The Indonesian military (TNI) deployed new troops and intensified operations in the regencies Nduga, Pegunungan Bintang and Puncak in January and February 2025. The military operations were reportedly carried out in indigenous communities, causing new internal displacements. TNI members allegedly burned residential houses and established military posts in civilian buildings. The significant intensification of the operations has raised concerns among human rights organisations, local communities, and religious groups as the increased military presence has triggered new internal displacements in the areas.
The deployments could be part of new combat tactics, which the TNI plans to implement in West Papua against the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB). TNI General Agus Subiyanto announced in late January to make fundamental changes to its war doctrine that would allow the TNI to be more adaptive and capable of dealing with the guerilla war in West Papua. General Subiyanto elaborated that the change would include technical adjustment, improving the tactical capabilities of soldiers, and the modernisation of combat equipment.
Pegunungan Bintang
On 18 January and 22 February 2025, Indonesian military forces reportedly carried out operations in the Oksop District, Pegunungan Bintang Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province, destroying civilian homes in the Mimin Village. Local reports accuse the TNI of unjustly targeting civilian property in the Oksop District, where no ongoing conflict between the military and TPNPB had occurred throughout past years.
Military members have been occupying the GIDI Ephesus Church in Mimin Village since 9 December 2024, using the building to accommodate the military personnel. In a press release dated 9 December 2024, GIDI church (Gereja Injili Di Indonesia) representatives demanded the immediate withdrawal of military personnel from the church facilities and the Oksop District. Following the arrival of the military members in the Oksop District between 28 November and 9 December 2024, more than 3,300 indigenous Ngalum people fled their homes in fear of potential outbreaks of armed violence, security force raids, and reprisals.
Destroyed houses in the Mimin Village, Oksop District
Puncak
Residents in Puncak condemned the deployment of additional TNI troops in the districts Sinak, Kembru, Bina, and Pogoma of Puncak Regency, Papua Tengah Province. Between 5 and 11 February 2025, Indonesian military personnel were reportedly deployed to at least four districts in Puncak using military helicopters. The first drop occurred on 5 February in the Batini Village, Magebume District. About 450 military personnel with combat equipment were flown in stages. According to the information received, TNI members carried out spontaneous raids, arbitrarily interrogating residents and setting up military camps in villages and near plantations. Additionally, military helicopters dropped troops into Pogoma District, where they reportedly occupied a church and converted it into a military post. The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) has condemned the use of public facilities such as schools, district offices, and churches as security posts by the Indonesian military (TNI) and police in West Papua, stating that it constitutes a human rights violation.
Throughout the region, military personnel took control of forests, plantations, and local schools, causing indigenous villagers to flee their homes and paralyzing civilian life. On 5 February 2025, TNI members reportedly tortured two indigenous men in the Keangga Village and arbitrarily detained them for more than a week. In response to the deployments, the TPNPB issued an official the Indonesian military to vacate churches and schools, or face retaliation. According to the head of the Damai Cartenz Police Special Unit, General Faizal Ramadhani, TPNPB members were suspected of burning a Junior high school in the Agandugume District to the ground on 14 February 2025.
Military helicopters sighted in the Puncak Regency between 5 and 11 February 2025
Community representatives from Puncak demand information about the increased military presence in Puncak since early February 2025
Nduga
The situation in the Mebarok District of Nduga Regency has become increasingly tense due to increased military presence and its effects on the local population. On 18 January 2025, the Indonesian military began deploying significant forces, including 23 helicopters, in the Yuguru area of Meborok District. The deployments have caused fear among the indigenous communities, prompting them to flee their homes. Military operations have reportedly led to the destruction of homes, confiscation of property, and the burning of personal belongings. The military interventions disrupted the community, with reports of forced interrogations and violence, including the killing of domestic animals.
Testimonies from villagers in Yuguru paint a grim picture of the Indonesian military’s presence. According to reports, military personnel arrived by helicopter and began detaining villagers, forcing them out of their homes at gunpoint while interrogating them about the whereabouts of specific individuals. The military also seized personal belongings and mocked Etina and her family when they were unable to translate a bible text in her indigenous language into Indonesian.
The destruction of homes and properties has instilled fear and trauma among the population. Military members reportedly louted residential houses, deliberately destroyed livestock, and seized belongings from residents such as school supplies, machetes, and rifles. Following these events, residents from at least nine villages fled into the forests, leaving them displaced and vulnerable. The military’s occupation of civilian infrastructure, including schools and health centers, further exacerbates the humanitarian crisis. According to witness reports, the military occupied the Yuguru Elementary School 1 and the Mebarok District Office, converting the buildings into military posts.
