PAPUA – Security conditions in Puncak Jaya Regency have intensified following reports of a military operation conducted in residential areas on Monday, April 20, 2026. According to an official report from the Central Headquarters Management of the West Papua National Liberation Army (KOMNAS TPNPB), armed clashes and sweeps by Indonesian security forces in Wuyukwi Village, Mulia District, have resulted in civilian casualties.
A civilian identified as Lion Enumbi is reportedly in critical condition after sustaining a gunshot wound to the chest during the operation, which took place around 5:00 PM WIT. Information gathered from field monitoring teams indicates that gunfire continued to resonate until nightfall, triggering widespread panic among the community. This situation has forced residents from several villages, including Pinapa, Kelembet, and Bome, to immediately abandon their homes. Most residents have reportedly sought refuge in nearby churches and with relatives, while others were forced to flee into the forest for safety.
TPNPB-OPM spokesperson, Sebby Sambom, expressed deep concern over the civilian casualties in a press release. He alleged that military operations conducted in residential areas often lead to civilians being labeled as TPNPB members to justify the actions of the security forces. Consequently, the TPNPB is urging the Indonesian government, specifically President Prabowo Subianto, to immediately cease shootings of civilians for any reason across Tanah Papua.
In addition to the incident in Puncak Jaya, the TPNPB highlighted a series of similar events in the Kembru District that have resulted in dozens of deaths and injuries. The TPNPB emphasized that these actions constitute a violation of humanitarian values in a situation of armed conflict.
Current data suggests that the escalating conflict in various regions of Papua has displaced at least 107,039 civilians. The Central Headquarters Management of KOMNAS TPNPB demands full responsibility from the central government regarding the safety of civilians and the handling of the thousands of displaced persons directly impacted by military operations and the ongoing armed conflict. ***