Civilian deaths reported during Papua military operation spark rights concerns

At least 12 civilians were reported killed and dozens more injured during an enforcement operation conducted by the Indonesian National Armed Forces in Kembru Village, Kembru District, Puncak Regency, Central Papua, in the early hours of 14 April 2026.

According to the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), the operation targeted the armed group West Papua National Liberation Army–Free Papua Movement and resulted in the deaths of civilians, including women and children, all of whom sustained gunshot wounds.

The commission added that dozens of other civilians suffered serious injuries, with some requiring urgent evacuation for medical treatment.

Komnas HAM said it is continuing to collect and verify information regarding the total number of victims and their condition, noting that access to the affected area remains limited and that data is still being consolidated from multiple sources.

In a statement issued on 17 April, Komnas HAM said it “strongly condemns” enforcement operations that result in civilian casualties. It stated that any such actions, whether categorised as military operations or military operations other than war, cannot be justified under any circumstances.

The commission emphasised that attacks against civilians constitute violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, noting that the right to life and the right to security are non-derogable and must be upheld at all times.

Komnas HAM Chair Anis Hidayah also expressed condolences over the deaths, stressing that civilians—particularly vulnerable groups such as women and children—must be afforded maximum protection and prioritised in any security approach.

The commission urged all parties, including security forces and TPNPB-OPM, to exercise restraint to prevent fear, stigmatisation, or the targeting of civilians. It also called on the government, both central and regional, to ensure immediate protective measures and provide recovery support, including medical and psychological rehabilitation, while preventing further displacement of residents due to security concerns.

Komnas HAM further called on the TNI Commander to evaluate the operation conducted by the Habema Task Force and to ensure a professional, transparent, and thorough legal process in order to uphold justice for victims and their families. The commission said it would continue gathering information and undertaking monitoring measures in accordance with its mandate.

Separately, Sebby Sambom, spokesperson for the OPM, alleged that Indonesian military operations carried out between 13 and 15 April resulted in the deaths of 12 indigenous Papuan civilians. He stated that those killed were non-combatants and rejected reports circulated in several Indonesian media outlets linking TPNPB to acts such as the burning of homes or the killing of civilians.

“The Indonesian military’s statements regarding this incident constitute public disinformation that distorts the facts,” he said, while calling for international attention, including from the United Nations.

The TNI denied involvement in shootings that caused civilian deaths. Head of the TNI Information Centre, Aulia Dwi Nasrullah, said two separate incidents occurred on 14 April.

He said the first incident took place in Kembru Village, where troops responding to reports from residents regarding the presence of TPNPB-OPM conducted a patrol and inspection. Upon arrival, the unit came under fire, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. The TNI stated that four members of the armed group were killed during the confrontation.

Following the clash, the military reported securing a number of items, including improvised firearms, air rifles, ammunition, bladed weapons, communication devices, and an OPM flag.

A second incident occurred in Jigiunggi Village, approximately seven kilometres from the initial location, where local authorities reported the death of a child from a gunshot wound. The TNI said it is continuing to investigate the case and maintained that its personnel were not involved in the shooting.

In response, the Central Papua provincial government has initiated emergency and recovery measures. Governor Meki Nawipa said the administration would fully cover medical expenses for victims and provide long-term support for children who lost their parents in the incident.

Several victims have been evacuated to regional healthcare facilities, including RSUD Mulia, while at least one child has been airlifted to Jayapura for further treatment. Authorities are also assessing conditions in nearby villages to determine whether additional victims remain unaccounted for.

Humanitarian assistance has been deployed to the affected area, including personnel from the Indonesian Red Cross, as monitoring and recovery efforts continue.