Komnas HAM: TPNPB-OPM Operation Results in Civilian Casualties, Violating Human Rights

Komnas HAM has strongly condemned the TNI’s enforcement operation against the TPNPB-OPM group in Puncak Regency, Papua, which killed 12 civilians. Komnas HAM emphasised that the incident constitutes a violation of human rights (HAM).

“Komnas HAM condemns the enforcement operation against TPNPB-OPM that caused civilian casualties,” said Komnas HAM Chair Anis Hidayah in her statement on Saturday (18/4/2026).

“Any form of attack on civilians in situations of war or otherwise, carried out by state or non-state actors, constitutes a violation of HAM and International Humanitarian Law, leading to breaches of the right to life and the right to security,” she added.

Anis stressed that the right to life and security cannot be diminished under any circumstances. Anis expressed concern over the deaths of the civilians.

“From a human rights perspective, civilians, especially vulnerable groups, must receive maximum attention and protection from all parties, particularly the state,” she stated.

Anis also urged all parties to exercise restraint, especially security forces and TPNPB-OPM, to avoid causing fear and stigmatisation.

“Emphasising that every law enforcement and security approach by security forces is carried out professionally and proportionately, while still respecting human rights values and principles,” Anis explained.

In addition, her side urged the government to take recovery steps for the victims, including health and psychological recovery. Komnas HAM also requested that affected civilians not be forced to evacuate for security reasons.

“Komnas HAM urges the TNI Commander to evaluate the enforcement operation against TPNPB-OPM carried out by the Habema Task Force and the professional, transparent, and thorough law enforcement process to uphold justice for the victims and their families,” she said.

“Komnas HAM is giving serious attention to this incident by gathering information and will subsequently take monitoring steps in accordance with Komnas HAM mechanisms,” she added.

It is known that the enforcement operation occurred on Tuesday (14/4). This incident resulted in 12 civilians dying, including vulnerable groups such as children and women with gunshot wounds, as well as dozens of other civilians suffering serious injuries.

TNI Clarification

Head of Public Information of the TNI’s Information Centre, Colonel (Navy) Agung Saptoadi, responded to the circulating information regarding the shooting of a child in Papua. He stated that two separate incidents occurred on 14 April 2026.

He said the first incident took place in Kembru Village, Papua, where TNI troops engaged in a firefight with the OPM armed group. Based on reports from the community, the presence of the group was known in the area, which then prompted a patrol by TNI soldiers.

“Upon arriving at the location, the team received gunfire from the armed group, resulting in a firefight. In this incident, four people from the OPM armed group were neutralised,” he said in his statement.

Meanwhile, the second incident occurred in Jigiunggi Village, which is nearly 7 kilometres from Kembru Village. In this incident, TNI personnel received a report from the local village head regarding a child who died from a gunshot wound.

“The TNI immediately conducted checks and confirmed the presence of the victim. However, to date, investigations and in-depth probes are still ongoing to determine the exact cause of the incident,” he stated.

“The TNI emphasises that there was no involvement of TNI soldiers in the shooting of the child; the two incidents occurred in distant locations, at different times, are unrelated, and there was no TNI patrol activity in Jigiunggi Village at the time of the incident,” he added.