Jayapura, Jubi – The Legal and Human Rights Department of the Evangelical Christian Church in Indonesia (GIDI) has called on Indonesian authorities to halt military operation in civilian communities in Korowai, an area spanning the border between Boven Digoel regency in South Papua province and Yahukimo regency in Highland Papua province.
The department expressed deep concern over reports of Indonesian military (TNI) personnel moving from Danowage village in Yaniruma district, Boven Digoel, and Mosom Duba village in Seradala district, Yahukimo, towards Korowai. The movements are suspected to be linked to plans for military operation in the area.
GIDI Legal and Human Rights Department head Reverend Jimmy Koirewoa said information received from Indigenous Korowai people and other Papuans living in the area indicated that residents were panicking and fleeing their homes again over fears of possible military operations near civilian settlements.
“We have also received reports of sweeps and civilian displacement, including members of congregation from four churches who are reportedly among those fleeing,” Koirewoa said in a written statement on Saturday (17/10/2026).
The department urged the Indonesian Government and relevant authorities to immediately stop the movement of troops suspected of preparing to conduct military operations in civilian areas of Korowai, and to withdraw forces from civilian areas where their presence is not necessary for lawful operations.
It also called on authorities to ensure that no military action endangers residents, creates fear, forces people to leave their homes or disrupts the daily lives of Indigenous communities.
“We stress that places of worship, homes, educational facilities, health facilities and other public infrastructure must be protected,” Koirewoa said.
The department further urged all parties to respect civilian rights and ensure that churches and other places where residents seek shelter do not become targets or suffer the consequences of military action.
It called on Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), the governors of South Papua and Highland Papua, and the regents of Boven Digoel and Yahukimo to take urgent action within their respective authorities.
Koirewoa said the authorities must take concrete steps to prevent casualties, protect civilians, investigate reports of displacement and ensure Korowai residents’ basic rights are upheld.
“We also urged Komnas HAM to conduct independent monitoring and verification of the information received concerning troop movements, sweeps and their impact on civilians,” he said.
Meanwhile, communities in the region are reportedly facing worsening conditions due to dry weather and smoke from forest and land fires affecting Yahukimo, Boven Digoel and the neighbouring Pegunungan Bintang regency.
Koirewoa said residents needed protection, healthcare, access to essential supplies and guarantees of safety amid the difficult conditions.
He warned that fear and pressure caused by troop movement near residential areas could worsen the humanitarian situation.
“We urge the Government and all relevant parties to prioritise a humanitarian approach through dignified peace negotiations mediated by neutral party, alongside measures that guarantee the safety of Indigenous communities,” he said.
GIDI’s Legal and Human Rights Department also called on church leaders, pastors, women’s groups, Indigenous leaders, humanitarian organisations, Komnas HAM, Papuans and Indonesians who uphold humanitarian values to unite in advocating for the protection of Korowai civilians.
It urged authorities to take reports from Korowai seriously, independently verify the information and implement concrete measures to prevent human rights violations.
The department reiterated that civilian safety must remain the highest priority.
It called on all troops moving towards Korowai residential areas for military operations to immediately halt their advance and urged authorities to review troop deployments in civilian areas and withdraw forces where necessary to protect residents.
Places of worship, homes and public facilities must be respected and protected, the department said, stressing that Korowai people have the right to live safely, worship peacefully, remain in their homes and go about their daily lives without fear of armed conflict. (*)
