The humanitarian crisis in West Papua continues. As of mid-August 2025, more than 100,313 people in West Papua [1] have been internally displaced as a result of armed conflict between Indonesian security forces and the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), with most of the displaced persons remaining displaced. New internal displacements due to security force operations were reported in the regencies of Intan Jaya, Yahukimo, Puncak Jaya, and Pegunungan Bintang. IDPs from the districts of Tangma and Ukha returned to their villages on 10 July 2025, following the facilitation of their return by the Papuan Justice and Human Integrity Foundation (YKKMP).
In July 2025, the Diocese of Timika raised serious concerns about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in West Papua due to intensifying armed conflict between Indonesian security forces (TNI-POLRI) and the TPNPB. The conflict has escalated with security forces using sophisticated weapons, including aerial bombardments, mortars, land mines, and drones, while deliberately targeting not only armed groups but also civilian infrastructure such as villages, schools, hospitals, churches, and residential areas.
The Diocese of Timika has called for immediate humanitarian intervention, urging all parties to implement a humanitarian pause, cease hostilities in civilian areas, and create war-free zones to allow humanitarian assistance to reach displaced populations. The Church specifically demands that security forces stop military-style policies against civilians, including restrictions on farming and mandatory reporting requirements that threaten food security. Additionally, they are calling for the suspension of investments in West Papua, a review of natural resource exploitation permits, and a genuine government presence to provide essential services to IDPs. The Diocese emphasizes the need for civilized conflict resolution through political dialogue with neutral third-party mediation, highlighting that underlying issues include not only political independence but also investment-related concerns affecting indigenous communities’ customary rights.
Intan Jaya Regency
The situation in Intan Jaya Regency since July 2025 has been marked by escalating armed conflict between Indonesian security forces and the TPNPB, resulting in massive civilian displacement, particularly around Indonesia’s Independence Day celebrations on 17 August. The most significant displacement occurred on 16 August 2025, when security operations involving Task Force 500/Rajawali/Habema targeted multiple villages, including Eknemba, Kusage, Taitawa, Ndugupa, Molemba, and Zoanbili in the Sugapa District. The operations involved large-scale deployments, including reports of drone attacks carrying explosives, and resulted in over 1,000 indigenous Papuans fleeing to forests and caves to escape from the approaching security forces.
The humanitarian impact has been severe, with entire villages abandoned as residents fled with only basic necessities. On 17 August 2025, coinciding with Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day, 310 IDPs (150 women, 90 men, and 70 children) from Eknemba reportedly reached the Yokatapa Village, while approximately 200 more civilians arrived in Sugapa Town. Many displaced persons remain scattered in forests under dangerous conditions, with limited access to food, clean water, medical care, and shelter. Children and infants are particularly vulnerable, with reports of fever and coughing due to exposure, while pregnant women and elderly people struggle with the conditions in the forest camps.
Despite documentation of displacement by human rights defenders and media reports, Indonesian military officials have dismissed these accounts as “TPNPB propaganda,” claiming that life in Intan Jaya continues normally and that Independence Day ceremonies proceeded without incident. This contradicts eyewitness reports and photographic evidence of mass displacement, highlighting the disconnect between official military statements and the reality faced by indigenous populations caught in ongoing conflict zones. The displaced communities have issued appeals for peace, calling on President Prabowo Subianto to halt military operations.
IDPs from Eknemba Village, Sugapa District, flee their homes, mid August’25
Yahukimo Regency
Yahukimo Regency experienced significant civilian displacement in mid-August 2025 due to armed conflict between Indonesian security forces and the TPNPB. The clashes intensified on 10 August 2025 and escalated significantly between 15 and 16 August. The clashes, centered around strategic locations including the Bonto River bridge checkpoint and the Gunung Road in Dekai Town, caused the residents from the Sumo District to flee their homes in fear of crossfire between the conflict parties.
The scale of displacement has been substantial, with approximately 1,890 people forced to abandon their homes, leaving an estimated 227 houses empty in the conflict zone. The IDPs include vulnerable groups such as women, children, elderly persons, infants, and disabled individuals. Many indigenous villagers fled to the surrounding forests for safety, while others sought refuge with family members in areas considered safer and farther from the conflict zones. Some of the refugees reportedly gathered at the GIDI Motulen Church in Dekai, while others remained in the forest. The refugees came from Sumo district, Endomen district, Duram district, Sela district, and Koropun district.
