On 9 July 2024, Indonesian military personnel reportedly opened fire at indigenous Papuan, Mr Eran Gwijangge, in Yuguru Village, Mebarok District, Nduga Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province.
The shooting occurred during an ongoing military operation in the area. Mr Gwijangge sustained a gunshot wound to the right foot, resulting in an open fracture of the ankle (see photo on top, source: independent: HRD). He was later transported by his relatives to Wamena Regional General Hospital for medical treatment.
The Yuguru Village has been subjected to heightened military activity in recent months due to past activities of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) in the area. During the incident, no armed confrontation or resistance by the victim was reported. Eyewitnesses stated that Mr Eran Gwijangge was unarmed at the time he was shot.
Human rights analysis
The incident raises serious concerns under international human rights law, particularly regarding the right to life (Article 6 ICCPR) and the prohibition of arbitrary use of force by state agents. The use of firearms by military personnel against unarmed civilians without an immediate threat to life or serious injury constitutes a violation of the principles of necessity and proportionality under the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials.
Indonesian authorities should immediately conduct an independent, impartial, and transparent investigation under civilian oversight into the incident. The protections for non-combatants must be reinforced in line with Indonesia's international humanitarian law obligations.