JAKARTA – Hundreds of mass joined in the Front Anti Militarism crowded the area in front of the Ministry of Human Rights (HAM) office in Jakarta on Monday, May 11, 2026. This action aims to demand concrete steps from the Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai and Komnas HAM, to immediately form a Fact-Finding Team (TPF) to investigate the series of violence that continues to increase in Papua.
The pressure was triggered by a bloody incident in Puncak Regency, Central Papua, on April 14, 2026, which claimed the lives of 15 people and injured five other residents in Kembru District.
The demonstration did not only highlight the events in Puncak, but also revealed deep wounds due to the chaos in Dogiyai Regency which resulted in five civilians killed, namely Siprianus Tibakoto, Yulita Ester Pigai, Martinus Yobee, Angkian Edowai, and Ferdinan Auwe. In addition, reports regarding the shooting of Elki Wunungga by apparatus of the Bokondini Sector Police as well as the findings of mortar ammunition by the Foundation of Justice and Integrity of Papua Humanity strengthened the demand for the need for a thorough investigation.
The situation became increasingly heated following reports of torture against 14 civilians by apparatus who were once accused of being involved in the shooting of health workers before finally being released because it was not proven guilty.
Anez, one of the orators in the action, loudly stated a strong rejection of the implementation of the New Autonomous Region (DOB) and the Merauke National Strategic Project (PSN) covering 2.3 million hectares which is considered to threaten the customary rights of the Papuan indigenous people.
He also urged the government under the leadership of President Prabowo to immediately drag the perpetrators of violence against activist Andrie Yunus to the general court without compromise. In his oratory, Anez emphasized the importance of international transparency by asking the government to open access for the UN Human Rights Council to conduct a direct investigation into various allegations of gross human rights violations in the Land of Papua.
Spokesperson for the Front Anti Militarism, Oscar, emphasized that this escalation of conflict is a reflection of the state's failure in protecting its citizens in the eastern region of Indonesia.
"If the government continuously fails in providing a sense of security and is unable to resolve this prolonged violent conflict, then it is only proper that the state provides space for the people of Papua to determine their own destiny," stressed Oscar in the midst of the crowd of mass who welcomed his statement with shouts of support.
The disappointment of the mass peaked when the Minister of Human Rights nor the ministry representatives did not show up to meet the action participants until the afternoon. As a form of protest against the cold attitude of the authorities, the mass finally burned motorcycle tires in front of the ministry office gate until black smoke billowed high.
Before dispersing in an orderly manner, the demonstrators again voiced demands for the withdrawal of the military from Papua as well as the closure of large-scale companies such as Freeport and BP LNG Tangguh which are considered part of the root of economic and social problems in the land of Cenderawasih. ***