Access restrictions imposed by Indonesian military forces have severely hampered humanitarian documentation and aid delivery, particularly around the Tomon II area, where gunfights reportedly occurred. Human rights defenders faced difficulties in obtaining complete displacement figures due to limited access and the scattered nature of IDPs, many of whom remain hidden in forest areas. Observers have called for humanitarian access to the area, with calls for assistance on providing food and medical care for children and pregnant women at evacuation sites.
IDPs from Yahukimo, August 2025
Lumo District, Puncak Jaya Regency
On 11 August 2025, a joint Indonesian security force operation reportedly took place in the Lumo District, Puncak Jaya Regency, Central Papua Province, resulting in humanitarian consequences for the civilian population. Most residents allegedly fled into the forests for safety, while several people were reportedly arrested without legal grounds. According to the information received, multiple children went missing during the chaos, with no comprehensive evacuation process initiated. Security force members burnt civilian homes in the Lumo Village, with only the GIDI Lumo Church left standing. Indonesian security forces have converted the church building into a military post. The ongoing nature of these military operations has created an urgent humanitarian crisis, prompting calls from local sources for immediate advocacy and assistance for the IDPs from community and humanitarian organisations, as many IDPs remain in the forest without humanitarian access.
IDPs from Lumo District fled their homes on 11 August 2025
Oksop District, Pegunungan Bintang Regency
Since December 2024, civilians from Oksop District in Pegunungan Bintang Regency have fled their homes due to intensive Indonesian military operations in the district. The military has occupied key civilian infrastructure, such as the district government office, the GIDI Efesus Sape Church, and residential areas, effectively taking control of public services that civilian authorities should manage. This military takeover has extended to health services, education, and food distribution, creating a militarised environment that violates the principle of separation between civilian and military functions in a healthy democracy.
As of July 2025, displaced civilians remain scattered across four documented IDP camps in forest areas around the Oksop District, with some seeking refuge in neighbouring districts. The most recent displacement reportedly occurred on 12 July 2025, when military operations in Alukbakon Village resulted in the burning of civilian homes, forcing the villagers to establish temporary shelters in the wilderness. These displaced populations lack access to food, clean water, medical services, and adequate protection, while military restrictions on aid routes have prevented humanitarian organisations from reaching isolated IDP shelters in forest areas.
The Department of Law and Human Rights of the Indonesian Evangelical Church (GIDI) has called for immediate action. They demand that military forces cease operations in civilian areas, vacate occupied churches and government buildings, and allow IDPs to return safely to their homes.
IDPs from Alutbakon flee their village after security forces burnt residential houses on 16 July’25
Puncak Regency
The situation of IDPs from Puncak Regency since July 2025 reflects a deepening humanitarian crisis caused by escalating armed conflict between Indonesian security forces and the TPNPB. Beginning with large-scale military operations in February 2025 that deployed 300 personnel via helicopters, the conflict intensified significantly in July with operations in multiple districts, including Omukia and Gome Utara. These military actions reporteldly resulted in the burning of 21 civilian homes by security force members, the displacement of thousands of residents, and the burning of the Omukia District Office on 6 July by TPNPB members.
The scale of displacement has reached catastrophic proportions, with at least 3,895 people from five districts forced to flee their homes, including over 2,500 people from Omukia District alone who are now living in makeshift tent camps. The humanitarian conditions are dire, with IDPs, facing severe food shortages, lack of medical care, and overcrowded unsanitary conditions where single tents house 100-150 people. The crisis has resulted in civilian casualties, while dozens of villages have reportedly been abandoned, and hundreds of children have lost access to education.
Government response has been inadequate, with IDPs receiving minimal assistance consisting of limited rice supplies and instant noodles. Many IDPs have fled to neighboring areas including Nabire, where they live isolated from government assistance, while others have sought shelter in Ilaga Town, trapped in camps without access to their agricultural lands.
Residential houses being set on fire during security force raids in the Puncak Regency
IDPs from Puncak Regency, July’25
Greater Aifat Area, Maybrat Regency
Approximately 6,000 residents from the Aifat area in Maybrat Regency have remained internally displaced since the armed conflict between Indonesian security forces and the TPNPB in 2021. These IDPs are currently scattered across multiple districts, including Sorong, Tambrauw, and Bintuni, where they continue to live in displacement camps because the security situation remains unsafe and their fundamental rights as IDPs have not been adequately guaranteed by the government. The displaced population survives through subsistence farming, sago processing, and other activities to meet basic needs, including food, children’s education, and healthcare. They face significant challenges due to their distance from their ancestral land and livelihoods.
