Between November and December 2025, human rights defenders and local media covered new internal displacements in West Papua due to new security force raids and the ongoing expansion of military infrastructure in the central highlands. As of 1 January 2026, more than 105,878 civilians across multiple regencies remained internally displaced due to military operations and armed conflict (see table below). The vast majority of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) are indigenous peoples, as security force operations exclusively target areas that indigenous Papuans mainly inhabit. Incidents triggering new internal displacements reportedly occurred in the regencies Mimika, Nduga, Lanny Jaya, Intan Jaya, and Yahukimo.
On 21 November 2025, the Papuan Church Council, in collaboration with the STT Walter Post Jayapura Centre for Social and Pastoral Human Rights Studies, organised a Literacy and Resilience Festival titled “Caring for Memories Through Words” in Jayapura City. The event provided a platform for IDP representatives to share their experiences and brought together civil society stakeholders to document and raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis. The testimonies at the festival illustrated both the challenges faced by displaced populations and grassroots resilience efforts.
The humanitarian conditions across all displacement sites remain uniformly dire, characterised by acute shortages of food, medicine, clean water, and shelter. IDPs sheltering in forests face particularly harsh conditions with minimal humanitarian access, while those in evacuation camps struggle with severe overcrowding, inadequate resources, and the complete cessation of daily activities. The situation is further complicated by restricted humanitarian access due to security force controls and challenging geographical conditions. The militarisation of health access in conflict zones across West Papua has created fear and hesitation in seeking medical care, with fatal consequences for vulnerable populations.
This crisis reveals a systematic pattern of military operations that disproportionately affect civilian populations and violate principles of distinction between combatants and non-combatants. The long-term nature of these displacements, with some populations like those in Pegunungan Bintang displaced since 2021 and over 10,000 Nduga IDPs living in Jayawijaya since December 2019, indicates an entrenched humanitarian emergency requiring sustained attention. The IDPs refuse to return until military forces withdraw from their villages.
Mimika
On 31 October 2025, Indonesian military forces entered Jila District, Mimika Regency, and opened fire on villages without prior warning, despite no reported armed conflict with the TPNPB at the time. The operation reportedly resulted in the internal displacement of approximately 1,500 civilians. Some fled to Timika City while others remained sheltering in forests around Jila District without government assistance or humanitarian access. Restricted internet access in the area hampered the documentation of the situation.
The crisis escalated significantly on 10 December 2025, as military forces reportedly conducted aerial bombardments in Amuagom Village at approximately 5:00 a.m. The attack destroyed civilian homes, livestock, and property, with ammunition casings found in yards and bullet holes penetrating house walls. Hundreds of IDPs fled dozens of kilometres to the Jila District centre without adequate food or water. A dozen residents fled to Puncak and Puncak Jaya Regencies. Military operations reportedly continued on 11 December, expanding to ten villages with additional troops and helicopters deployed.
IDPs fleeing the Jila District after military operations began on 31 October 2025, without prior incident or notice
Yahukimo
On 12 November 2025, joint security forces announced operations in the Jalan Gunung area of Dekai District, calling upon the residents to vacate within two weeks. This announcement triggered the immediate displacement of at least 83 villagers, including children and pregnant women. The displaced population settled across three locations in nine villages without any government-prepared evacuation sites or relief goods.
The lack of humanitarian access has had fatal consequences. On 16 November 2025, Mrs Humuin Bahabol, a 40-year-old woman, died after weeks of hiding in the forest without adequate food, clean water, or medical treatment. She had developed stomach problems that worsened into liver and heart complications. On 23 December, four-year-old Ashepia E. Yalak reportedly died at Dekai Regional Hospital after her family fled the military operations. The patient suffered from a high fever and could not be saved despite hospital intervention. Most IDPs are reluctant to utilise public healthcare services, which have become overshadowed by military control and surveillance of patients.
The security situation in the Jalan Gunung area again deteriorated following armed clashes on 13 December 2025. Thereupon, Indonesian forces reportedly intensified operations in and around civilian residential areas. A dozen civilian houses were severely damaged as security forces indiscriminately opened fire in the residential area. Security force members killed livestock and devastated houses, with bullets piercing through walls and roofs.
