PAPUA – The escalation of the humanitarian crisis and armed conflict in Papua has reached an alarming point throughout the period of March to April 19, 2026. Continuous military operations launched in the Central Highlands, particularly in Puncak, Sinak, Pogoma, Kemburu, and Ilaga, have resulted in significant civilian casualties and triggered a massive wave of displacement.
This series of violence culminated in air and ground combat operations that began on April 12, 2026, in the Pogoma and Kemburu districts. Although Kemburu had previously been agreed upon by the TNI, TPNPB, and church authorities as a neutral zone for civilians and displaced persons, the area was still targeted. On the morning of April 13, combat operations involving helicopters and drones began striking villages, causing severe damage to homes and livestock facilities.
Field reports indicate a dire situation where approximately 15 people have been confirmed dead and 7 others wounded in the Kemburu-Pogoma region. This tragedy has not only affected adults but has also impacted vulnerable groups, including women, children, and the elderly. Testimonies from local residents reveal extreme practices of violence, including the use of grenades inside residential homes or honai, as well as the direct shooting of civilians in what residents consider to be non-active combat zones.
The impact of this militarization has paralyzed the social fabric of the community. By mid-April 2026, the number of internal refugees in Papua had exceeded 107,000 people, with residents forced to flee toward Timika, Nabire, and Jayapura in search of safety. Puncak Airport has now been repurposed as an emergency displacement point for those who have lost their homes. Meanwhile, at least ten villages are reported to be empty as residents fled due to the ongoing siege.
In the midst of this emergency, access to health services and humanitarian aid is extremely limited. Inadequate health infrastructure has left many injured victims untreated during critical "golden hours," making medical evacuation entirely dependent on the bravery of Red Cross (PMI) staff, church officials, and tribal leaders. This condition is worsened by the intimidation of activists and journalists, as well as the seizure of communication devices, further isolating Papua from the outside world.
Beyond the armed conflict, structural pressure also stems from large-scale development projects. The clearing of approximately 2.5 million hectares for National Strategic Projects in South Papua has triggered massive deforestation and the seizure of ancestral lands, deepening the sense of injustice among the indigenous population.
In response to this multidimensional crisis, urgent calls have emerged from various civil society elements for the government to immediately halt military operations in residential areas and withdraw security forces from public spaces such as schools and churches. The need for an independent investigation and unhindered humanitarian access is an absolute requirement to prevent further loss of life, alongside the necessity for a comprehensive political dialogue as a long-term solution to the conflict that continues to burn in Papua. ***