While the government provided initial attention during the early displacement period, church workers noted that regular government support has since ceased, leaving critical needs, such as healthcare, education, housing, and economic support unmet. The Catholic Justice and Peace Desk of the Augustinian Order in West Papua (SKPKC OSA) has stepped in to provide essential services, including healthcare, literacy programs, trauma healing, spiritual support, clean water infrastructure, and food assistance. Local officials acknowledged that several districts in Aifat have not fully recovered.
Kiwirok District, Pegunungan Bintang Regency
Many residents of the Kiwirok District in Pegunungan Bintang Regency remain internally displaced since the 2021 military operations and continue to face a humanitarian crisis. As of July 2025, the IDPs are living in forest camps under dire conditions, suffering from widespread health issues, including stomach pain, eye infections, dental problems, respiratory difficulties, malaria, fever, and various other ailments. The death toll among IDPs continues to rise due to the absence of proper medical care, food supplies, and essential services, while the local government has failed to acknowledge or address the humanitarian crisis. Despite attempts by medical teams to provide limited treatment, the inadequate facilities and restricted access have left civilians desperately in need of humanitarian intervention.
The security situation in Kiwirok remains heavily militarised with six military posts housing more than a hundred security personnel, comprising military special forces (Kopassus), Police Mobile Brigade Special Task forces (Brimob), and intelligence officers. This extensive military presence, combined with ongoing drone surveillance and air operations, has created a climate of fear that continues to drive residents into forest hideouts where they live in constant trauma. The militarisation extends across multiple districts in Pegunungan Bintang, with similar deployments in Oksop, Warasamol, and Diokmot districts, perpetuating the cycle of displacement that has persisted in the regency since 2021.
IDPs from Kiwirok District, July’25
Districts Tangma and Ukha, Yahukimo Regency
More than 600 residents from Tangma and Ukha Districts in Yahukimo Regency reportedly fled to the Kingmi Yeriko Halihalo Church compound following an armed clash between Indonesian security forces and the TPNPB on 15 June 2025. The gunfight resulted in the deaths of civilian Mesak Asipalek (45), who was shot in the head. The violence caused the displacement of approximately a quarter of Tangma District’s total population.
The Papuan Justice and Integrity Foundation (YKKMP) facilitated the return of IDPs to their villages through a comprehensive peace process that included negotiations and the installation of billboards prohibiting bloodshed in the area. On 10 July 2025, YKKMP officially declared that IDPs could return home after confirming that TPNPB forces had withdrawn from the area, while simultaneously calling for the withdrawal of non-organic TNI troops from Mount Ongolo. The initiative received broad community support from traditional leaders, church officials, and village heads who issued nine demands, including the withdrawal of non-organic security forces and accountability for civilian deaths.
IDPs from Tangma and Ukha gathering for a traditional earth oven ceremony before returning home on 19 July 2025
IDPs across West Papua, Indonesia, as of 20 August 2025
| Regency | No IDPs | Displaced since | Additional info |
| Nduga [2] | 58,981 | 4 Dec. 18 | IDPs originate from 11 districts in Nduga; more than 615 IDPs reportedly died as of January 2022. New displacements were reported from the Yugur District on 18 January 2025 |
| Puncak [3] | 2,724 | 27 Apr. 21 | At least 16 IDPs have reportedly died during displacement |
| > 3,000 | 3 Juni 24 | 900 households from the districts of Agandugume and Oneri fled their villages | |
| Intan Jaya [4] | 12,859 | 31 March 25 | At least 126 IDPs face health issues, and 11 IDPs reportedly died |
| Maybrat [5] | 6,000 | 2 Sep. 21 | IDPs originated from 5 districts; 138 IDPs reportedly died, and the local Govt reportedly facilitated the return of IDPs since November 2022 |
