Human Rights News

News on the human rights and conflict situation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Pressure mounts on Jakarta over long-delayed visit by UN High Commissioner to West Papua

Indonesia is coming under growing regional pressure to allow a visit by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to West Papua, after Melanesian leaders warned that Jakarta’s standing in their regional bloc could be reviewed if the long-standing invitation does not go ahead.

Pressure mounts on Jakarta over long-delayed visit by UN High Commissioner to West Papua Read More »

Appeal court reduces sentences and reinstates two soldiers convicted in acid attack on Andrie Yunus

On 5 September 2026, the Jakarta High Military Court II-06 upheld the appeals of two Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) personnel convicted for their involvement in the acid attack against KontraS activist and human rights defender Mr Andrie Yunus.

Appeal court reduces sentences and reinstates two soldiers convicted in acid attack on Andrie Yunus Read More »

IDP Update August’26: Central Govt notes presence of more than 120.000 persons internally displaced by armed conflict in West Papua

As of late August 2026, more than 127.031 civilians across multiple regencies in West Papua remained internally displaced due to military operations and armed conflict

IDP Update August’26: Central Govt notes presence of more than 120.000 persons internally displaced by armed conflict in West Papua Read More »

Mass food poisoning linked to government nutrition programme affects 543 people in Jayapura Regency

On 4 August 2026, a mass food poisoning incident linked to meals distributed under President Prabowo’s flagtship Free Nutritious Meals (Makan Bergizi Gratis, MBG) programme affected hundreds of residents in Depapre District and surrounding coastal areas of Jayapura Regency, Papua province.

Mass food poisoning linked to government nutrition programme affects 543 people in Jayapura Regency Read More »

Police disperse peaceful protest in Sentani amid reports of beatings – 33 protesters injured as a result of excessive police violence

On 3 August 2026, Indonesian police forces repeatedly blocked and dispersed a peaceful demonstration organised by the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) at several locations in Sentani, Jayapura Regency, Papua Province.

Police disperse peaceful protest in Sentani amid reports of beatings – 33 protesters injured as a result of excessive police violence Read More »

Military personnel reportedly enter Catholic church compound during Sunday Mass in Intan Jaya

On 26 July 2026, Indonesian military personnel reportedly entered the compound of the St Francis Xavier Catholic Parish Church in Titigi Village, Sugapa District, Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua Province, while parishioners were attending Sunday Mass.

Military personnel reportedly enter Catholic church compound during Sunday Mass in Intan Jaya Read More »

Alleged security operations kill two civilians in Korowai area, Yahukimo – hundreds of indigenous peoples flee to safety

Between 24 and 30 July 2026, joint Indonesian military and police operations reportedly killed three civilians in the Korowai region, causing hundreds of indigenous Papuans, including children, pregnant women and elderly people, to flee their homes and seek shelter in the surrounding forest

Alleged security operations kill two civilians in Korowai area, Yahukimo – hundreds of indigenous peoples flee to safety Read More »

Security operation in Dekai District leaves two TPNPB members and one civilian dead

A security force operation in the KM 4 Logpon area of Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan province on 17 July 2026, reportedly resulted in the death of two members of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) and one civilian named Mr Yafoluk Heluka.

Security operation in Dekai District leaves two TPNPB members and one civilian dead Read More »

Papua Monitor Q2 2026: Escalating conflict, drone attacks and mass displacement

This 11-page report lists cases and developments, including human rights violations and their patterns; developments in the armed conflict and its impact on civilians; significant political shifts in Indonesia affecting West Papua; and international responses and initiatives.

Papua Monitor Q2 2026: Escalating conflict, drone attacks and mass displacement Read More »

Military operation in Intan Jaya raises serious human rights concerns: Escalation of armed violence causes new civilian casualties and mass displacement

On 29 June, two Papuan civilians, Mr Daud Hagisimijau, 18, and 16-year-old Kiko Hagisimijau, were reportedly shot by security force personnel while assisting in the construction of St Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Titigi Village

Military operation in Intan Jaya raises serious human rights concerns: Escalation of armed violence causes new civilian casualties and mass displacement Read More »

American mission aviation pilot killed and civilian aircraft burned in Yahukimo

On 2 July 2026, members of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) reportedly shot and killed American pilot Nicholas F. Goselin after a PT Associated Mission Aviation (AMA) aircraft, registration PK-RCY, landed at Ipdeheik Airstrip in Balinggama Village, Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency…

American mission aviation pilot killed and civilian aircraft burned in Yahukimo Read More »