On 6 November 2025, at around 06:00 am, joint Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), including Task Force Rajawali 2 and 3, Task Force Mandala VI, Infantry Battalion 712/WT, Infantry Battalion 631/ATG, and Infantry Battalion 500/Sikatan, launched a large-scale military operation in the area around the Eknemba Village, Sugapa District, Intan Jaya Regency, to "crack down" on positions of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB).
The joint operation began following days of infiltration movements by TNI units between 3 and 5 November 2025. A child sustained a bullet wound in the leg during the operation and had to be hospitalised
Following the operation, the TNI reported the deaths of three TPNPB members and the seizure of weapons, ammunition, and items such as Morning Star flags, mobile phones, arrows, and machetes (see photo on top, source: protected). However, local sources alleged that the military members reportedly opened fire indiscriminately at civilian homes in Eknemba. A villager named Mr Yaku Sani and a child were reportedly shot during the raid. The injured child was carried by family members to Sugapa City for medical treatment, walking several kilometres on foot (see video below, source: independent HRD). Eyewitnesses also reported the burning of houses and continuing gunfire between 04:00 and 07:00 am.
According to the information received, residents from Eknemba and surrounding villages have fled to the forests and to Sugapa Town. The TNI and Police have reportedly set up three temporary military tents in Wagantapa, while communications and civilian movement in the area are heavily restricted (see photo below, source: independent HRD).
Human rights analysis
The indiscriminate use of force and resulting civilian victims, including a child, may amount to violations of the right to life, security, and protection of civilians under international law. The destruction of homes and the resulting forced displacement of civilians echo patterns of military operations previously documented in Intan Jaya since 2019, contributing to the internal displacement of over 100,000 Papuans across West Papua.
Under Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions and Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), all parties to the conflict are obliged to protect civilians and refrain from arbitrary deprivation of life. The Indonesian authorities, as a State Party to these instruments, bear responsibility to ensure accountability for unlawful killings, attacks on civilians, and disproportionate use of force.
The Indonesian government must immediately cease military operations in civilian-populated areas of Intan Jaya and open humanitarian access for independent observers, including the UN and Komnas HAM. Authorities must initiate a prompt, impartial, and transparent investigation into the shooting of the child and other alleged civilian victims, in line with the Minnesota Protocol on the Investigation of Potentially Unlawful Deaths.