ILAGA — A series of military operations launched by Indonesian security forces in Omukia District, Puncak Regency, during the period of May 1 to 6, 2026, has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis leading to allegations of gross violations of International Humanitarian Law. Based on data gathered by the Human Rights Defender (HRD), the operation, which expanded into the Ilaga region, has brutally targeted innocent civilians, including internal refugees who should be under the protection of international laws of war.
The cruelty began in early May when two civilian women, Tarling Wanimbo (20) and Naena Murib (31), were found tragically dead after being shot while carrying out activities in their family gardens to search for food. This tragedy continued with the shooting of other civilians, Bebison Murib and Amukiamen Magay, adding to the long list of victims amidst the uncontrolled escalation of conflict. Authorities were reported not only to be operating in forest areas but also entering refugee camps in Omukia District to conduct interrogations and shootings. "The authorities failed to distinguish between combatants and civilians; the shooting of women who were searching for food in the garden is clear evidence of the disregard for the principles of the laws of war," emphasized a humanitarian activist while commenting on the situation on the ground.
The most horrific incident was reported to have occurred on May 6, 2026, during the process of evacuating the remains, where a massive explosion, suspected to have originated from a booby trap planted on the body of a deceased victim, detonated and injured the evacuation party. The explosion targeted church figures, customary leaders, and village heads who intended to pay their last respects. "Using a corpse as a tool of war by planting a booby trap is a barbaric act that not only violates international law but also insults the most basic human dignity," said an indigenous community representative in a tone full of condemnation.
This practice is clearly categorized as a war crime because it intentionally harms parties not involved in hostilities.
Analysis from humanitarian activists shows a fatal violation of the Principles of Distinction and Proportionality. Attacks around refugee locations prove a total disregard for the state's obligation to protect the civilian population in situations of armed conflict. Consequently, fear has spread and the burial process for the victims has been hindered due to concerns about similar traps in other locations. "We urge the state to immediately stop the practice of using booby traps and attacks in civilian areas before Puncak truly becomes a mass grave for innocent citizens," the activist added in their statement.
Responding to this emergency situation, the pressure to open access for international humanitarian agencies, the UN, and Komnas HAM RI is strengthening in order to conduct independent, transparent, and impartial investigations. Law enforcement against the responsible perpetrators is the only way to break the chain of impunity in the Land of Papua.
As long as military operations continue to target civilian areas without international supervision, the humanitarian crisis in Puncak Regency will continue to worsen and threaten the safety of thousands of indigenous Papuan lives. ***