Komnas HAM Reveals 113 Human Rights Events Occur In Papua During 2024

JAKARTA - The results of media monitoring, both national and local media, carried out by the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) found that 113 human rights events occurred in Papua in the period January to December 2024.

"This data as of December 16, 113 human rights incidents were found, 85 of which have dimensions of armed conflict and violence," said Komnas HAM Chairman Atnike Nova Sigiro during a press briefing entitled 'Komnas HAM District: Human Rights Situation in Papua 2024' in Jakarta, Wednesday 18 December, confiscated by Antara.

From the portrait of violent incidents and armed conflict, Komnas HAM found a number of actions. Atnike explained that there were 24 gun battle events, four sweeping incidents, and 23 incidents of armed civilian group attacks (KSB) against the authorities.

In addition, there were four refugee incidents, eight vandalism incidents, 34 attacks on civilians, and six incidents of violence by law enforcement officers.

Meanwhile, in terms of regional distribution, the most human rights events occurred in Central Papua Province, with 22 incidents in Intan Jaya Regency, 17 events in Puncak, 13 events in Puncak Jaya, and 12 events in Paniai.

Other events spread across the Papua Mountains Province, namely 10 events in Yahukimo Regency, seven incidents in Nduga, and seven other events in the Bintang Mountains.

"Regions that are vulnerable to conflict and violence are in Central Papua Province. From the results of media monitoring, the numbers are quite extreme compared to other provinces or regions in Papua," said Atnike.

Of all these human rights incidents, 61 victims died, consisting of 32 civilians, including two children and one foreign national, 14 KSB, eight TNI soldiers, and seven members of the National Police.

Meanwhile, 39 injured people were recorded, with details of 17 civilians, 10 TNI soldiers, five members of the National Police, and seven KSB members.

"In addition to the victims who died and were injured, in 2024 there were also hostage-taking. There were several incidents of hostage-taking with a total of 17 victims being hostages. They are generally construction work in Papua," he said.

Based on this data, Komnas HAM called for the parties to stop gunfire and other acts of violence that caused an escalation of the conflict and threaten safety.

Komnas HAM asked the security forces to always use measurable and proportional handling to avoid casualties, and asked the authorities and KSB not to place civilians and public service facilities as targets of conflict.

On the other hand, Komnas HAM asked the government to restore public service facilities as well as post-conflict social and economic conditions, as well as ask the authorities to provide safe space for civilians.