Government Accelerates Resolution of Refugee Issues in Papua Through Fulfilment of Basic Rights
The government is continuing to accelerate the resolution of the refugee problem in Papua through an approach that emphasises the fulfilment of the basic rights of communities affected by the conflict.
These efforts are being carried out by strengthening coordination across ministries and agencies, improving the effectiveness of humanitarian aid distribution, and ensuring that every displaced citizen continues to receive legal protection, healthcare, education and other basic needs.
This step forms part of the state’s commitment to delivering sustainable solutions while accelerating the recovery of community life in affected areas.
Munafrizal Manan, Director-General of Human Rights Services and Compliance at the Ministry of Human Rights, affirmed that the government is paying special attention to communities forced to flee due to the security situation in several parts of Papua.
According to him, recurring conflict has had wide-ranging social impacts, requiring a swift, measurable state response oriented towards the protection of human rights.
“The state is obliged to be present to ensure the protection and fulfilment of the basic rights of refugees as citizens. Refugees must not lose access to their essential rights simply because they find themselves in a conflict situation,” said Munafrizal on Tuesday, 21 July 2026.
He explained that the Ministry of Human Rights has given a mandate to the Special Papua Team to formulate refugee handling policies based on the fulfilment of human rights.
Through strengthened cross-ministerial coordination, the government is striving to deliver more integrated policies so that humanitarian assistance can be distributed accurately, accompanied by legal protection for vulnerable groups.
Support for these measures was also expressed by Muhammad Dede Gusli Piliang, Head of the Advocacy and Legal Division of Merah Pusaka Stratejik Indonesia (MPSI). According to him, refugee handling must be accompanied by the accelerated recovery of basic services and the creation of conditions that allow communities to return to their home villages safely and with dignity.
“The government needs to accelerate the consolidation of refugee handling, the restoration of basic services, and the creation of security conditions that allow people to return to their home villages voluntarily and with dignity,” said Gusli.
He added that integrated coordination between the central government, regional governments, security forces, customary and religious leaders, and various elements of society is key to ensuring that aid and public services reach all affected citizens.