Sentani, Jubi – A member of the Nduga Regency Legislative Council has called on Indonesia’s central government to review the presence of non-organic security forces in Nduga, in Papua Pegunungan province, following the fatal shooting of three local residents.
Leri Gwijangge, a politician from the Perindo Party, made the call after three residents were reportedly shot in Yosoma Nonggolait, Kenyam District, Nduga Regency, on Friday, 23 October 2026.
The reported victims were a village official from Gilingan Vilage, Masut Serera (27), a student, Kilikia Kerebea (14), and a civilian, Kabera Kerebea (20).
According to reports, Masut sustained gunshot wounds to the chest and head, with four bullet wounds recorded. Kelikia was reportedly shot in the chest and abdomen. Both died from their injuries.
Kabera reportedly sustained a gunshot wound to the upper right arm and is receiving medical treatment.
Local residents suspect members of the Indonesian military’s Habema Operations Command were responsible for the shooting. The allegation has not been independently verified.
Gwijangge expressed concern over the incident and called on law enforcement authorities to conduct a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation in accordance with the law.
He also urged human rights advocates and the National Commission on Rights (Komnas HAM) to pay close attention to the case and investigate the facts on the ground within their respective mandates.
“Every human being as the right to life. Under both God’s law and state law, human life must be respected and protected,” Gwijangge said in a telephone interview on Saturday, 24 October 2026.
He said anyone found responsible for breaking the law should face legal proceedings, regardless of their position or affiliation.
Gwijangge said Nduga residents were demanding protection, justice, respect for their right to life and guarantees for their safety as citizens.
He cited Article 28A and Article 28(1) of Indonesia’s 1945 Constitution, which protect the right to life, as well as Article 9 of Low No. 39 of 1999 on Human Rights.
“These provisions form the highest legal basis for protecting everyone’s right to lede,” he said.
Gwijangge also raised questions about Law No. 34 of 2004 on the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), as amended by Law No.3 of 2025, which provides a legal framework for assessing the military’s duties and responsibilities.
He called on the Indonesian president and the leadership of the TNI and National Police to review security operations in Nduga, including deployment of non-organic troops and the presence of security posts in the regency.
He said the safety of civilians and the concerns of the local communities should be central to decisions about whether troops needed to remain in the area.
“Alleged legal violations resulting in the loss of human life must be thoroughly investigated,” he said.
Gwijangge said he hoped the government would fulfil its responsibility to protect civilians and ensure justice for the victim and their bereaved families.
“The state has an obligation to protect civilians, justice must be delivered for the victims, and peace in Nduga must be built on respect for their right to life and human dignity,” he said. (*)
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