Papua Conflict Heats Up, Bambang Pacul: It's Gibran's Responsibility
The Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), Bambang Wuryanto, has stated that the handling of the conflict in Papua falls under the authority of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. This is as stipulated in Law Number 2 of 2021 concerning Papua Special Autonomy.
Bambang made these remarks in response to the deteriorating security situation in Papua following armed clashes between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM), which have once again resulted in civilian casualties.
According to the man often referred to as Bambang Pacul, Papua, as a special autonomy region, possesses unique privileges that require special treatment.
“The special nature of this is actually already established in the Law; it is the responsibility of the Vice President. Therefore, regarding matters such as this, it is best to direct questions to the Vice President,” he said at the DPR/MPR building, Jakarta, on Tuesday, 7 July 2026.
The PDI-P politician believes that the various ongoing conflicts in Papua should not be responded to haphazardly to avoid exacerbating the situation. He recommends that these issues be left to Gibran, who holds the specific authority to lead the acceleration of development in Papua and handle human rights issues in the region.
“Therefore, whatever happens there (in Papua), it should not be immediately commented upon. If it is commented upon, it might instead create unproductive conflicts of opinion,” said Bambang.
The Papua region has long been known as one of the conflict zones in Indonesia. Militias such as the TPNPB-OPM continue to conduct guerrilla warfare against Indonesian authority in Papua, while the Indonesian government deploys troops and police.
On 2 July 2026, at least two incidents of armed violence resulted in civilian casualties. A 31-year-old pregnant woman, Melkiana Duwitau, was a victim of clashes between security forces and the TPNPB-OPM in Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua. On the same day, an American pilot, Nicholas F. Goselin, was shot and his aircraft subsequently burnt by the TPNPB-OPM in the Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency, Highland Papua.
Gibran was previously given a special mandate to address several issues in the Papua region. This task was first assigned by President Prabowo Subianto following his inauguration in October 2024. The eldest son of former President Joko Widodo is tasked with accelerating development in Papua and addressing human rights concerns.
Under Law Number 2 of 2021 concerning Papua Special Autonomy, the Vice President is mandated to lead the Steering Committee for the Acceleration of Special Autonomy Development in Papua. This body is responsible for coordinating, synchronising, and evaluating the implementation of special autonomy and the acceleration of development in Indonesia’s easternmost region.