Komnas HAM: 15 Civilians Killed in Central Papua, One of the Worst Incidents of 2026
- On April 24, 2026, the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) announced it is giving full attention to an incident in which 15 civilians were killed in...
- Komnas HAM Monitoring and Investigation Commissioner Saurlin P.
- Siayan said Komnas HAM already has indications that a TNI operation was involved in the incident and emphasized the need to investigate the cause of each death individually.
On April 24, 2026, the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) announced it is giving full attention to an incident in which 15 civilians were killed in a firefight between the Free Papua Organisation (OPM) and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) in Kembru District, Puncak Regency, Central Papua.
Komnas HAM Monitoring and Investigation Commissioner Saurlin P. Siagian described the case as one of the heaviest incidents of 2026 during a press conference viewed on the Komnas HAM YouTube channel. He stated that the commission is currently having difficulty accessing the two conflict districts but has been able to speak with victims who managed to leave the area.
Siayan said Komnas HAM already has indications that a TNI operation was involved in the incident and emphasized the need to investigate the cause of each death individually. He added that the team is still delving deeper into the case and hopes the conflict will end soon to prevent further victims.
On April 18, 2026, Komnas HAM had previously declared that recent military operations in Puncak, Central Papua, which resulted in civilian fatalities and injuries, constituted a severe violation of fundamental human rights and international humanitarian law.