SUGAPA - Indonesian military insertion operations in Agisiga District and Ugimba District, Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua, have once again triggered a massive displacement of civilians into forest areas to save themselves.
Information from the Papua Intelligence Service of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) in Sugapa recorded the movement of Indonesian military troops by land and air since the morning of 17 August 2026. The movement of Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) personnel targeted civilian settlements in Danggoa, Tausiga, Soali, and Mbamogo villages in Agisiga District.
Residents from those four villages were forced to leave their homes for Jenabu Village and surrounding forest areas. TPNPB stated that the occupation of residential areas by the Indonesian military caused severe trauma and fear among civilians.
"The occupation of civilian residential areas by Indonesian military personnel resulted in severe trauma and fear for the community, forcing residents to flee to safe places," said Sebby Sambom, Spokesperson for the Central Headquarters Management of TPNPB, Wednesday (19/8/2026).
Meanwhile in Ugimba District, the Indonesian military forced civilians to attend the flag-raising ceremony commemorating the independence of the Republic of Indonesia on 17 August 2026. The incident further increased the fear of local residents amidst the armed conflict situation.
The humanitarian crisis in the Land of Papua aligns with the latest data from Human Rights Monitor. The organization recorded that as many as 125,931 civilians have been forced to flee and are scattered across various regions due to the escalating conflict.
Responding to the large number of displaced persons, the Central Headquarters Management of TPNPB urged the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) along with the investigation team from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UN Human Rights Council) to act immediately. TPNPB requested an independent investigation and the delivery of emergency humanitarian assistance for the refugees.
Sebby also requested the Government of Indonesia to open the widest possible access for foreign journalists to report in the Land of Papua. Independent reporting access is deemed important so that the international community knows the true situation transparently.
TPNPB even considers that international press transparency can encourage fair and comprehensive handling of the refugee crisis. This step is expected to protect the fundamental rights of Papuan civilians in conflict areas. (One Papua)