Church officials in Indonesia have rejected Indonesian security forces' claims of normalcy in a conflict zone in Papua, expressing concerns about the situation of displaced people and their safety.
The Church leaders said the security situation in the five villages in Oksop district is not yet normal, according to reports from pastoral officers of the Church in the field.
Bishop Yanuarius Theofilus Matopai You of Jayapura, based in Papua, and Father Alexandro Rangga of the Franciscans' Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Commission Papua expressed the Church's concerns in a statement.
"As of today, an estimated 327 people remain displaced, with many others choosing to hide in the forest," they said in their Jan. 17 statement.
It refuted the security forces' claim in the media that residents who were displaced because of the conflict had returned to their villages.
Security forces spokesperson Yusuf Sutejo told the media that people have returned and are "carrying out normal activities in four villages. Only Mimin village is still under the supervision of security forces."
Bishop You said they have detailed data on the number of displaced people, including by gender, age, and village of origin.
"However, for the safety of the displaced people, we cannot share this data with the public," he explained.
The Church leaders said the security claims raise "deep concern," and hence, "the Catholic Church felt compelled to clarify the real situation."
Father Rangga said they want the joint security forces to withdraw from the Oksop district.
"The presence of troops is increasing. The deployment of additional troops on Jan. 13-15, 2025, has only increased the community's anxiety," he said.
The Church leaders said the security forces setting up their posts inside church compounds and using community facilities without permission worsened the situation.
Father Rangga told UCA News that residents of the five affected villages fled the area due to the increasing presence of security forces since late November last year.
"Fear of armed conflict prompted them to flee to safer places," he said.
The security forces are targeting members of the West Papua National Liberation Army, which is allegedly working to free Papua from Indonesian control.
The renewed violence has displaced hundreds.
A displaced person from Atenar village, who did not want to be named because of security concerns, said he witnessed security forces setting up posts in community properties in his village as well as neighboring Mimin village.
"They dismantled an Evangelical church to make a fire pit. Church facilities are regularly used as security posts," he said.
He also reported hearing gunshots day and night. "We don't know whether they are shooting at their opponents or not," he added.
The Catholic Church has urged the Indonesian government to form an independent team to investigate the causes of the conflict and ensure accountability for human rights violations.
"Firstly, withdraw military troops from Oksop district and open up space for dialogue to find a peaceful solution," they said.
Source: https://www.ucanews.com/news/church-leaders-slam-indonesian-forces-denial-of-papua-refugees/10760