Indonesia Faces Calls to Halt Military Approach in Papua, Address Indigenous Concerns
Church organizations and civil society groups are urging the Indonesian government to de-escalate its military presence in the Papua region and reconsider national strategic projects impacting indigenous communities. The calls approach amidst ongoing violent conflict in the predominantly Christian region, with concerns escalating over displacement, limited access to essential services, and alleged human rights violations.
Demands for Military Withdrawal and Dialogue
The Papuan Council of Churches, alongside 44 organizations within the Coalition for Civil Society Transformation in Papua (Ko Masi), issued a statement on February 20th calling for the “immediate withdrawal of all members” of the army. The statement specifically requested the removal of military personnel engaged in civilian roles, such as teachers and media staff.
the groups demanded adherence to international humanitarian law by both the military and the West Papua National Liberation Army, the pro-independence group. They also called for unrestricted access for journalists, foreign media, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to monitor the human rights situation in Papua.
Concerns Over Development Projects and Displacement
The organizations are also protesting against national strategic projects, particularly a plan to clear two million hectares in South Papua for crop cultivation, including palm oil plantations. They argue these projects “destroy and rob the living space of indigenous people.” A key demand is for the government to “immediately open a dialogue” with the Papuan people.
Reverend Benny Giyai, moderator of the Papuan Council of Churches, stated on February 23rd that troop deployments have displaced thousands of Papuans, creating over 100,000 refugees. Many are stranded in remote areas with limited access to food, healthcare, and pastoral support. Nduga Regency in the Papua Highlands Province is particularly affected, housing 20,000 refugees.
Root Causes of Conflict and Increasing Military Presence
Research from the Indonesian Institute of Sciences identifies four key drivers of problems in Papua: racism and marginalization, failures in economic and educational services, questions surrounding the legality of Indonesia’s occupation, and impunity for military and police violence. However, Reverend Giyai expressed that there are “no signs of improvement at this time.”
Despite these concerns, the Indonesian military has increased its presence in the region. Faisal Ramadhani, head of Operation Peace Cartenz, announced on February 22nd an increase in troop deployment to Yahukimo Regency, from 80 to 150 soldiers, bringing the total to 250. This increase is attributed to escalating “security disturbances,” with 23 incidents recorded in the first two months of 2025, compared to three in the same period the previous year.
According to data from the advocacy group Imparsial, there are currently 16,900 soldiers stationed in Papua, the majority of whom are combat-qualified units.
Historical Context and Rising Violence
Papua has experienced ongoing conflict since the 1960s, following Indonesia’s annexation of the territory after the end of Dutch colonial rule. A referendum on Papua’s future was widely considered to be rigged in favor of Indonesia.
The National Commission on Human Rights recorded 115 cases of violence in 2025, resulting in 130 deaths and 88 injuries, with civilians constituting the majority of victims. This represents an increase from 85 cases with 71 deaths in 2024.