Jayapura, Jubi – Dozens of residents in the Korowai area of Yahukimo Regency, Highland Papua Province, have reportedly fled into the forest since 22 July 2026. The displaced residents are believed to be sheltering in the border region between Yahukimo, Pegunungan Bintang Regency, and Boven Digoel Regency in South Papua Province. Three residents have also reportedly been shot dead.
A source told Jubi that, based on confirmed information so far, the displaced include at least 26 women and one child who are sheltering at a location in the forest.
The source said the actual number of displaced people could be significantly higher, as many evacuation sites have yet to be verified due to the vast forest terrain. Communication has also been hampered by rivers that are difficult to cross and the absence of mobile phone or internet coverage.
"The women and children fled on 22 July 2026 at around 11 a.m. Papua time after three Indonesian military helicopters landed troops along the riverbank near civilian settlements in Korowai, Yahukimo, Highland Papua," the source, identified only by the initials OB, said in a written statement to Jubi on Thursday night, 30 July 2026.
According to the source, women and children have since scattered deeper into the forest to avoid what they described as an ongoing military operation, alleging that soldiers fired indiscriminately from both the ground and helicopters.
"The displaced people are scattered in different locations, making it impossible to determine their total number. They remain in the forest without food, drinking water, or shelter. They are traumatised by the military operation," the source said.
The source also reported that three residents had been shot dead. They were identified as Yatimin Wonda, also known as Nareman, Wanengga Kogoya, and a third Korowai resident whose identity has not yet been confirmed.
Separately, the central headquarters of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) also stated that civilians had been displaced in Yahukimo Regency.
TPNPB-OPM spokesperson Sebby Sambom said the group had received reports from the Papua Intelligence Service (PIS), the TPNPB's intelligence wing, in Boven Digoel alleging that the Indonesian military had been conducting operations in the Korowai area, along the border between Yahukimo Regency and Pegunungan Bintang Regency, from 19 to 30 July 2026.
According to Sambom, the PIS reported that the Indonesian military had deployed drones and more than three military helicopters to carry out aerial operations and transport troops into the forest along the border.
"Since 19 July, Indonesian military personnel have carried out aerial gunfire targeting civilian settlements, and the operation is continuing," Sambom said in a written statement issued on Thursday, 30 July 2026.
He said the combined air and ground operation was aimed at pursuing fighters from TPNPB Regional Command XVI Yahukimo following the shooting of pilot Nicholas F. Goselin on 2 July 2026. Goselin had been flying an aircraft operated by AMA Airlines into an area in Yahukimo that TPNPB had declared a "red zone."
Sambom said the PIS also reported that the military operation had resulted in the deaths of three civilians, identified as Yatimin Y.B. Wonda, Wanenga Kogoya, and another civilian whose identity has yet to be confirmed.
"Many other residents remain unaccounted for. Meanwhile, hundreds of people have fled from Korowai toward Yahukimo, Pegunungan Bintang, and surrounding forest areas. The displaced include pregnant women, children, and elderly people. The state must take responsibility," he said.
The TPNPB National Command Headquarters called on President Prabowo Subianto, Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, and Indonesian Military Commander Agus Subiyanto to halt military operations in civilian settlements in Korowai.
Sambom said that if the military intended to engage in combat, it should confront TPNPB forces directly at their bases, adding that the group was prepared to face them.
The TPNPB also urged humanitarian organisations, including the Indonesian Red Cross and international relief agencies, to aid displaced residents in the Korowai area.