IDPs from the Jalan Gunung Area set up a shelter in the forest, 14 November 2025
Intan Jaya
A security raid in the Sugapa District on 7 November 2025 resulted in two villagers, including a nine-year-old child, being injured by military personnel. Community representatives have since met with military officials to request a halt to operations. Hundreds of residents from Eknemba and surrounding villages reportedly fled to the forests and to Sugapa Town. The TNI and Police set up three temporary military tents in Wagantapa, while communications and civilian movement in the area are heavily restricted (see photo below, source: independent HRD). Another concerning development occurred on 16 November, when military officials in Hitadipa urged residents to convince IDPs in forests and neighbouring villages to return home, explicitly stating they want no more reports of IDPs from the area. (see video below) This pressure on IDPs to return comes amid ongoing military activity.
Since early November 2025, Indonesian military forces have established new military posts in civilian areas of Intan Jaya Regency, notably in Ogeapa Village. TNI members reportedly requested land for another post in Hitadipa Village. These actions were taken without consulting local customary leaders. In Ogeapa, military operations officially described as solar panel distribution have involved house searches, causing significant trauma among residents. Traditional livelihoods such as farming and hunting have been disrupted. The TPNPB claimed that these villages fall within a designated civilian evacuation zone for IDPs established since 2019, arguing that military presence there violates international humanitarian law.
A military commander is pressuring community to convince other IDPs in forest shelters to return to their villages, 16 November 2025. This was understood as an attempt to cover-up the ongoing existence of IDPs in Intan Jaya
Nduga
On 10 December 2025, Indonesian military forces launched an air operation in Gearek District, Nduga Regency. The airstrikes reportedly damaged several civilian homes in the vicinity, leaving the affected indigenous communities traumatised. Approximately 100 persons from Gearek District fled to the regency capital of Kenyam, where they set up tents near the Kenyam Inpres Primary School from 14 December. Others reportedly fled to the neighbouring Asmat Regency.
The displacement lasted approximately two weeks. On 22 December 2025, the Nduga Regent provided Rp. 200 million in assistance to facilitate the return of IDPs after expressing their strong desire to celebrate Christmas in their village. Following coordination between the Papuan Justice and Integrity Foundation (YKKMP), local government, police, and military authorities, IDPs from Yunusugu began returning on 18 December, and those in Kenyam returned on 26 December after a joint Christmas service. Meanwhile, longer-term Nduga IDPs remain displaced in various regencies across West Papua. Church youth groups distributed Christmas aid to IDPs from Kroptak District, Nduga, who have been living in Jayawijaya Regency since fleeing their homes in December 2024.
IDP from Gearek District, Nduga Regency, December 2025
Lanny Jaya
On 5 October 2025, Indonesian military forces conducted air and ground operations in Yigemili Village, Melagi District, Lanny Jaya Regency. The attack occurred suddenly while residents were preparing for Holy Communion, with two helicopters launching an aerial assault that forced the congregation to scatter. The operation resulted in significant property destruction. Approximately 2,000-2,300 residents fled to neighbouring Wuyukwi Village, where they established an IDP camp. Conditions in the camp quickly deteriorated. By early November, IDPs reported that food reserves had depleted to just 5 kilograms of rice for the entire displaced population in the camp. The Lanny Jaya Government provided aid on 14 October, but supplies were quickly exhausted.
Education, health services, and economic activity in the area came to a complete standstill, with schools and health centres ceasing operations. The IDPs were afraid to leave the camp due to ongoing military patrols. By late November 2025, IDPs expressed a strong desire to return home but insisted on a formal agreement with the local government guaranteeing their safety and addressing rehabilitation needs. The IDPs from Melagi continue to live in the IDP camp and forest shelters as of January 2026.
YKKMP Director, Mr Theo Hesegem, with internally displaced children from the Melagi District, November 2025
Pegunungan Bintang
HRM received updated information about IDPs from the districts of Oksop and Kiwirok. For both locations, IDPs remain in semi-permanent IDP shelters in the surrounding forests of Pegunungan Bintang. The situation has become particularly concerning for IDPs from Kiwirok, who have been living isolated from humanitarian access, including fundamental health services, since 2023. In November 2025, HRM received video statements in which Kiwirok IDPs demanded that authorities allow humanitarian access (see video below, source: GIDI Church). Fighter jets attacked an IDP settlement in the forest on 6 October 2025, causing further trauma to the IDP community in Kiwirok.
IDPs from Oksop celebrated Christmas in various forest shelters across the district. Among them are the elderly, children, and pregnant women. According to updated information received in early December, about 4,584 persons from the villages Oksop, Atenar, Mimin, Alutbakon, and Oktumi remain internally displaced as of December 2025.
