PGI Condemns Escalating Armed Conflict in Papua

The Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) has strongly condemned the acts of violence and armed attacks that have recently escalated in Papua. Head of the PGI Papua Bureau, Reverend Ronald Rischard Tapilatu, stated that the conflict has resulted in the loss of lives. He highlighted the shooting of American pilot Nicholas F. Goselin and the burning of the AMA PK-RCY pioneer aircraft at Ipdeheik Airport in Yahukimo on 2 July. This incident adds to the long list of killings in Indonesia’s easternmost region. According to PGI records, civilians, pastors, a pregnant woman and her unborn baby, as well as security personnel, have fallen victim to various violent incidents. ‘The conflict has also caused thousands of civilians to flee due to the deteriorating security situation,’ he said in a written statement on Saturday, 4 July 2026. Ronald stated that the loss of life from various groups does not only leave wounds for the families. More than that, he said, the continuous armed conflict in Papua has wounded human dignity. According to him, every life taken must be seen as a tragic humanitarian tragedy. ‘Whatever the political or security interests or reasons, taking the lives of innocent people cannot be justified,’ he said. The PGI urged all conflicting parties to stop all forms of violence. Ronald stressed that the safety and protection of civilians must be prioritised. ‘We urge the government to thoroughly investigate all of these incidents through an independent and impartial inquiry,’ he said. The PGI also demanded that perpetrators proven guilty be given severe sanctions, including enforcement against police officers and military personnel reasonably suspected of violating the law or human rights. Furthermore, he said the state must respond to the call for peaceful dialogue conveyed by churches, religious leaders, traditional leaders, and civil society as a solution. The PGI, he said, considers the militaristic approach applied so far to have failed to produce a solution oriented towards peace and justice. ‘The militaristic approach has instead given rise to prolonged, repeated suffering for civilians in conflict areas,’ said Ronald.