Brendan Nicholson – Indonesian troops in West Papua used resources earmarked for humanitarian aid and development in the province for an offensive against rebels of the Free Papua Movement, SBS's Dateline has claimed.

It said human rights activists in West Papua's central highlands had discovered that an offensive three weeks ago destroyed villages and forced 6000 people to flee into the mountains.

The president of West Papua's Baptist Church, the Reverend Sofyan Yoman, said the Indonesian military had siphoned money from a special autonomy fund. The money was from Indonesian Government revenue and international donors.

Mr Yoman said it was supposed to be used for humanitarian development as many people in the area were dying of starvation.

He said the Australian Government should pressure Indonesia to investigate the diversion of the funds.

SBS said the Indonesian military was training and arming militia groups, and local people feared an East Timor-style onslaught against those seeking independence.

Mr Yoman said Canberra should also insist that human rights officials be allowed into the area where the military operations occurred.