IDPs from Kiwirok at their forest camp, October 2025
Maybrat
The displacement crisis in Maybrat Regency, now entering its fourth year, continues to affect an estimated 2,800 people. IDPs remain scattered across villages and towns, with residents from South East Aifat District (6 villages, 905 people) and Far East Aifat District (7 villages, 920 people) among those still unable to return home. Between September and November 2025, eight IDPs reportedly died in Sorong from various illnesses, including one minor aged 17, highlighting the ongoing health challenges facing the IDPs.
At a Human Rights Day commemoration held by LBH Kaki Abu in Sorong between 7 and 10 December 2025, IDPs from Maybrat testified about the dire conditions they face. While some have returned to three districts since government repatriation efforts began in 2023, the districts East Aifat and South Aifat remain uninhabited. The IDPs also criticised these repatriation efforts as forced returns that fail to address basic needs such as healthcare, education, and economic support, while some public facilities and private homes have been converted into security posts.
Those who have returned continue to live under tight military control, with TNI posts established in villages throughout the region. Residents must seek permission from military personnel to conduct daily activities. Like elsewhere in West Papua, the ongoing heavy military presence is reported to have serious impacts on the freedom of movement of indigenous communities. Observers have raised concerns that the heavy military presence in Maybrat serves the purpose of securing natural resource exploitation, with multiple active mining and logging operations in the regency.
Private houses and public facilities in Maybrat have been occupied and converted into security posts
IDPs across West Papua, Indonesia, as of 1 January 2026
| 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] | 2,800 | 2 Sep. 21 | Remaining IDPs originated from districts South East Aifat, Far East Aifat, and two villages in the Middle-East Aifat District; 138 IDPs reportedly died, |
| 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 people were sick; one died, and two females were killed |
| Pegunungan Bintang (Oksop District) [9] | 4,584 | 08 Dec. 24 | The IDPs originate from Mimin, Alutbakon, Atenar, Oksop, and Oktumi villages. At least 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 of 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 | The affected villages are Zanamba, Jaindapa, Sugapa Lama, Titigi, Ndugusiga, Hitadipa, and Soagama. About 900 IDPs returned 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 (Lumo) [22] | N/A | 11 August 25 | Security 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 |
| Intan Jaya (Hitadipa) [25] | >145 | 11 September 25 – 15 October 25 | IDPs originate from villages Bulapa, Gamagae, Yuwaitapa, Yoparu, Galunggama, Soanggama, Janamba, and Kulapa. |
| Teluk Bintuni (Moskona Utara & Moskona Utara Jauh) [26] | 238 | 18 October 25 | IDPs originate from villages Moyeba Satu, Mesum, Meven, Inovina, and Mosror |
| Lanny Jaya (Melagi) [27] | 2,300 | 5 October 25 | IDPs originate from Wunabugu Village and the surrounding areas |
| Yahukimo (Dekia) [28] | 222 | 31 October 25 | IDPs originate from villages Domon 1 and Domon 2 |
| Mimika (Jila) [29] | > 1,700 | 1 Nov & 10 Dec 25 | IDPs originate from the Jila District |
| Yahukimo (Dekai) [30] | 83 | 12 Nov 25 | IDPs originate from the Jl Gunung Area. Two IDPs reportedly died during displacement. |
| Intan Jaya (Sugapa) [31] | hundreds | 7 Nov 25 | N/A |
| T O T A L | > 105.878 | ||
[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 who 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] Report received from local HRD following an investigation to Maybrat in late October 2025
[6] Data on total IDPs and deaths were 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 updated information collected by the GIDI Church and local informants in November 2025. HRM received the data in mid-December 2025
[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
[25] Information received from local informants
[26] Information received from local informants & Suara Papua (22.10.2025): 209 Warga Moskona di Bintuni Mengungsi ke Hutan, available at: https://suarapapua.com/2025/10/22/209-warga-moskona-di-bintuni-mengungsi-ke-hutan/
[27] Information received from local NGO & Tribun News (24.10.2025): 2.000 Pengungsi Lanny Jaya Tolak Pulang Sebelum TNI Ditarik dari Kampung, available at: https://papua.tribunnews.com/news/120302/2000-pengungsi-lanny-jaya-tolak-pulang-sebelum-tni-ditarik-dari-kampung.
[28] Based on information from local informants
[29] Information received from local HRDs and media information published on 18 November 2025 and 12 December 25
[30] Information received from local HRDs
[31] Information received from local HRDs
