National Human Rights Commission: 21 People Died Due to Human Rights Violations in Papua
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) has revealed six cases of human rights violations in Papua that occurred throughout 2026. These various human rights violations resulted in at least 21 people dying and dozens more injured.
Komnas HAM Chair Anis Hidayah stated in a press release that the perpetrators of these human rights violations included state apparatus as well as armed groups. Anis detailed the first human rights violation case related to five agrarian conflicts over land and forest disputes in South Papua. These cases concern the National Strategic Programme (PSN).
“Komnas HAM has found land and forest conflicts occurring in five indigenous community villages in Papua,” said Anis on Friday (24/4/2026). These are in Soa Village in Tanah Miring District, Blandin Kakayo-Sermayam Village in Jagebob District, Onggari and Domande Villages in Tanah Miring District, and Wanam Village in Ilwayab District, Merauke.
The land and forest conflicts arose due to activities by companies involved in implementing the National Strategic Programme (PSN). “The communities in these five villages stated that the presence of projects in their respective areas occurred without dialogue or approval from each indigenous community group that complained,” said Anis. Komnas HAM found various human rights violations against indigenous groups in these five villages, primarily related to consent and the right to information, coercion, and the right to security free from intimidation.
The second human rights violation case concerns the shooting of civilians by the Indonesian National Army (TNI) in Dolog Village, Agats District, Asmat Regency, South Papua. Komnas HAM found the case of the death of Irenus Baotaipat caused by a shooting with firearms by members of Task Force 123/Rajawali on 27 September 2025.
“The shooting was carried out because the victim Irenius Baotaipat was causing a disturbance while under the influence of alcohol,” said Anis. In the incident, three other residents were injured by bullet fragments.
“Komnas HAM concludes that a human rights violation occurred, namely the right to life in the incident of the death of civilian Irenius Baotaipat,” said Anis. Komnas HAM has requested the Commander of the XXIV/Mandala Trikora Military Region to carry out legal proceedings regarding the incident.
The third case relates to human rights violations in the shooting incident involving the pilot and co-pilot of Smart Air at Koroway Batu Airport in Boven Digoel, South Papua. “Both victims sustained gunshot wounds to the head and slash wounds on several parts of their bodies caused by sharp objects,” said Anis.
The perpetrators of the shooting were members of the West Papua National Liberation Army - Free Papua Organisation (TPNPB-OPM) Kodap XVI Yahukimo. “Regarding this incident, Komnas HAM urges the National Police Chief and the Papua Regional Police Chief to enforce the law by arresting the perpetrators and strengthening security in vulnerable areas, particularly airports in Boven Digoel,” said Anis.