Government Accelerates Resolution of Refugee Issues in Papua Through Fulfilment of Basic Rights

The government is accelerating steps to resolve the issue of refugees in Papua through an approach that emphasises the fulfilment of the basic rights of communities affected by conflict. These efforts are 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, health services, education, and other basic needs. This step is part of the state’s commitment to delivering sustainable solutions while accelerating the recovery of community life in affected areas. The Director General of Human Rights Services and Compliance at the Ministry of Human Rights, Munafrizal Manan, stressed that the government is paying special attention to people forced to flee due to the security situation in several regions of Papua. According to him, recurring conflicts have caused widespread social impacts, necessitating a swift, measured, and human rights-oriented state response. ‘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 just because they are in a conflict situation,’ said Munafrizal on Tuesday, 21 July 2026. He explained that the Ministry of Human Rights has mandated the Special Team for Papua to formulate refugee management policies based on the fulfilment of human rights. By strengthening cross-ministerial coordination, the government seeks to present more integrated policies so that humanitarian aid can be distributed accurately, accompanied by legal protection for vulnerable groups. Support for this measure was also voiced by the Head of Advocacy and Law at Merah Pusaka Stratejik Indonesia (MPSI), Muhammad Dede Gusli Piliang. He stated that handling refugees must be accompanied by accelerating the restoration of basic services and creating conditions that allow people to return to their hometowns safely and with dignity. ‘The government needs to accelerate the consolidation of refugee management, the restoration of basic services, and the creation of security conditions that allow people to return to their hometowns voluntarily and with dignity,’ said Gusli. He added that integrated coordination between the central government, regional governments, security forces, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and various elements of society is key to ensuring that aid and public services reach all affected residents.