INTAN JAYA — Indonesian security forces were reported to have visited the area of St. Francis Xavier Titigi Catholic Church, Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua, while Sunday worship (26/7/2026) was taking place at 10.53 WIT. The arrival of security personnel in the middle of residents' settlements and the religious complex disrupted the worship service as some congregants chose to go home due to trauma.
The Central Headquarters Management of KOMNAS TPNPB stated that the congregation's fear was triggered by a series of shooting incidents that occurred in the Intan Jaya region over the past few months.
One of the events highlighted was the shooting action against a group of clergy and residents in Intan Jaya on June 29, 2026. The incident resulted in the operational car of the Catholic Church Pastorage being damaged by gunshots and a congregant suffering a gunshot wound.
In addition, an explosion incident involving an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) also struck the environment of St. Paul Nabuni Catholic Church on May 17, 2026. The event resulted in four civilians being hit by the explosion in a critical condition, before finally one victim named Luter Nabelau passed away on May 25, 2026 while undergoing medical treatment at the Mimika Regional General Hospital (RSUD Mimika).
TPNPB reported that military personnel have established at least 33 security posts around the settlements of Intan Jaya residents. This strict security is said to be related to the security dynamics of the Mount Wabu area, which holds the potential for gold and other mineral mining.
TPNPB even assessed that the escalation of the establishment of these military posts has a direct impact on the mobility space and safety of indigenous civilians. The protracted armed conflict in the remote areas of Papua is considered to continue adding to the string of casualties from non-combatants.
TPNPB also urged the United States Government to review its investment involvement in Papua, particularly regarding the mining activities of PT Freeport McMoRan which has been operating since 1967. TPNPB considers economic and security cooperation in Papua often to have a negative impact on the safety of local residents.
Sebby Sambom, Wednesday (29/7/2026) requested the United Nations (UN) to review the legal status of West Papua in international forums. The UN is expected to take the role of a neutral mediator in order to resolve the humanitarian crisis as well as the armed conflict that has caused thousands of residents to flee to Papua New Guinea (PNG). (One Papua)