PAPUA – The humanitarian crisis and escalation of violence in Papua have reportedly intensified significantly over the past two months, from March to April 19, 2026. The West Papua Church Council, along with Indigenous Papuan Pastors, expressed deep concern regarding the situation in the highland regions, particularly in Dogiyai and Puncak, including Sinak, Pogoma, Kemburu, and Ilaga. The situation on the ground indicates an increase in military operations, resulting in civilian casualties and mass displacement of the community.
Intensive reports state that between April 12 and 15, 2026, military operations involving land and air forces took place in Pogoma and Kemburu. These attacks caused severe damage to residential areas and forced large-scale displacement. To date, at least 15 civilians are reported dead and 7 others injured, while access to seven directly affected villages remains extremely difficult. Tragically, witness accounts reveal that attacks have also targeted areas previously considered safe zones for civilians and displaced persons.
Throughout the period of April 13 to 19, 2026, casualties among women, children, and the elderly continued to rise in various regions such as Puncak, Sinak, Dogiyai, and Tolikara. Current data as of April 2026 shows that the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Papua has reached over 107,000, with conditions becoming increasingly dire due to limited access to food, healthcare, and protection. The widespread militarization of public spaces, including churches, schools, and markets, has paralyzed the social, economic, and religious life of the local community.
This desperate situation facing indigenous Papuans is viewed as a consequence of state policies under Presidential Instruction (Inpres) No. 9 of 2017 and Inpres No. 9 of 2020 regarding the acceleration of development. In practice, the combination of development and security approaches has deepened the humanitarian crisis, making Papuans feel increasingly marginalized in their own land. Although research from LIPI/BRIN has identified the roots of the conflict as racism, failed development, and lack of accountability among security forces, the government is seen as still failing to prioritize peaceful dialogue and reconciliation.
In response to this emergency, the West Papua Church Council demands an immediate end to all military operations in civilian areas and calls for an independent investigation into alleged human rights violations. They also urge that full access be granted to foreign journalists to ensure transparency of information. In their closing statement, church leaders called upon all parties and local officials to unite in saving the people from this humanitarian disaster, emphasizing that Papua's future can only be built on a foundation of justice and dignified peaceful dialogue. ***