OPM Urges Government to Open Humanitarian Access for Papuan Refugees

The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB-OPM) is requesting the Indonesian government to provide humanitarian access for refugees affected by conflict in Papua. TPNPB-OPM spokesperson Sebby Sambom stated that the group is open to humanitarian efforts in Papua. “If the Indonesian Government opens independent humanitarian access to the Papua region, then the TPNPB declares its readiness to provide access guarantees for humanitarian organisations working neutrally, independently, and impartially,” Sebby said in a written statement received on Sunday, 7 June 2026.

Sebby noted that the TPNPB would only permit humanitarian access to organisations operating under the supervision of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to assist communities impacted by conflict and displacement. Furthermore, the TPNSB believes that areas serving as refugee sites require attention and monitoring from the international community. The group urged that the opening of safe, independent, and unhindered humanitarian access is part of the state’s responsibility to protect civilians affected by conflict.

“Therefore, the TPNPB requests the Indonesian Government to immediately open humanitarian access to the Land of Papua to assist communities experiencing displacement due to the conflict that has lasted for decades,” he said.

Sebby cited data released by Human Rights Monitor, which revealed that the number of internally displaced persons in Papua between 2018 and 2026 reached approximately 107,039 people. According to Sebby, this figure has the potential to continue increasing if effective protection measures and conflict resolutions are not implemented.

He also emphasised that the TPNPB never targets places of worship, such as churches, mosques, or temples, nor other civilian facilities. According to Sebby, based on the principles of international humanitarian law, places of worship and civilian objects are facilities that must be respected and protected from the impacts of armed conflict.

Sebby stated that the TPNPB has consistently issued warnings through videos, press releases, and official statements advising citizens not to enter areas related to military operations, mining sites, strategic projects, trans-Papua road construction, or activities that harm indigenous Papuan communities and damage the environment. He noted that these areas have been declared war zones.

“The TPNPB also urges the TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces) and security apparatus not to involve civilians in intelligence activities, information gathering, or other military functions,” said Sebby. “In relation to this, the TPNPB reiterates that civilians are prohibited from entering areas designated as armed conflict zones for your own safety.”