| Pegunungan Bintang (Kiwirok District) [6] | 752 | 10 Oct. 21 | About 200 IDPs fled to PNG, 96 IDPs reportedly died in the camps as of April’25, and dozens of IDPs suffered from sickness. |
| Yahukimo (Suru-Suru District) [7] | > 800 | 20 Nov. 21 | IDPs from 13 villages sought shelter in 15 temporary camps, 16 women gave birth without medical attention, and 13 IDPs reportedly died. |
| Yahukimo (Dekai District) [8] | 554 | 21 Aug. 23 | 13 persons were sick; one died, and two females were killed |
| Pegunungan Bintang (Oksop District) [9] | 707 | 08 Dec. 24 | The IDPs originate from Oketumi, Mimin, Alutbakon, Atenor, and Bumbakon villages, including 251 toddlers, 45 elderly persons, ten pregnant women, and at least six sick persons urgently requiring medical attention. Eight IDPs passed away in camps between late December ’24 and mid-June’25 |
| Nduga (Kroptak District) [10] | 2,000 | 7 Dec. 24 | First counts mentioned 65 toddlers, eight pregnant women, five severely ill individuals, and 15 elderly persons. |
| Teluk Bintuni (Moskona Barat District) [11] | N/A | 15 Jan 25 | One woman reportedly died in the forest during displacement |
| Nduga (Mebarok District) [12] | N/A | 18 Jan 25 | Residents from at least nine villages fled into the forests |
| Puncak (Districts Pogoma, Sinak, Kembru & Bina) [13] | > 2,000 | 12 Feb 25 | IDPs originate from the districts Pogoma, Sinak, Bina, and Kembru |
| Yahukimo (Districts Angguruk & Hereapini) [14] | N/A | 24 March 25 | N/A |
| Yahukimo (Districts Dekai and Seradala) [15] | 71 | 11 April 25 | composed of 13 women, 17 men, 2 infants, 20 children, and 19 young women. |
| Jayawijaya (Maima District) [16] | N/A | 9 June 25 | N/A |
| Intan Jaya (Hitadipa, Sugapa, and Agisiga) [17] | 6.375 | 30 March & 18 June 25 | affected villages are Zanamba, Jaindapa, Sugapa Lama, Titigi, Ndugusiga, Hitadipa, and Soagama, about 900 IDps returend on 27 June 2025 |
| Puncak (Pogoma, Bina & Sinak Barat) [18] | hundreds | 07 May 25 | IDPs sought refuge in the Sinak District |
| Puncak (Gome & Gome Utara) [19] | N/A | 22 May 25 | IDPs from Mundirok Walen Karu, Tobanggi, and Ilanggume sought refuge in Inggernok, Kagago 1, Kagago 2, Ilaga Town, and at the Puncak Regent’s residence in Gome. |
| Puncak (Yugumuak) [20] | hundreds | 18 June 25 | N/A |
| Puncak (Omukia) [21] | hundreds | 24 June 25 | N/A |
| Puncak Jaya Regency (Lumo) [22] | N/A | 11 August 25 | Securit forces reportedly burnt residential houses in Lumo Village to the ground |
| Intan Jaya (Suugapa) [23] | > 1,000 | 16 August 25 | IDPs originate from villages Eknemba, Kusage, Taitawa, Ndugupa, Molemba, and Zoanbili in the Sugapa District |
| Yahukimo (Sumo) [24] | 1,890 | 15 August 25 | N/A |
| T O T A L | > 100,313 | ||
[1] The term ‘West Papua’ in this paper refers to the western half of New Guinea Island, composed of the Indonesian provinces of Papua, Papua Pegunungan, Papua Tengah, Papua Selatan, Papua Barat, and Papua Barat Daya
[2] Compiled by a group of Papuan human rights defenders that visited IDPs from Nduga in the town of Wamena and surrounding areas between 12 and 20 July 2023
[3] Jubi (9.11.2021): SORAKPATOK: 300 tewas dan 50 ribu warga Papua mengungsi, available at: https://jubi.co.id/sorakpatok-300-tewas-dan-50-ribu-warga-papua-mengungsi/&
Jubi (12.07.2024): 500 KK dari Distrik Agandugume dan Oneri, sudah sebulan lebih mengungsi di Sinak, available at: https://jubi.id/polhukam/2024/500-kk-dari-distrik-agandugume-dan-oneri-sudah-sebulan-lebih-mengungsi-di-sinak/
[4] Independent HRDs in INtan Jaya, April 2025. CNN Indonesia (30.10.2021): Ribuan Warga Papua Mengungsi Usai Pecah Kontak Senjata, available at: https://www.cnnindonesia.com/nasional/20211030195433-12-714496/ribuan-warga-papua-mengungsi-usai-pecah-kontak-senjata
[5] Sorong News.Com (25.04.2025): 6,000 Warga Maybrat Tercatat Masih Mengungsi, Perbaikan Akses Jalan Jadi target Pemerintah, available at: https://sorongnews.com/6-000-warga-maybrat-tercatat-masih-mengungsi-perbaikan-akses-jalan-jadi-target-pemerintah/
[6] Data on total IDPs and deaths was updated by church workers visiting IDP camps in Pegunungan Bintang in April 2025.
