A prominent church leader in West Papua has issued a stark warning, stating that the ongoing killing of young indigenous Papuans by Indonesian security forces bears the hallmarks of genocide.
The warning comes amid a surge of violent incidents in the Indonesian-ruled region since the beginning of the year. While the Indonesian government attributes the violence to pro-independence fighters, human rights defenders argue that indigenous youth are increasingly in the firing line.
Escalating Violence Against Civilians
Recent reports highlight a series of lethal encounters. Last week, a 17-year-old Papuan girl was killed during a military operation that reportedly targeted civilian mining camps in Tembagapura.
In the town of Kobakma, located in the central highlands, several high school students were shot during a graduation parade. Police had reportedly objected to the students wearing the Papuan Morning Star Flag, a symbol of the independence movement.
Further violence was recorded last month in the Kembru district, where a military operation left up to 12 civilians dead. According to human rights researchers, the victims included a 5-year-old girl, a 77-year-old woman, and two pregnant women.
In April, five people, including a 12-year-old boy, were shot dead in Dogiyai regency. This incident was described as an alleged retaliatory attack by police following the death of a policeman.
A ‘Disturbing Pattern’ of Attacks
Pastor Jimi Koirewa, head of the human rights and justice department of the GIDI Evangelical Church of Indonesia in Papua, says these attacks follow a specific pattern. He argues that targeting women and children is an attempt to wipe out the future of Papua.
“The children are being killed, the women are being killed. That is a part of genocide,” Koirewa stated, adding that as the elderly die gradually, there may be no one left standing in Papua.
Koirewa claims that while the military enters the region under the guise of removing “rebels” from the OPM Free West Papua Movement to allow for development, they are “shooting the people” rather than combatants.
Government Response and Systemic Issues
Indonesia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has declined to comment on the genocide claims, stating it cannot discuss incidents while investigations are ongoing. However, Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai has admitted the situation is a “serious concern.”
Pigai noted that the independent human rights body, Komnas HAM, identified 26 cases of violence from January to April 2026. This follows a violent 2025, during which Komnas HAM recorded 97 violent incidents and armed conflicts.
Minister Pigai stated that in just under a month, no fewer than 20 people died across five incidents in Tembagapura, Timika, Puncak Papua, Yahukimo, and Dogiyai. He maintained that the government is seeking a peaceful solution to address the root causes of the conflict.
Development and Displacement
The Indonesian government has promoted large-scale mining, forestry, and agri-business projects—including sugarcane, rice, and oil palm—arguing these initiatives raise living standards.
Pastor Koirewa disputes these claims, questioning why Papuans remain the poorest population in Indonesia after more than 60 years. He suggests that development is used as a cover to bring in non-Papuans to take over indigenous land.
Koirewa further noted that Indonesian transmigration is changing demographics, leaving indigenous Papuans outnumbered in their own homeland. Due to a perceived lack of response from Jakarta, the GIDI church is now seeking international aid for Papuan schools and displaced persons.
Potential Future Developments
Given the current trajectory, the situation in West Papua could see further escalation if military deployments continue to increase. There is a possibility that the GIDI church may successfully secure external aid, potentially increasing international visibility of the crisis.
Depending on the outcome of Komnas HAM investigations, the Indonesian government may be pressured to alter its security approach or provide more transparent justice for civilian casualties to regain the trust of Papuan communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the OPM Free West Papua Movement?
The OPM is a pro-independence movement in West Papua. The Indonesian government labels these fighters as “armed criminal groups.”
How many people have been displaced by the conflict?
According to the Human Rights Monitor group, over 107,000 West Papuans remain displaced.
What was the cause of the violence in Kobakma?
Tensions flared during a graduation parade when police objected to students wearing the Papuan Morning Star Flag, a symbol of the independence movement.
Do you believe international aid can effectively alleviate the crisis in West Papua without a political resolution?