Jayapura, Jubi – Amnesty International Indonesia has called for an end to the killing of civilians in Papua by armed groups, including the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB).
The call came in response to recent cases involving the alleged abduction, hostage-taking and killing of civilians in Papua by the TPNPB.
Amnesty International Indonesia executive director Usman Hamid said the organisation condemned a series of killings of civilians in Papua over the past week, describing them as serious crimes under international humanitarian law.
“We extend our condolences to the victims’ families. We call on the state to investigate the killings and prosecute those responsible,” Usman Hamid said in an electronic message on Wednesday night (16/9/2026).
He said all parties involved in the armed conflict in Papua, including the military and pro-independence armed groups such as the TPNPB, were required to comply with international humanitarian law. He also added that the right to life was non-negotiable.
According to Usman Hamid, the incidents reflected an escalation of the armed conflict in Papua.
He warned against the conflict developing along the lines of Sudan, resulting in large numbers of civilian casualties.
“The killing of civilians violates the humanitarian principles of international humanitarian law. There is no justification for such crimes. The right to life is an absolute right that must be protected,” he said.
Amnesty International Indonesia also condemned the abduction and hostage-taking of nine women in Mimika on 17 August.
“We oppose killings in any form. Whatever the reason, including political motives, such acts are unacceptable and are not justified under international law. Politically motivated killings and hostage-taking are prohibited both in international armed conflicts and internal armed conflicts,” he said.
Usman Hamid said survivors and victims’ families had the right to know what happened, who was responsible and what concrete steps Indonesia would take to deliver justice.
He said proper investigations and fair trials were necessary to help ease the conflict.
“Anyone responsible for killing civilians must be held accountable through legal proceedings, and authorities must take steps to prevent similar incidents.”
Usman Hamid said armed conflicts were subject to minimum standards for humane treatment, including prohibitions on torture, politically motivated killings and hostage-taking.
He said all parties involved in armed conflict were required to uphold those standards.
Amnesty International Indonesia called on the government to end all forms of violence in Papua through conflict-resolution efforts.
It cited the Papua Road Map study, which describes the armed conflict in Papua as Indonesia’s longest-running conflict following the end of the conflicts in Aceh and East Timor.
Amnesty said the prolonged conflict was linked to the continued use of a militaristic approach.
“We urge the Indonesian government and the House of Representatives to immediately open peace negotiations or humanitarian dialogue to resolve the armed conflict in Papua. Peace dialogue must involve all stakeholders in Papua to ensure a dignified solution to this prolonged conflict,” Usman Hamid said.
Amnesty International Indonesia said a series of killings and other acts of violence against civilians had occurred in Papua in recent weeks.
Among the incidents was the killing of a driver who was shot by the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) Kodap III Ndugama Derakma on the Trans Wamena-Nduga Road in Papua Highlands province on 15 September 2026.
TPNPB-OPM accused the victim of being an Indonesian military intelligence agent. The killing was also confirmed by Habema Operations Command spokesperson M Wirya Arthadiguna, who said the travel driver was found inside a burnt vehicle.
Earlier, TPNPB-OPM Kodap III killed three civil servants in Jayawijaya Regency on 9 September.
The victims were travelling back to Wamena after carrying out duties involving livestock assistance and agricultural extension services for local communities.
The victims were also accused of being Indonesian military intelligence agents, according to TPNPB-OPM.
In relation to the alleged hostage-taking of nine women in Mimika Regency, Central Papua, the TPN OPM Kodap X Keneyam has been accused of involvement, according to TPN OPM.
The incident was linked to an attack on Indonesian military personnel in Jila District, Mimika Regency, between 12 and 17 August 2026.
Two of the nine women reportedly escaped while being taken by TPN-OPM. When they were found by local residents, one of the two women was already dead. (*)
