National Human Rights Commission Reports Hundreds of Violence Incidents in Papua, Pigai: Collective Decision Needed

Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai stated that resolving the Papua conflict requires a national-level political decision and a comprehensive approach involving various components of the nation. According to ANTARA on Sunday (10/5/2026), Pigai made this statement in response to a report from the National Human Rights Commission, which recorded 97 incidents of violence and armed conflict in Papua throughout 2025, as well as 26 cases up to April 2026. In his statement in Jakarta, Pigai said that advancements in information technology allow various violent incidents in Papua to be quickly known to the public, attracting national and international attention. Therefore, according to him, every act of violence must be prevented to avoid further worsening the global perception of human rights conditions in Indonesia. “Based on records both domestic and international, there is an increase in escalation. In nearly a month alone, no fewer than 20 people died in five incidents, namely in Dogiyai, Yahukimo, Puncak Papua, Timika, and Tembagapura,” said Pigai. According to Pigai, so far the government and various state institutions, including the National Human Rights Commission, have mostly handled individual issues, while the more fundamental root of the conflict has not been comprehensively resolved. “Resolving the Papua conflict requires a collective decision involving the executive, legislative, judicial branches, political parties, to national figures,” he said. Therefore, a comprehensive approach is needed that includes dialogue and involvement of all stakeholders. According to him, the government has the responsibility to ensure the protection of citizens throughout Indonesian territory, including Papua, while seeking peaceful solutions that can fundamentally and sustainably address the conflict issues.