Jayapura, Jubi – The Evangelical Christian Church (KINGMI) in the Land of Papua has called on the Indonesian Government and humanitarian organisations to address reports of civilians fleeing their homes amid alleged military operations in the Korowai region.
The church’s Department of Justice and Peace (DKP) said it had received reports of increased military activity between October 12 and 14 in Danowage village, Yaniruma district, Boven Digoel Regency, and areas bordering Yahukimo Regency.
The reports have raised concerns about the safety of residents who may have fled to surrounding forests, where limited communications have made it difficult to establish their whereabouts and access to essential supplies.
“We have received information about an alleged escalation of military operations in the Korowai region, particularly in Danowage village and areas bordering Yahukimo Regency,” said Reverend Deserius Adii, head of the department, in Jayapura on Friday.
DKP KINGMI acknowledged that the reports had yet to be independently verified. However, it warned that civilians who may be stranded without food or forced to leave their homes faced serious humanitarian risks.
“The safety of civilians must be a priority for all parties,” Adii said, adding that the church’s appeal was grounded in human rights, Indonesian law and international humanitarian law.
Adii also referred to Article 28H(1) of Indonesia’s 1945 Constitution, which guarantees rights including housing, a healthy environment and healthcare.
The church has urged the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), national humanitarian agencies and relevant international organisations to explore ways to provide assistance, in accordance with their mandates and humanitarian principles.
It said particular attention was needed for people reportedly displaced from Danowage, Mosom II and surrounding areas, especially those sheltering in remote forest locations that are difficult to reach.
The church’s appeal comes amid earlier reports of women and children seeking refuge in the forests of Korowai.
A source in the area told Jubi in late July that 26 women and one child had been confirmed as displaced and were sheltering at a location in the forest. The source warned that the actual number could be higher because other possible displacement sites remained unverified.
Dense forests, difficult river crossings and a lack of telephone and internet coverage had made it difficult to establish the total number of people affected, the source said.
The source, identified as OB, told Jubi that women and children had been fleeing since about 11am Papua time on July 22, after three Indonesian military helicopters reportedly deployed troops near a river beside a civilian settlement in Korowai, Yahukimo Regency.
OB alleged that residents had scattered into the forest to escape military operations and that troops had fired indiscriminately from the ground and from helicopters.
“The displaced people are scattered everywhere, and the total number cannot be confirmed,” OB said.
“They are still in the forest without food, drinking water or a place to sleep. They have been traumatised by the military operations.”
The July figures reflect information provided to Jubi at that time and should not be taken as a confirmed count of people currently displaced.
The reports of military activity and displacement require independent verification. A response from the Indonesian military and relevant authorities should be included if obtained. (*)
