TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Chairperson of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), Anis Hidayah, has highlighted an armed clash between the TNI Operational Command Habema and the West Papua National Liberation Army–Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM) on Thursday night, July 2, 2026, in Wandoga Village, Sugapa District, Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua.
In the incident, a pregnant woman, Melkiana Duwitau, who was 7–8 months pregnant, died along with her unborn child after being struck by a bullet while inside her home.
Anis said the incident occurred amid a broader escalation of violence in Papua, involving recent deaths of a pastor, armed group members, Indonesian Military (TNI) personnel, and a foreign pioneer aircraft pilot.
“The TNI stated that the shots that hit the victim came from the armed group, but independent verification of this claim is not yet available to the public,” she said in a written statement quoted on Monday, July 6, 2026.
Escalating Violence and Aircraft Attacks
Komnas HAM also received information on the burning of an aircraft belonging to Associated Mission Aviation (AMA) at Balinggama Pioneer Airport, Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency. The incident on July 2, 2026, was allegedly carried out by the TPNPB-OPM Yahukimo group led by Elkius Kobak.
Anis said the attackers also shot the pilot, identified as Nicholas F. Goselin, a United States citizen. Seven indigenous Papuan passengers survived the incident.
She further noted a similar attack on February 11, 2026, at Koroway Batu Airport, which resulted in the deaths of two pilots. Both incidents are believed to have been carried out by the same group.
Right to Life and Legal Obligations
Anis emphasized that the right to life is a fundamental and non-derogable right that cannot be suspended even in emergency situations or armed conflict. The principle is protected under Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which Indonesia has ratified through Law No. 12 of 2005, as well as Articles 28A and 28I of the 1945 Constitution.
“The death of civilians due to security operations or armed contact constitutes a violation of this right and must be investigated,” she said.
She added that in situations resembling non-international armed conflict, international humanitarian law remains applicable. Parties involved must distinguish between combatants and civilians and avoid turning residential areas into battle zones.
“Operations must avoid risks to civilians. The fact that this incident occurred in a residential area indicates a collective failure to uphold these principles,” she said.
Call for Independent Investigation
Komnas HAM stressed that all alleged deaths involving state security operations must be investigated independently, promptly, thoroughly, and transparently.
“Investigations carried out solely by institutions involved in the incident, in this case the TNI, risk conflicts of interest and do not meet standards of independence,” Anis said.
She added that law enforcement officials should be deployed directly to Sugapa District to conduct forensic examinations and interview witnesses.
Concerns Over Impunity and Civilian Safety
Anis warned that repeated incidents in Papua reflect weak accountability for violence against civilians. Without transparent legal processes, she said, such conditions risk perpetuating impunity and undermining public trust in state institutions.
She described the killing of a pregnant woman and her unborn child inside their home as a humanitarian tragedy that cannot be justified by any party, regardless of responsibility for the shooting.
Komnas HAM also called for an immediate halt to armed clashes in residential areas, stressing that civilians must not be placed at risk by any party.
Policy Review and Dialogue Efforts
The commission urged a comprehensive review of security approaches in Papua to be submitted to the President and relevant institutions. It also called for victim support, including psychosocial assistance and access to compensation or reparations.
Komnas HAM further encouraged the establishment of dialogue involving the central government, local authorities, traditional leaders, religious figures, and civil society as part of long-term conflict resolution efforts.
“We request access for Komnas HAM to investigate the incident site, victims, families, and relevant documents without obstruction,” Anis said, adding that independent investigation and accountability are essential to prevent similar tragedies from recurring.
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