Papua Conflict Heats Up, Bambang Pacul: It's Gibran's Responsibility

Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Bambang Wuryanto has stated that handling the conflict in Papua is the responsibility of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. This is stipulated in Law Number 2 of 2021 concerning Special Autonomy for Papua. Bambang made the statement in response to the heated security situation in Papua following armed contact between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organisation (TPNPB-OPM), which has again claimed civilian casualties. According to the man often called Bambang Pacul, Papua, as a special autonomy region, has the privilege of being treated specially. ‘Well, that special treatment is actually already in the law, it is the responsibility of the vice president. So, for matters like this, it is best to ask the vice president,’ he said at the DPR/MPR building in Jakarta on Tuesday, 7 July 2026. The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) politician assessed that the various ongoing conflicts in Papua should not be carelessly commented on, so as not to worsen the atmosphere. He recommended that these issues be handed over to Gibran, who has the special authority to lead the acceleration of Papua’s development and handle human rights violation issues there. ‘So, whatever happens there, do not comment on it directly. If it is commented on, it will create unproductive conflicts of opinion,’ said Bambang. The Papua region has long been known as one of Indonesia’s conflict areas. Militias such as the TPNPB-OPM continue to wage guerrilla warfare against Indonesian rule in Papua, while the Indonesian government deploys military and police forces. On 2 July 2026, at least two incidents of armed violence claimed civilian lives. A pregnant woman named Melkiana Duwitau, 31, became a victim in a firefight 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 dead in an aircraft that was subsequently set ablaze by the TPNPB-OPM in the Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Highlands. Gibran previously received a special assignment to address a number of issues in the Papua region. This task was first given by President Prabowo Subianto following the inauguration in October 2024. The eldest son of former President Joko Widodo was tasked with accelerating development in Papua and handling human rights issues there. Under Law Number 2 of 2021 on Special Autonomy for Papua, the vice president is mandated to lead the Steering Committee for the Acceleration of Special Autonomy Development in Papua. This body is tasked with coordinating, synchronising, and evaluating the implementation of special autonomy and the acceleration of development in Indonesia’s easternmost region.