Military operation results in civilian deaths and displacement in Intan Jaya – at least four killed, five injured and seven missing -

On 13 May 2025, a large-scale military (TNI) operation in the Sugapa and Hitadipa districts of Intan Jaya Regency, Papua Tengah province, resulted in the deaths and injuries of civilians. The operation, ostensibly aimed at pushing back the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB-OPM), targeted multiple villages, including Ndugusiga, Titigi, Jaindapa, Sugapa Lama, and Zanamba. Among the confirmed casualties are at least four civilians, including a local village leader, a minor, and a woman hastily buried in a shallow grave in an attempt to obfuscate the atrocities. The search for victims continues as seven villagers remain missing (see table below, source: WPCC).

Residents, and church workers reported indiscriminate shootings in civilian settlements, raising serious concerns of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearance, and forced displacement. Following the operation, military representatives claimed that 18 TPNPB fighters were killed during the operation. According to the TPNPB, the number of casualties on their side was four, giving rise to the possibility that the number of civilian casualties will still raise. An evacuation team is searching for the bodies of villagers who have been reported missing since 13 May.

At least five civilians suffered gunshot wounds and were evacuated to Mimika for emergency medical treatment. Approximately 950 villagers fled to the forest amid the gunfire. Meanwhile, the survivors have been found in states of extreme psychological distress, showing signs of shock and trauma. The armed clash erupted in the early morning hours, with security forces reportedly searching civilian homes. The residents fled their houses in fear of reprisals. Following the operation, the military locked down the area for over a week.

A local evacuation team was allowed to search for bodies only after lengthy negotiations between the local government and the military. On 23 May 2025, the team uncovered the decomposing bodies of Mrs Hetina Mirip and Mrs Tapamina Tapani. Both were reportedly executed and the bodies hastily buried without a coffin. According to information received, the Mrs Hetina Mirip’s body was reportedly surrounded by mines intended to harm those seeking to recover her remains. This mirrors similar allegations previously levelled against the military, including using landmines and occupying civilian homes and churches.

The operation has intensified long-standing fears about the militarisation of West Papua in the context of resource exploitation, particularly the Wabu Block gold concession in Intan Jaya. Civil society organisations have consistently warned that the presence of security forces in and around potential mining sites indicates a strategic use of violence for economic benefits. Observers have urged the Indonesian government to refrain from its security-based approach and adopt dialogue and reconciliation strategies to address the underlying grievances in the region.

The Papuan Coalition for Law Enforcement and Human Rights and the Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI) have called for an independent investigation into the events of May 2025. Their demands include accountability for violations of Common Article 3 of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, under Law No. 59 of 1958, and an immediate halt to military activities near civilian areas. The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has been urged to act swiftly and transparently to investigate allegations of serious human rights abuses.

Table: Civilian victims of the security operation in Intan Jaya on 13 May 2025

No	Name	Age	Injured / killed	Additional information
1	Mr Ruben Wandagau	35 years	Killed	Village Head of Hitadipa; cremated on site
2	Mrs Tapamina Tapani	40 years	Killed	Shot by TNI, buried without coffin; explosives planted near grave
3	Mr Elisa Wandagau	75 years	Killed	Death confirmed by PGI
4	Mrs. Hetina Mirip	24 years	Killed	Body was discovered after the raid on 23 May’25
5	Minus Jesegani	5 years	Injured	Bullet fragment wound on the ear
6	Mrs Junite Zanambani	21 years	Injured	Gunshot wound to right arm
7	Mr Nopen Wandagau	37 years	Injured	Gunshot wound to upper left arm
8	Mrs Yubelina Kogoya	25 years	Injured	N/A
9	Mr Ka Pogau	25 years	Injured	Gunshot wound on the hand, ram and thight
	7 villagers missing	Unknown	Missing	Presumed displaced or forcefully disappeared