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.
Human Rights Monitor’s latest report reveals evidence of widespread and systematic attacks against indigenous civilians in Indonesia’s Papua Tengah Province during security force operations in April 2023. The investigation documents extensive destruction of civilian infrastructure, killings, and mass displacement that may constitute crimes against humanity.
On 1 November 2024, the Supreme Court of Indonesia rejected the cassation appeal filed by Mr Hendrikus Franky Woro, an environmental advocate and member of the indigenous Awyu tribe, regarding the environmental feasibility permit granted to PT Indo Asiana Lestari (IAL).
On 24 December 2024, Mr Febrian Agapa, 20, was seriously injured after being shot at close range by the driver of a vehicle from a convoy escorted by security forces.
On 20 December 2024, environmental activist Sulfianto Alias was beaten by a group of individuals in Teluk Bintuni, Papua Barat Province.
On 29 December 2024, Mr Rabin Marselino Yarangga, a journalist, was attacked by a mob and later tortured by police officers during detention at the Sorong Police Station.
A shooting incident involving the Indonesian military (TNI) occurred in Dogiyai Regency, Central Papua (Papua tengah) Province, on 16 December 2024, leaving three civilians injured.
Sergeant First Class Marius Bernadus Mabur (SFC MM), a member of the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU), has been accused of burning his wife, Elis Agustina Yotha, alive, resulting in her death.
Human rights defenders allege that members of the Yonif 509/BY military unit tortured 16-year-old Yulianus Abugau in the Mamba Village, Sugapa District, on 8 December 2024.
As of December 2024, more than 85,295 people in West Papua [1] remain internally displaced as a result of armed conflict between Indonesian security forces and the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB). Between October and December 2024, new internal displacements reportedly occurred in the regencies of Tambrauw and Pegunungan Bintang.
Military members reportedly tortured Mr Meki Pekei in the Deiyai Regency, in the late afternoon of 27 November 2024. Mr Pekei was admitted to the hospital on the same day to receive medical treatment.
The Papuan People’s Front Against Transmigration (FRPAT) officially registered the protest on 12 November, as required under national law. In the early morning of 15 November 2024, protesters gathered peacefully in the Jepara 1 area.
The protesters in Jayapura City gathered in various locations on 15 November 2024. In Expo Waena and the Abepura Roundabout, protesters were forcibly dispersed by the authorities using water cannons, tear gas, wooden sticks, and rubber ammunition around 8:30 am.
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
On 13 October 2024, around 11:00 am, Yonif 509 Balawara Yudha military members attempted to stop Mr Pianus Sani, 18, and Sepe Bagubau, 15, as the youth drove their motorcycle back home. Fearful of the military members, Mr Pianus Sani did not stop the motorcycle but continued driving.
On 12 October 2024, soldiers arbitrarily arrested the junior high school student, Wenes Tipagau, along with his friend (identity yet to be verified) and reportedly tortured them inside the Yonif Maleo 509/BY military post in Mamba.
On 09 October 2024, members of the Yonif Maleo 509/BY command arbitrarily arrested and tortured, Mr Alex Sondegau, 30, inside the military post in the Mamba Village, Intan Jaya Regency, Indonesia.
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
