PAPUA - The Headquarters of the West Papua National Liberation Army issued an official ultimatum to President Prabowo Subianto, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, and Indonesian National Armed Forces Commander General Agus Subyanto to immediately restore civil functions and comply with international humanitarian law regulations in the Land of Papua.
The ultimatum was issued on Thursday, August 13, 2026. West Papua National Liberation Army Spokesperson Sebby Sambom stated that the deployment of Indonesian military apparatus in various civilian spaces includes the bureaucratic system, the business sector, and the placement of personnel disguised as intelligence agents.
Such disguises cover the professions of construction workers, taxi drivers, to street vendors. TPNPB stated that it cannot guarantee the safety of civilians working in those spaces because their original functions have been taken over by the military.
Sebby urged all civilian workers to immediately leave the areas controlled by the Indonesian military. Medical personnel, teachers, and project workers are considered to be within the circle of military activity, especially in armed conflict areas.
Under international humanitarian law, civilian areas such as churches, schools, and civilian settlements must be avoided from all forms of military activity. The placement of military posts in residential areas is strictly prohibited to prevent casualties and property losses from the civilian side.
Public facilities must be fully utilized for the interests of the wider community so that basic services can run normally. TPNPB demands that all Indonesian military activities in the civilian sector be immediately revoked and returned to their original domain.
As long as the Indonesian military continues to operate in civilian spaces based on state policy, TPNPB firmly refuses to provide security guarantees for parties working there. This policy is taken in order to consistently uphold international humanitarian law in the armed conflict situation in the Land of Papua.
TPNPB also opens itself to conducting peace negotiations with the government under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto. These negotiations are directed to resolve the root of political and humanitarian issues neutrally and independently under the supervision of the United Nations.
The prolonged armed conflict in the Land of Papua has triggered a massive displacement wave for civilians. As many as 125,931 refugees are scattered in various regions without obtaining adequate humanitarian assistance from the Indonesian Red Cross or the International Committee of the Red Cross.
This condition triggers an increase in cases of death, illness, and hunger among refugees surviving in emergency camps deep in the forests. Sebby hopes the UN and the international community give serious attention to this humanitarian crisis. (One Papua)