JAKARTA – The Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) has issued a strong urgent call demanding that all parties involved in military operations in Papua immediately cease all forms of armed violence. This appeal is driven by a series of tragic events that continue to claim the lives of innocent civilians. PGI emphasized that the current situation in the Highlands and Central Papua suggests that the lives of civilians appear meaningless to those conducting military operations in the region.
In an official statement released on April 21, 2026, the Head of the PGI Papua Bureau, Rev. Ronald R. Tapilattu, highlighted several recent brutal incidents. These include the shooting by police officers in Marini Village, Bokondini, on April 14, which took the life of a civilian named Elki Wunungga. Furthermore, PGI condemned the brutal killing of nine civilians, including a five-year-old child, and the wounding of others by live ammunition from military personnel during operations in Kemburu District, Puncak Papua.
In response to this wave of violence, PGI demands full respect and maximum protection for all unarmed civilians in conflict areas. PGI asserts that Papuan civilians have a fundamental right to life and to enjoy God's blessings, just like all of humanity. The organization views these attacks and the loss of life at the hands of police and military forces—who are protected by Human Rights law and International Humanitarian Law (Geneva Conventions)—as a gross violation and a crime against human rights.
Consequently, PGI is calling upon the National Police Chief and the Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) to immediately conduct a thorough investigation into both cases. PGI urges for the swift arrest of all involved perpetrators and for them to be processed according to the law, including dishonorable discharge and the imposition of maximum penalties. PGI believes that justice and peace can only be achieved if the basic rights of every individual, especially the most vulnerable civilians, are fully respected and protected. ***