TNI Responds to Calls for Ceasefire in Papua

The Indonesian Military (TNI) Headquarters has stated that it respects input from various parties regarding the handling of the conflict in Papua. This follows a call from the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) for a ceasefire in response to the escalating conflict in the region. The TNI stated that the duties of the state defence agency are carried out in accordance with the constitutional mandate and statutory regulations, including compliance with state policies, particularly in maintaining sovereignty, defending the unitary state, and protecting the people. “In every execution of its duties, the TNI prioritises professionalism by acting in a measured and proportional manner,” a TNI spokesperson said on Wednesday, 8 July 2026. The TNI emphasised that it prioritises the protection of civilians in Papua through coordination and synergy with all stakeholders. The TNI also confirmed it is deploying additional personnel to Indonesia’s easternmost region based on an evaluation of the situation and security needs on the ground. The objective of the troop increase is to strengthen security, maintain stability, and provide protection to the community. Earlier, the Chairperson of Komnas HAM, Anis Hidayah, urged the government and armed groups to halt the armed conflict in Papua. Komnas HAM pushed for a ceasefire amid the worsening situation, which has claimed further casualties. “Komnas HAM urges the state to take serious steps to stop all forms of armed conflict, a ceasefire, as civilians have been the most vulnerable victims in every clash in Papua,” Anis said on Monday, 6 July 2026. She also called for fair law enforcement and redress for the families of victims, stating that without legal proceedings, the victims’ rights to justice cannot be fulfilled. The escalation in Papua worsened after the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB-OPM) shot an American pilot, Nicholas F. Goselin, on 2 July 2026. The pilot was flying a plane owned by PT AMA in Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Highlands, when he was targeted because the aircraft was suspected of carrying logistics for TNI troops. On the same day, a firefight occurred between the TNI’s Habema Operational Command and the TPNPB-OPM in Wandoga Village, Sugapa District, Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua. A pregnant woman, Melkiana Duwitau, who was seven to eight months pregnant, was killed along with her unborn baby after being struck by a bullet while inside her home. TPNPB-OPM spokesperson Sebby Sambom stated that the group would not cease attacks unless the root political issues between the Indonesian government and the Papuan people were resolved. He called on the United Nations to assist in resolving the conflict and declared that the group rejects all development and economic activities, threatening to shoot dead any military intelligence agents operating in the armed conflict zone. He asserted that the land and natural resources of Papua belong to the people and must be protected from foreign interests.