[7] The number is based on data compiled by local church workers. The information was received in February 2022
[8] The number is based on a name list that human rights defenders in Dekai compiled in September 2023
[9] Based on data collected by the GIDI Church and local informants
[10] Based on data collected by human rights defenders in Kroptak. HRM received the reports on 18.12.2024
[11] Based on media information published on 13 January 2025 and information collected from local human rights defenders received on 19 January 2025
[12] Based on media information published on 26 February 2025
[13] Based on media information published on 14 February 2025 and information collected from local human rights defenders received between 11 and 19 February 2025
[14] Based on information from local informants and media information published on 23 March 2025
[15] Suara Papua (11.04.2025): Dikabarkan Sebanyak 71 Warga Sipil Mengungsi ke Kota Dekai, available at: https://suarapapua.com/2025/04/11/dikabarkan-sebanyak-71-warga-sipil-mengungsi-ke-kota-dekai/
[16] Nolen Wene (16.06.2025): Baru Mengungsi Karena Banjir Masyarakat Di Wamena Mengungsi Lagi Akibat Rentetan Tembakan, available at: https://nokenwene.com/2025/06/10/baru-mengungsi-karena-banjir-masyarakat-di-wamena-mengungsi-lagi-akibat-rentetan-tembakan/
[17] HRM received the data on IDPs from two local sources on 5 April 2025 and Nabire.NET (05.04.2025): Bupati Intan Jaya Salurkan Bantuan Sembako Ke Pengungsi Di Distrik Hitadipa, available at: https://www.nabire.net/bupati-intan-jaya-salurkan-bantuan-sembako-ke-pengungsi-di-distrik-hitadipa/;informatio & updated information published by Jubi on 30 June 2025
[18] HRM received the data on IDPs from two local sources between 8 and 18 May 2025
[19] HRM received the data on IDPs from two local sources between 22 and 28 May 2025 and Papua Daily.Com (24.05.2025) Warga dua kampung di Puncak mengungsi pasca penembakan warga sipil, available at: https://www.papuadaily.com/warga-dua-kampung-di-puncak-mengungsi-pasca-penembakan-warga-sipil/?fbclid=
[20] Papua Bangkit.com (22.06.2025): Sekda Nenu Tabuni Serahkan Santunan Korban Penembakan di Yugumuak dan Bantuan Beras Kepada Pengungsi Sinak – Papua Bangkit available at: https://papuabangkit.com/2025/06/22/sekda-nenu-tabuni-serahkan-santunan-korban-penembakan-di-yugumuak-dan-bantuan-beras-kepada-pengungsi-sinak/ & information received from local informants
[21] Suara Papua (24.06.2024): Operasi Militer Dua Hari, Banyak Rumah Warga Sipil di Distrik Omukia Terbakar, available at: https://suarapapua.com/2025/06/24/operasi-militer-dua-hari-banyak-rumah-warga-sipil-di-distrik-omukia-terbakar/ & information received from local informants
[22] Kabar Gunung.com (11.08.2025): Operasi Kolonial Militer Indonesia TNI-Polri Terhadap Warga Sipil di Distrik Lumo, Kabupaten Puncak Jaya, Papua Tengah, available at: https://kabargunung.com/konfilik-tni-polri-dan-wpa/operasi-kolonial-militer-indonesia-tni-polri-terhadap-warga-sipil-di-distrik-lumo-kabupaten-puncak-jaya-papua-tengah/ & information received from local informants
[23] Jelata News (17.08.2025): https://jelatanewspapua.com/breaking-news-operasi-militer-dan-penembakan-di-intan-jaya-masyarakat-dua-kampung-mengungsi-ke-hutan/ &
Kabar Gunung (16.08.2025): Kamera Drone Gantung Bom, Pasukan Darat TNI-Polri Kerahkan Kekuatan Besar di Eknemba Zoanbili Kabupaten Intan Jaya Papua Tengah, available at: https://kabargunung.com/ulmwp/kamera-drone-gantung-bom-pasukan-darat-tni-polri-kerahkan-kekuatan-besar-di-eknemba-zoanbili-kabupaten-intan-jaya-papua-tengah/ & information received from local informants
[24] Information received from local informants
