MALANG – A coalition of organizations consisting of the Association of Papuan Students (IPMAPA) of Greater Malang, the Indonesian People's Front for West Papua (FRI-WP), and the Papuan Student Alliance (AMP) demand the immediate cessation of military operations in Papua Land.
This demand responds to the escalation of conflict which has triggered massive civilian casualties in recent months.
In a statement of attitude released in Malang, Tuesday (12/5/2026), students highlighted the impact of militaristic policies following the ratification of the TNI Law in March 2025. Citing the 2025 Project Multatuli report, the alliance explained the presence of 83,177 security personnel in Papua—consisting of 56,517 TNI members and 26,660 National Police members—which triggered the displacement of at least 107,039 civilians.
"We urge the state to immediately form an independent investigation team to thoroughly investigate the bloody tragedies in Dogiyai and other areas, and to bring the perpetrators of civilian shootings to a transparent trial," stressed an alliance representative in a written statement.
Data collected by the alliance details a series of fatal incidents from March to May 2026. Among them, the operation in Dogiyai on March 31-April 1 which killed eight civilians including a 12-year-old child, as well as the death of Napison Tebai (21), a high school student in Dogiyai on May 10, 2026. Similar incidents occurred in Kemburu which killed 15 residents, the shooting of civil servant Yemis Yohame in Yahukimo, as well as the death of student Narlince Wamang (17) during a sweep in Tembagapura.
This situation is considered to have created a humanitarian crisis in the mountainous regions, including Puncak, Intan Jaya, Nduga, and Maybrat Regencies.
In addition to the shootings, the alliance reported the arrest and alleged torture of 15 residents in Tambrauw as well as violence against civilians in Maybrat in late March.
Due to these conditions, students demand the government withdraw organic and non-organic troops and stop the construction of territorial battalions throughout Papua Land.
This combination of organizations also emphasized that a democratic solution can only be achieved through guarantees of democratic space, the cessation of National Strategic Projects (PSN), and granting the right to self-determination for the Papuan people. ***