Komnas HAM's Statement on Satgas Habema Allegedly Killing Civilians

The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) has condemned the Indonesian National Armed Forces’ (TNI) Satgas Habema task force operation against the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organisation (TPNPB-OPM) that resulted in the deaths of civilians in Kembru District, Puncak Regency, Central Papua, on 14 April 2026.

Komnas HAM Chair Anis Hidayah stated that the enforcement operation caused the deaths of 12 civilians, including vulnerable groups such as children and women with gunshot wounds. Additionally, dozens of other civilians suffered serious injuries.

Anis said that Komnas HAM is still gathering information and coordinating with all parties to confirm the number of victims and their conditions.

“Enforcement operations that can be categorised as military operations or military operations other than war resulting in civilian casualties cannot be justified for any reason,” said Anis Hidayah in her official statement on 17 April 2026.

According to Anis, all forms of attacks on civilians in situations of war or otherwise, carried out by state or non-state actors, constitute human rights violations. These actions also violate international humanitarian law, leading to breaches of the right to life and the right to security. Anis emphasised that these two rights are non-derogable under any circumstances.

“Komnas HAM expresses deep concern and sorrow over the deaths of several civilians, including vulnerable groups such as women and children,” said Anis. “From a human rights perspective, civilians, especially vulnerable groups, must receive maximum attention and protection from all parties, particularly the state.”

Komnas HAM also urged security forces and the TPNPB-OPM to exercise restraint to avoid causing fear. Anis called on both sides to stop stigmatisation and targeting civilians. She stressed that every law enforcement and security approach by security forces must be carried out professionally and proportionately while respecting human rights values and principles.

“Komnas HAM urges the TNI Chief of Staff to evaluate the enforcement operation against the TPNPB-OPM conducted by Satgas Habema and to pursue professional, transparent, and thorough law enforcement to uphold justice for the victims and their families,” said Anis.

Head of Public Relations for the TNI Habema Task Force Operations Command, Lieutenant Colonel Infantry Wirya Arthadiguna, denied TNI involvement in killing civilians. According to him, based on the data gathered, there were two separate incidents on 14 April 2026 in different locations. “Therefore, they cannot be concluded as one interconnected event,” he said.

Wirya explained that the first incident occurred on 14 April 2026 in Kembru Village, Papua. Based on community reports, there was a presence of an OPM armed group in the area. “Following up on this information, TNI personnel conducted patrols and checks,” said Wirya in his written statement on 18 April 2026.

Wirya recounted that upon arriving at the location, the team received gunfire from the armed group, leading to a firefight. In this incident, four people from the OPM armed group were declared dead.

From the scene, the authorities also secured several pieces of evidence indicating armed group activities, including two homemade firearms, one air rifle, 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm ammunition, one bullet casing, a bow and arrows, and various sharp weapons such as machetes, axes, swords, and knives.

Additionally, Satgas Habema found communication equipment including several mobile phones and handy talkies (HTs), OPM flags, identity documents, and other personal items.

Meanwhile, the second incident also occurred on 14 April 2026 in Jigiunggi Village, Papua. At that time, TNI received a report from village head Venius Walia regarding a child who died from a gunshot wound.

Wirya stated that TNI immediately conducted checks and confirmed the presence of the victim. However, to date, he said, investigations are still ongoing to determine the exact cause of the incident.

“TNI affirms that there was no activity by TNI personnel in Jigiunggi Village during the shooting incident involving the child. The two incidents occurred in different locations and times and are not related,” he said. “TNI is committed to acting professionally, transparently, and accountably in every task execution.”

Meanwhile, TPNPB-OPM spokesperson Sebby Sambom said the incident occurred in Guamo Village, Pogoma District, Puncak Regency, since Monday, 13 April 2026, around 05:00-17:00 local time. Sebby claimed that TNI deployed four helicopters in a military operation that resulted in civilians becoming victims.

According to Sebby, from 13-15 April 2026 around 05:00 in the morning, Indonesian military personnel also continued military operations via land and air in displacement camps in Kembru District. “Resulting in 9 civilians becoming victims,” said Sebby in his written statement on Thursday, 16 April 2026.