Timika Diocese Urges Government to Evaluate Security Approach in Intan Jaya

The Justice and Peace Secretariat (SKP) of the Timika Diocese is urging the government to evaluate its security approach in Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua, as part of efforts to strengthen civilian protection. SKP Timika Chairman Saul Paulo Wanimbo expressed deep concern on Monday over the recent civilian casualties resulting from armed conflict between the TNI-Polri apparatus and the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPN-PB).

Consequently, the secretariat has issued five recommendations to the government, including a request to evaluate the policy of deploying non-organic troops in Intan Jaya and to encourage the formation of an independent investigation team by the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM). The recommendations also call for law enforcement against any alleged violations in accordance with applicable regulations and for the strengthening of civilian protection. Furthermore, SKP Timika is asking the government to grant access to humanitarian agencies, the media, religious organisations, and independent human rights monitors.

Saul Wanimbo stated that the escalation of conflict from June to early July 2026 has severely impacted the humanitarian situation in Intan Jaya. Reports from residents, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and the local government indicate fatalities, displacement of residents, damage to civilian facilities, and disruption of basic services. In a document presented to the media, SKP Timika recorded at least nine incidents occurring between 18 June and 2 July 2026. These events include an alleged grenade explosion using a drone, alleged violence against civilians, arrests of residents, house burnings, and shootings targeting a parish vehicle and several civilians.

The most recent case involved a pregnant woman, identified as MD, who died after being shot while inside her home in Sugapa, Intan Jaya. The incident occurred on Thursday night (2/7) during a firefight between security forces and an armed group in Sugapa District. MD and her unborn baby died from a gunshot wound. Saul stated that these records require the attention of all parties to ensure that conflict management prioritises civilian protection and respect for human rights. He emphasised that the safety of civilians must be the top priority in every security policy. He also noted that the discrepancy between information circulating in the community and the explanations provided by security forces highlights the urgent need for an independent, transparent, and accountable investigation to clarify each incident. The SKP Timika called on all parties involved in the conflict to respect the principles of humanitarian law and human rights and to prioritise a peaceful resolution through dialogue.