West Papua

Dispossession, violence, and resistance: The human rights crisis around the Merauke National Strategic Project

Since late 2024, a growing body of evidence surrounding the Merauke PSN has documented serious procedural violations, the dismantling of indigenous land rights, incidents of violence against community members who resist, and the systematic exclusion of affected communities from decision-making processes.

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IDP Update March’26: More military operations trigger new displacements and dampen the prospects of return

Between January and March 2026, human rights defenders and local media covered new internal displacements in West Papua due to new security force raids and the increasing presence of military personnel in the central highlands. As of 1 January 2026, more than 107,039 civilians across multiple regencies remained internally displaced due to military operations and armed conflict

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CSI statement at the UN Human Rights Council: Military operations exacerbate humanitarian crisis- in West Papua

Christian Solidarity International (CSI) has called on the Indonesian government to grant international observers access to West Papua, warning that ongoing military operations in the region are driving a mounting

CSI statement at the UN Human Rights Council: Military operations exacerbate humanitarian crisis- in West Papua Read More »

Annual Report 2025: Human Rights and Conflict in West Papua

The armed conflict in West Papua throughout 2025 remained a principal driver of human rights violations in the Papuan provinces, marked by escalating armed hostilities, reports of extrajudicial killings, torture and ill-treatment, and continued intimidation of civil society by Indonesian security forces. Civilian harm increased as security operations expanded into remote areas, contributing to mass displacement and deepening humanitarian needs, particularly in the highlands. Authorities continued to restrict freedom of expression by dispersing peaceful protests and limiting access for journalists and independent observers.

Annual Report 2025: Human Rights and Conflict in West Papua Read More »

Impunity in Sorong: Nine months without justice for victim of police violence

On 14 February 2026, LBH Papua Pos Sorong formally filed a complaint with the Internal Affairs Division (Propam) of the West Papua Regional Police, urging the Regional Police Chief to impose disciplinary sanctions on the officers involved and to initiate a professional criminal investigation.

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Papua Quarterly Report Q4 2025: Securing Development Through Force: Surge in victims as military operations expand across West Papua

This 10-page document outlines cases and developments, including human rights violations and their patterns, the escalation of armed conflict and its impact on civilians, significant political shifts in Indonesia affecting West Papua, and international responses and initiatives. It covers the period from 1 October to 31 December 2025.

Papua Quarterly Report Q4 2025: Securing Development Through Force: Surge in victims as military operations expand across West Papua Read More »

Impunity update: Police officer sentenced for killing of Tobias Silak seen walking freely through Wamena

On 2 February 2026, credible information emerged that Second Brigadier Fernando Alexander Aufa, one of the convicted officers, was seen walking freely in Wamena, raising serious concerns that he may have been released by the Jayawijaya District Police despite a five-year custodial sentence

Impunity update: Police officer sentenced for killing of Tobias Silak seen walking freely through Wamena Read More »

IDP Update January 2026:  Humanitarian crisis deteriorates as Indigenous communities bear brunt of expanding security operations

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 As of 1 January 2026, more than 105,878 civilians across multiple regencies remained internally displaced due to military operations and armed conflict

IDP Update January 2026:  Humanitarian crisis deteriorates as Indigenous communities bear brunt of expanding security operations Read More »

Four political prisoners from Sorong found guilty of treason and sentenced to seven months in prison for delivering letters

On 19 November 2025, judges at the Makassar District Court in Makassar City, South Sulawesi Province, sentenced four Papuan political prisoners from Sorong City to seven months’ imprisonment on treason charges.

Four political prisoners from Sorong found guilty of treason and sentenced to seven months in prison for delivering letters Read More »

Military operations in Papuan highlands continue as people launch series of protests against militarism, demanding withdrawal of troops

People across West Papua have been protesting against the growing militarisation and ongoing expansion of military operations in the Papuan central highlands.

Military operations in Papuan highlands continue as people launch series of protests against militarism, demanding withdrawal of troops Read More »

Papua Quarterly Report Q3 2025: Violence and Impunity: Killings and arrests as security forces expand across West Papua

This 12-page document outlines cases and developments, including human rights violations and their patterns, the escalation of armed conflict and its impact on civilians, significant political shifts in Indonesia affecting West Papua, and international responses and initiatives. It covers the period from 1 July to 30 September 2025.

Papua Quarterly Report Q3 2025: Violence and Impunity: Killings and arrests as security forces expand across West Papua Read More »

IDP Update October 2025: Military campaign disrupts civilian life and services while causing new displacements

Between September and October 2025, West Papua experienced widespread internal displacement affecting more than 103,218 civilians across multiple regencies due to Indonesian military operations and armed conflict

IDP Update October 2025: Military campaign disrupts civilian life and services while causing new displacements Read More »

Constitutional court rejects formal review of controversial TNI Law despite strong dissent

Indonesia’s Constitutional Court rejected formal review petitions challenging Law No. 3/2025 on the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), ruling that the legislative process did not violate the 1945 Constitution despite procedural controversies and widespread criticism

Constitutional court rejects formal review of controversial TNI Law despite strong dissent Read More »