National Human Rights Commission Emphasises Strengthening Security and Recovery in Papua

The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) has emphasised strengthening security measures and accelerating recovery for victims in response to the dynamics of violence in several Papua regions, including Nduga Regency in Papua Pegunungan and Puncak Jaya Regency in Papua Tengah. The Head of the Komnas HAM Papua Representation Secretariat, Frits Ramandey, stated that his team has conducted direct field monitoring in coordination with security apparatus, local government, and community figures to ensure comprehensive handling. “We have carried out monitoring, met with the governor and the regional police chief, and visited the locations. We also sought statements from direct witnesses,” Frits said via an online connection in Jakarta on Thursday. In the Nduga Regency case, Komnas HAM recorded that the incident began with the murder of a Polres member, whose perpetrator is still under investigation. Following the event, the situation escalated with security forces conducting sweeps and residents attacking police facilities. Significant damage was found at the site, including two burnt trucks, nine motorcycles, and one damaged building. Komnas HAM also noted at least five civilian deaths, while the process of locating burial sites for the victims is ongoing. “The recommendations issued include to the regional police chief to carry out legal processes, examinations of personnel, and internal evaluations,” Frits said. Komnas HAM is still conducting further verification of the victims and the chronology of events, including deepening witness statements in the field. “Of the five surviving victims, we have only met one, a female victim named Anita Telenggen who sustained a gunshot wound to the neck,” Frits said. He added that Komnas HAM continues to coordinate with the provincial government, regency government, DPRD, and community figures to calm the situation and promote security stability. In addition, communication is being conducted with various parties to obtain a complete picture of the events and support appropriate handling measures. Komnas HAM assesses that professional, transparent law enforcement and internal evaluations of security apparatus are essential parts of building public trust and preventing the recurrence of violence. Collaborative efforts between the central government, local government, security apparatus, and the community are deemed crucial so that conflict handling does not only focus on security aspects but also ensures civilian protection and accelerated social recovery in affected areas.