DPD Member: Papua Issues Cannot Be Resolved Solely Through Eradication of Armed Groups

The Vice Chairman of the DPD RI Papua Special Committee, Filep Wamafma, is urging the government to change its approach to resolving the conflict in Papua. He proposed that the government consider a conflict resolution concept similar to the one previously implemented in Aceh.

According to Filep, the eradication approach used so far has not shown significant changes to the conflict situation in Papua. “What would be better is for the state to resolve the violence in Papua by adopting the Aceh concept. I believe that would be far better than the methods currently in use,” said Filep on Monday (28/09/2026).

He assessed that the security approach in Papua has persisted through various administrations and across different TNI leaderships. “Because this eradication method has spanned from President to President, and from TNI Commander to TNI Commander, the fact remains that there has been no significant change; instead, it is increasing, and civilian casualties are rising,” he stated.

Filep noted that resolving the Papua conflict cannot rely solely on the eradication of armed groups. He also highlighted the impact of the conflict on civilian populations. “Complaints from Komnas HAM (the National Commission on Human Rights) and from church authorities serve as evidence that there are civilian victims, as well as refugees who are still living in the jungle wilderness to this day,” he said.

In his view, the government must ensure that security approaches do not exacerbate the number of civilian casualties or displaced persons. “If policies from the TNI Commander continue in this manner, can the TNI Commander guarantee that there will be no refugees and no civilian victims? This is something we also need to remind the Commander about,” he added.

Filep emphasised that firm action by authorities can still be carried out, provided that the targets of enforcement are clear and civilians do not become victims. “In principle, we support a firm stance, but once again, we hope that there will be no civilian casualties,” he concluded.