Between 13 and 15 April 2026, Indonesian security forces allegedly carried out ground and aerial military operations in Guamo Village, Pogoma District, and in IDP sites and multiple villages across Kembru District, Puncak Regency, Central Papua Province, resulting in the deaths of at least nine indigenous civilians, injuries to at least six others (see tables below, source: independent HRD). Reported victims include children, women and elderly persons. Available information indicates that the operations affected areas that had reportedly been designated as settlement sites for internally displaced persons (IDPs) by agreement between local communities, churches, government representatives, Indonesian security forces and TPNPB forces. By 18 and 19 April 2026, some official and semi-official sources had begun referring to 12 civilian deaths, indicating that the total number of victims is higher than currently reported.
According to testimonies, Indonesian military personnel began large-scale operations on 13 April 2026 at around 05:00 am, using six helicopters, one fighter aircraft, one military transport aircraft, drones and ground troops in and around Guamo Village, Pogoma District. The operations reportedly continued until around 5:00 pm, causing civilian casualties and displacement.
Human rights defenders further reported that from 13 to 15 April 2026, military forces continued ground and air operations in and around IDP settlements in Kembru District, including Gininggame, Makuma, Kemburu, Abui, Belabaha, Molu and Nilime villages. At least nine civilians were killed and six injured in two villages (see photos, videos & victim tables below, source: independent HRD), while access to at least five villages remained blocked, preventing full casualty documentation. Witnesses further alleged that grenades were thrown into residential huts while security forces indiscriminately opened fire at the settlements.
On 14 April 2026, six of the deceased were reportedly found by church workers and cremated according to local customs. Three additional victims were reportedly found on 15 April 2026. Local reports also state that homes, livestock and other civilian property were damaged or destroyed during the operations. Reports allege that further fatal shootings occurred on 16 April 2026.
The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) confirmed ongoing efforts to access affected villages and evacuate victims, highlighting severe logistical challenges and delayed medical response times due to infrastructure limitations and insecurity. According to information received, a PMI team arrived in the Sinak District, Puncak Regency, on 17 April 2026 (see photos below, source: independent HRDs)
On 18 April 2026, the National Human Rights Commission of the Republic of Indonesia (Komnas HAM) publicly stated that the operation in Kemburu District had caused 12 civilian deaths, including children and women, and had left many others seriously injured. The Governor of Central Papua Province also referred publicly to emerging information indicating about 12 deaths, whilst acknowledging that data collection was incomplete because some affected villages remained inaccessible while residents had fled into the forest.
Human rights analysis
From an international human rights and humanitarian law perspective, the alleged conduct by security forces raises serious concerns. If substantiated, the reported attacks may constitute violations of the principles of distinction and proportionality under International Humanitarian Law (IHL), which strictly prohibit attacks directed against civilians or civilian objects. The presence of children and a pregnant woman among the victims underscores potential breaches of special protections afforded to vulnerable groups, including under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The alleged targeting or endangerment of internally displaced persons (IDPs) further suggests violations of protections against attacks on humanitarian zones and civilian shelters. The allegations highlight the urgent need for independent, impartial, and forensic investigations, including ballistic analysis and witness testimony.
Even if military personnel believed that opposing fighters were present in or near the area, they remained bound by the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution under international humanitarian law. The reported use of explosive weapons, grenades and aerial fire in and around villages and IDP settlements raises a strong presumption of indiscriminate or disproportionate force, particularly given the number of child, female and elderly victims.
The alleged killing of civilians, including children, women, a pregnant girl and elderly persons, implicates the right to life under Article 6(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which requires the state not only to refrain from arbitrary deprivation of life but also to prevent, investigate, punish and remedy potentially unlawful killings. The reported use of grenades, aerial fire and live ammunition in civilian settlements and displacement sites further raises concerns under Article 7 ICCPR and the Convention against Torture (CAT), Articles 2 and 16, ias the infliction of severe physical and mental suffering on civilians may amount to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.
The operational context, characterised by limited access to healthcare, delayed evacuation and the reliance on traditional shelters as emergency care sites, exacerbates the severity of harm and may amount to failures in fulfilling the obligation to ensure medical care for the wounded and sick. Allegations that military personnel performed medical functions also raise concerns under Indonesian Law No. 36/2014 on Health.
Civilians killed during security operation in Puncak Regency between 13-16 April 2026 (temporary status as of 20 April 2027) – See original document
Detailed case data
Document ID: HRM-CAS-056-2026
Region: Indonesia, Central Papua, Puncak, Kembru
Total number of victims: 15
1. Anite Telenggen, female 15 Indigenous Peoples ill-treatment
2. Nokia Teelenggen, male 19 Indigenous Peoples ill-treatment
3. Irian Walia, male 3 Indigenous Peoples ill-treatment
4. Once Walia, male 3 Indigenous Peoples ill-treatment
5. Aliko Walia, male 3 Indigenous Peoples ill-treatment
6. Anebegawi, male 55 Internally Displaced Person (IDP) ill-treatment
7. Wundelina Kogoya, female 36 Indigenous Peoples right to life, unlawful killing
8. Kikungge Walia, female 55 Indigenous Peoples right to life, unlawful killing
9. Pelen Kogoya, male 65 Indigenous Peoples right to life, unlawful killing
10. Kigiagan Walia, female 76 Indigenous Peoples right to life, unlawful killing
11. Ekemira Kogoya, male 47 Indigenous Peoples right to life, unlawful killing
12. Daremet Telenggen, male 55 Indigenous Peoples right to life, unlawful killing
13. Iniki Wewo Walia, female 52 Indigenous Peoples right to life, unlawful killing
14. Amer Walia, 77 Indigenous Peoples right to life, unlawful killing
15. Para Walia, 5 Indigenous Peoples right to life, unlawful killing
Period of incident: 13/04/2026-16/04/2026
Perpetrator: Republic Indonesia, Indonesian Security Forces
Issues: indigenous peoples, security force violence, women and children