Vanuatu Raises Papua Issue at UN Session, Indonesia Reaffirms Commitment to Protecting Civilians
Indonesia has spoken out regarding allegations made by representatives from the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu concerning the situation in Papua at the United Nations. Indonesia stated that attacks against civilians do not constitute a form of political aspiration, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasising the protection of all civilians.
This was conveyed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during its right of reply in the General Debate of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly, as reported on Tuesday (29/09/2026). The Ministry stated that every allegation of human rights violations is addressed seriously through national institutions and legal mechanisms, including the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM).
Indonesia reminded the assembly that discussions regarding Papua must reflect the full reality of the situation. Civilians, teachers, healthcare workers, and government officials have also fallen victim to violence perpetrated by armed groups.
In recent weeks, three civil servants were killed after distributing livestock aid to the community. Additionally, a driver transporting essential goods was killed, and nine women and children were abducted in Mimika.
The Indonesian delegation, in its right of reply, stated that the government is obligated to protect its civilians, arguing that attacks against them do not represent the peaceful expression of aspirations.
“Attacks against civilians are not a form of peaceful expression of aspirations. Indonesia is obliged to protect all its citizens, while ensuring that every law enforcement step remains subject to national law and international obligations in the field of human rights,” the Indonesian delegation stated.
Indonesia rejected unilateral allegations that security and development challenges in Papua are part of a policy that systematically violates human rights.
Furthermore, based on the statement by Foreign Minister Sugiono during the General Debate of the 81st UN General Assembly on 25 September 2026, Indonesia reaffirmed: “From Aceh to Papua, from Miangas to Rote, Indonesia is one people. Indonesia is one nation.”
Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasised that the arrangements for visits by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights must be agreed upon between the host country and the Office of the High Commissioner, as is the case for all member states, and should not be dictated by other countries or regional organisations.
The Ministry affirmed that the government will continue to engage constructively through relevant mechanisms and encourage dialogue and cooperation based on respect for facts and the safety of all civilians.
Allegations from Solomon Islands to Vanuatu
As reported by ABC Australia, delegations from the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Nauru, the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Tonga expressed concern regarding the provinces located in the western part of Papua.
The Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, Manasseh Sogavare, stated that alleged human rights violations in these Indonesian provinces are linked to independence movements.
“Human rights violations in West Papua and the struggle for self-determination in West Papua are two sides of the same coin,” he said.
“Many reports regarding human rights violations in West Papua highlight the close link between the right to self-determination, which leads to direct human rights violations by Indonesia, and Indonesia’s efforts to silence all forms of opposition,” he added.