Human Rights Minister: 15 People Killed in Shootout in Kembru, Papua; Perpetrators Already Identified

Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai stated that 15 civilians were killed as a result of a shootout between security forces and the West Papua National Liberation Army (TNPPB) in Kembru village, Sinak district, Puncak Regency, Central Papua, on Tuesday, 14 April 2026.

“15 people died in the attack in Kembru,” said Pigai during a press conference at the Ministry of Human Rights office in Kuningan, Central Jakarta, on Monday.

Pigai said the data on the number of civilian deaths was compiled from various parties, including local government, residents, and the injured victims of the shootout.

In addition to the fatalities, the Ministry of Human Rights also recorded seven people who sustained injuries from the shootout incident. Pigai continued that this event has attracted the attention of the Ministry of Human Rights because it claimed civilian casualties.

Therefore, the Ministry of Human Rights is striving to push for the case to be uncovered so that the public can know who the shooters are and what their motives were.

One of the efforts undertaken by Pigai and the Ministry of Human Rights is to take over the handling of this case. This step was taken by Pigai so that the government can investigate the case transparently and fairly.

Thus, the results of the investigation conducted by the Ministry of Human Rights can be revealed to the public. “It is better for the Ministry of Human Rights to take the lead in checking the facts and information; that is far better,” explained Pigai.

Pigai himself believes that the local community should already know who the perpetrators of the shooting are, given that the incident occurred between morning and afternoon.

Therefore, Pigai urged the parties who feel they are the perpetrators to confess and undergo legal processes for the sake of justice in Papua.

“The incident happened in the daytime; the perpetrators already know. That cannot be disputed. The perpetrators are known by the people; those who became victims know, and those in the local community at the location also know. So now, please, do not hide it; it must be opened up,” said Pigai.