banned, and their legality depends on how they are used in specific contexts. Mr Alom testified that he still had shared some of the food supplies with children who were near the location where they opened the package The children or possible bystanders could have potentially been hit.
Mr Deris Kogoya’s body was evacuated at the site of the explosion
Mr Jemi Alom sustained a bleeding injury on both legs and feet
Shrapnel remains at the explosion site
Detailed Case Data
Location: Gome
Region: Indonesia, Central Papua, Puncak, Gome
Total number of victims: 2
#
Number of Victims
Name, Details
Gender
Age
Group Affiliation
Violations
1.
1
Deris Kogoya
male
18
Indigenous Peoples
execution
2.
1
Jemi Alom
male
21
Indigenous Peoples
ill-treatment
Perpetrator: Other Security Forces
Perpetrator details: unknown
Issues: security force violence, indigenous peoples