The indigenous peoples in West Papua suffer from human rights violations in the decades long lasting political and economical conflict there. West Papua refers to the western half of the New Guinea island. It is comprised of the six Indonesian provinces: Papua, Papua Barat, Papua Tengah, Papua Pegunungan, Papua Selatan, Papua Barat Daya.
On 15 November 2024, thousands of Papuans went to the streets after the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) called for peaceful Papua-wide demonstrations against the central Government’s plan to relaunch the transmigration program, with West Papua being one of the target areas.
The Indonesian military continues to intensify its operations in West Papua, leading lately to increased displacement of indigenous communities and severe human rights abuses. Recent reports from the conflict-ridden region of Intan Jaya in Papua province have raised serious concerns about the safety of civilians caught in the crossfire between the Indonesian National Army (TNI) and the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB).
On 16 October 2024, in the early hours of the morning, an attack targeted the Jubi editorial office, a prominent media house in Jayapura, Papua, known for its coverage of human rights and environmental issues. Around 3:15 a.m. local time, two individuals riding a motorcycle threw Molotov cocktails into the office yard, setting ablaze two operational vehicles,
On 24 October 2024, members of the 753 Military command post in Ilu reportedly shot dead Mr Tuju Wonda, 25, in the village of Alukme
Military members are accused of involvement in a series of torture and extra-judicial killings of indigenous Papuans in the Intan Jaya Regency, West Papua
This comprehensive 11-page document lists cases and developments including human rights violations and their patterns; escalation of armed conflict and its impact on civilians; significant political shifts in Indonesia affecting …
Papua Quarterly Report Q3 2024: Civil Society Resistance and Human Rights Advocacy Read More »
The Permanent People’s Tribunal Judgement on State and Environmental Violence in West Papua was presented on 1st October at the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council.
On 3 September 2024, Mr Yeremias Magai, a catechist at Stasi Kristus Raja Damai Nabire and a member of the Nabire District Government Pamong Praja Unit, reportedly died during custody at the Nabire Regional Police, Papua Tengah Province.
On 15 July 2024, Mr Herik Gombo died under suspicious circumstances during custody at the Merauke Police. Mr Gombo and his colleague had been detained following a motorcycle accident earlier that day
Instead of pursuing legal justice for th ekilling of thre Papuan men in Puncak Jaya, the local government settled the case by paying a compensation payment of 7.5 billion rupiah (about € 1.569.500) from the communal budget.
On 24 September 2024, the Indonesian Supreme Court delivered a significant victory for civil liberties by upholding the acquittal of human rights activists Haris Azhar and Fatia Maulidiyanti.
On 21 September 2024, the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) released Captain Phillip Mark Mehrtens, a pilot from New Zealand, into the hands of former Nduga Regent, Mr Edison Gwijangge.
On 29 September 2024, the five students Mr Josan, Mr Ando, Mr Joshua, Mr Cela, and Mr Emigay, all members of the ‘West Papuan Student Solidarity’, were intimidated after registering a peaceful assembly to commemorate the Rome Agreement of 30 September 1962 in Nabire, Papua Tengah Province.
Police officers arrested two indigenous Papuans, Mr Ripe Kerebea and Mr Eli Koranue, in the town of Kenyam, Nduga Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province, on 17 August 2024.
On 3 August 2024, members of the Sentani Regional KNPB (West Papua National Committee) and local community groups were forcibly dispersed by members of the Jayapura District Police in Sentani Town, Jayapura Regency, Papua province
On 13 August 2024, Indonesian military forces reportedly raided the Silatuga Village of Sugapa District, Intan Jaya Regency, searching residential houses in the area.
On 14 September 2024, members of the Indonesian National Army (TNI) arbitrarily detained two Papuans at a military post in Mamba Village, Sugapa District, in the Intan Jaya Regency, Papua Tengah Province.
A new report has revealed the devastating impacts of palm oil investment in Papua, Indonesia, on both the environment and indigenous communities. The study, conducted by researcher Wiko Saputra, found that while the economic benefits of the industry are limited, the environmental and social costs are significant.
Human Rights Watch publshed a new report about racial discrimination against indiegnous Papuans in Indonesia.
On 14 August 2024, members of the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) in the Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province, experienced acts of intimidation and unauthorized search by members of the 1715 Kodim (military district command) and Brimob (mobile brigade corps).
