Papua Conflict Displaces 124,000 Civilians
Around 124,000 Papuans remain internally displaced by armed conflict in West Papua, and 59 people have been killed there this year, Human Rights Monitor reported.
The Papua Special Committee of Indonesia’s Regional Representatives Council (DPD RI) delivered these figures during the council’s 3rd Plenary Session of the 2026–2027 Legislative Year. Civilians have borne the brunt of the violence, facing disrupted daily routines, schooling, and healthcare across multiple conflict-affected districts.
Displaced Populations Concentrate in South-West and Central Papua
The displaced population is heavily concentrated in South-West Papua and Central Papua, according to the DPD RI committee. Most of these individuals have not received adequate assistance.
The committee’s total sits close to independent counts. Human Rights Monitor recorded more than 127,000 displaced people by late August 2026, a figure that Christian Solidarity International raised at the UN Human Rights Council on October 1.
These high figures sharply contrast with local authority data. Officials in Timika cited between 22,000 and 22,661 displaced people to the committee on September 17. This massive gap prompted the committee to call for a single, verified displacement database that pools government, church, customary, and humanitarian data.
Civilian Casualties Rise as Security Presence Disrupts Daily Life
Of the 59 people killed in 2026, 43 were civilians, and roughly 50 more have sustained injuries. These numbers align with data from Komnas HAM, which counted 42 violent incidents in the first half of the year. That toll included eight police and soldiers, eight members of armed groups, and numerous civilians.
Residents now face routine identity checks and must carry identification for everyday activities.
Heavy security force presence disrupts people’s ability to meet basic needs, even though West Papua has not been declared a military operations zone.
Teachers and health workers have withdrawn from multiple affected areas, leaving schools unable to run normal classes and clinics unable to function properly.
When committee chair Yorrys Raweyai visited in August, displaced parents in Puncak explained that their kids lacked schooling and that households could not go back because conditions remained unsafe.
Calls for Jakarta Strategy Evaluation
The committee’s findings follow months of field visits and mounting pressure on Jakarta. Formed in July amid escalating violence, the committee has urged the government to conduct a national assessment of its approach to Papua. It wants a clear roadmap with deadlines and accountability.
The committee also urged President Prabowo Subianto to form an investigation, reconciliation, or dialogue team. Echoing the committee’s stance, the Papua branch of Komnas HAM declared that lasting peace is only possible through talks involving the government, the Free Papua Organisation, and local leaders.
Pacific leaders at the UN General Assembly and church leaders in Papua have called on Indonesia to admit the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Jakarta rejects the criticism and blames armed Papuan groups for the displacement.
Deputy chair Filep Wamafma warned that returns must be safe, voluntary, and dignified, and must be preceded by restored schools, clinics, housing, and security; otherwise, displacement will simply recur.
Upcoming Committee Inquiries
The committee will now examine two issues in greater depth. It plans to investigate human rights violations in Papua Highlands Province, as well as the impact of investment on communities and humanitarian conditions in South Papua and Papua provinces.
Large food and energy projects in those regions have drawn growing local opposition.
According to the committee, this deeper inquiry is necessary so the DPD can produce comprehensive recommendations and promote a peaceful, dignified resolution that prioritizes the protection of civilians.
Keep reading