National Human Rights Commission: 5 Indigenous Villages in Merauke Experience Land and Forest Conflicts Due to National Strategic Project

Five indigenous villages in Merauke Regency, South Papua, are experiencing land and forest conflicts due to the National Strategic Project (PSN), according to findings from the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM). The affected villages include Soa Village in Tanah Miring District, Blandin Kakayo Village in Jagebob District, Wanam Village in Ilwayab District, and Onggari and Domande Villages in Malind District. “The first finding is that land and forest conflicts are occurring in five indigenous community villages in Merauke Regency,” said Komnas HAM Monitoring and Investigation Commissioner Saurlin P Siagian during a press conference at Komnas HAM in Jakarta on Thursday (24/4/2026). Saurlin stated that Komnas HAM has visited the five areas in South Papua three times. Komnas HAM also summoned various related parties, including ministries and agencies, as well as companies conducting assessments, namely PT Sucofindo. The ministries and agencies include the Coordinating Ministry for Food, the Coordinating Ministry for the Economy, the Ministry of Defence (yet to meet), the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Investment, TNI, PT GPA, PT MNM, PT DCP, and PT JG. “Second, the conflicts are caused by company activities, at least PT GPA in Soa Village, Tanah Miring District, PT MNM in Blandin Kakayo Village, Jagebob District, PT DCP in Onggari and Domande Villages, Malind District, and PT JG in Wanam Village, Ilwayab District,” Saurlin revealed. A total of 12 clans are affected in these five villages, namely Gedse, Moyuen, Basik-basik, Kau, Kaise, Sangkatar, Yomen, Mause, Ndiken, Ababalek, Kakaki, and Balagaize, due to the companies’ activities. “The activities of each of these companies are part of the implementation of the PSN as per Presidential Instruction Number 14 of 2025 on accelerating the development of areas for food, energy, and water self-sufficiency,” he said. In addition, there are violations of rights to customary land and territories, including natural resources, as regulated in Standards, Norms, and Regulations (SNP) Number 7 on Rights to Natural Resources. Violations also include rights to participation, consultation, and consent as per SNP Number 15 on the Protection of Indigenous Peoples’ Rights. Komnas HAM also found violations of rights to a decent livelihood, a good and healthy living environment, cultural identity, and a sense of security.