Human Rights Minister says resolving Papua conflict requires national-level decision

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai has stated that resolving the Papua conflict requires a national-level political decision and a comprehensive approach involving various components of the nation.

The statement was made by Pigai in response to a report from the National Human Rights Commission, which recorded 97 incidents of violence and armed conflict in Papua throughout 2025, as well as 26 cases up to April 2026.

In his remarks in Jakarta on Sunday, Pigai said that advancements in information technology have made various violent incidents in Papua quickly known to the public, attracting national and international attention.

Therefore, according to him, every act of violence must be prevented to avoid further damaging the global perception of human rights conditions in Indonesia.

“Based on records both domestic and international, there is an increase in escalation. In nearly a month alone, no fewer than 20 people have died in five incidents, namely in Dogiyai, Yahukimo, Puncak Papua, Timika, and Tembagapura,” said Pigai.

He assessed that the continuous escalation of violence indicates that resolving the Papua conflict cannot be done partially or merely through a case-by-case approach.

According to Pigai, so far the government and various state institutions, including Komnas HAM, have mostly handled individual issues, while the more fundamental root of the conflict has not been comprehensively resolved.

“Resolving the Papua conflict requires a joint decision involving elements from the executive, legislative, judicial branches, political parties, to national figures,” he said.

Pigai emphasised that the Papua conflict is a strategic national issue that cannot be resolved by just one ministry or certain institution.

Therefore, a comprehensive approach is needed that includes dialogue and involvement of all stakeholders.

He also affirmed that the Ministry of Human Rights will continue to push for a more integrated conflict resolution approach that is just and based on respect for human rights.

According to him, the government has the responsibility to ensure the protection of citizens throughout Indonesian territory, including Papua, while seeking peaceful solutions that can fundamentally and sustainably address the conflict issues.