The Minister of Human Rights said 15 people died as a result of a shooting in Kembru, the peak of Central Papua.

Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai during a press conference at the Ministry of Human Rights office, South Jakarta, Monday, April 20, 2026 (ANTARA/Walda Marison)

JAKARTA - Human Rights Minister (HAM) Natalius Pigai said 15 civilians were killed in a shootout between the police and the West Papua National Liberation Army (TNPPB) in Kembru Village, Sinak District, Puncak Regency, Central Papua, on Tuesday (14/4).

"A total of 15 people died (in) the attack at Kembru," Pigai said at a press conference reported by ANTARA, Monday, April 20.

Pigai said the data on the number of people killed was collected from various parties, ranging from local governments, residents, to victims of injuries due to the shootout.

Not only the victims died, the Ministry of Human Rights also recorded seven people who were injured due to the shootout.

Pigai continued, this incident has become the attention of the Ministry of Human Rights because it has killed civilians.

Therefore, the Ministry of Human Rights is trying to encourage this case to be revealed so that the public can know who the shooter is and what his motive is.

One of the efforts made by Pigai and the Ministry of Human Rights is to take over the handling of this case. This step was taken by Pigai so that the government could trace this case transparently and fairly.

Thus, the results of the case search conducted by the Ministry of Human Rights can be revealed to the public.

"It's better for the Ministry of Human Rights to check the facts of the information much better," explained Pigai.

Pigai assessed that the local community should have known who the shooter was because the incident occurred between morning and noon.

Therefore, Pigai asked those who felt that they were perpetrators to confess and undergo the legal process in order to create justice in Papua.

"The incident happened during the day, the perpetrator already knew. That can't be disputed. The perpetrators know the people, the victims know, those who are in the community at the location also know. Yes, now please, don't hide, it must be opened," said Pigai.