On 31 March and 1 April 2026, joint security forces (TNI-Polri) allegedly carried out indiscriminate shootings against civilians in the Kamu District of Dogiyai Regency, Central Papua Province. The operations were conducted in response to the killing of a police officer earlier that morning.
At least six indigenous Papuans were reportedly killed by bullets, while at least two others sustained gunshot injuries (see table and photos below, source: independent HRDs). According to preliminary information received there is one minor among the killed victims. Another minor reportedly sustained bullet injuries but reportedly succumbed to his injuries on 3 April 2026. Reports further indicate continued violence until 2 April 2026.
On 31 March 2026 at approximately 09:50 am, a police officer identified as Mr Juventus Edowai was reportedly attacked by an unknown assailant near Ebenezer Church in Moanemani town. The officer sustained fatal injuries, including severe wounds to the neck and hands (see photos below, source: independent HRD).
Shortly after, at approximately 10:30 am, joint TNI-Polri forces reportedly arrived at the scene. According to witness reports, security forces opened fire in the vicinity of Moanemani Market and surrounding public areas. Local informants indicate that officers pursued indigenous Papuans using patrol vehicles towards Ikebo, Kimupugi, Ekemanida, and other areas of Kamu District.
From late morning into the afternoon, security operations reportedly expanded into residential areas. Security personnel entered the villages Ikebo, Kimupugi, and Mauwa, Kamu District, and indiscriminately opened fire in the immediate vicinity of indigenous houses. Eight civilians were reportedly shot during these operations, including two minors and a elderly woman that was killed by a bullet inside her home in Ikebo village (see photo below, source: independent HRD). By the evening of 31 March 2026, further violence was reported, including additional shootings and acts of arson affecting civilian property. Several vehicles, including trucks and motorcycles, were reportedly burned.
On 1 April 2026, security forces were reinforced by personnel from police mobile brigade (Brimob) Battalion A and the Papua Regional Police (Polda Papua), while the situation in Moanemani town remained tense. Residents reportedly fled to surrounding areas, and public activities were largely suspended. The shootings continued during the night, although details remain unverified.
A similar incident occurred only in early March 2026, when security forces reportedly injured three indigenous Papuans using life ammunition during a forceful dispersal of a civil unrests in Moanemani town and Pogito Village, Kamu District. The violent crackdowns occurred amid escalating tensions and heavy deployment of security forces across Dogiyai Regency in the past months. Follwing both incidents, people in Dogiyai demand the immediate dismissal of the Dogiyai Police Chief.
Human rights analysis
The reported security force operations in Dogiyai between 31 March and 2 April 2026 raise serious concerns under international human rights law, particularly regarding the right to life enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the use of lethal force as stipulated in the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials. The alleged firing of live ammunition in public spaces, markets, and residential areas, as well as reports of shootings inside homes, indicate a potential failure to distinguish between legitimate targets and civilians. If confirmed, such actions would constitute arbitrary deprivation of life in violation of Article 6 ICCPR governing law enforcement operations.
Furthermore, the reported pattern of retaliatory or punitive operations following the killing of a police officer, without prior identification of suspects, suggests the possible application of collective punishment, which is prohibited under international law. The targeting of elderly persons, minors, and bystanders underscores the disproportionate nature of the alleged use of force.
The continuation of military-style operations into 1-2 April 2026, including further alleged killings, heightens the risk of ongoing violations and underscores the urgent need for civilian oversight and protection measures for residents of Kamu District as well as neighbouring affected areas..
Civilian victims during civil unrest and subsequent security force operation in the Kamu District, Dogiyai, on 31 March and 1 April 2026
1. Sipirianus Tibakoto, 19, maleKilled in Ikebo Village on 31 March'26 (gunshot wound on the chin; bullet exited at the nose)
2. Yulita Pigaiapprox, 70, femaleKilled inside her home in Ikebo Village on 31 March'26 (bullet pierced both thighs from left to right)
3. Martinus Yobee, 12, maleKilled in Ekemanida Village on 31 March'26 (gunshot wound to abdomen; intestine exited stomach)
4. Angkian Edowai, 20, maleKilled in the Kimupugi Village on 1 April'26 (gunshot wound in the chest, bullet hit the heart)
5. Maikel Waine, 11, maleInjured in Kimupugi Village on 31 March'26 (gunshot wound to left shoulder and the chest), victim succumbed to his injuries on 3 April 2026
6. Kikibi Pigai, 19, maleInjured in the Mauwa Village on on 1 April'26 (gunshot wound to thigh and heel)
7. Ferdinand Auwe, 19, maleKilled in Ikebo Village on 1 April 2026 (gunshot wound on the thigh
8. Magapai Yobee, 19, maleInjured in the Kimupugi Village on 1 April'26 (gunshot wound on the cheek)
Note: Victim identities, ages, and circumstances vary across sources and require independent verification.
Detailed case data
Location: Kamu, Dogiyai Regency, Central Papua, Indonesia (-4.003123, 136.0355658)Region: Indonesia, Central Papua, Dogiyai, Kamu
Total number of victims: 8
1. Sipirianus Tibakoto, male 19 Indigenous Peoples right to life, unlawful killing
2. Yulita Pigai, female elderly Indigenous Peoples right to life, unlawful killing
3. Martinus Yobee, male 11 Indigenous Peoples right to life, unlawful killing
4. Angkian Edowai, male 19 Indigenous Peoples right to life, unlawful killing
5. Maikel Waine, male 19 Indigenous Peoples right to life, unlawful killing
6. Kikibi Pigai, male 19 Indigenous Peoples ill-treatment, right to life
7. Ferdinand Auwe, male 0 Indigenous Peoples right to life, unlawful killing
8. Magapai Yobee, male 0 Indigenous Peoples ill-treatment, right to life
Period of incident: 31/03/2026-02/04/2026
Perpetrator: Indonesian Security Forces
Issues: indigenous peoples, security force violence, women and children