Rabin Yarangga, Jakarta – The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) said it is investigating reports that at least 12 civilians were killed during a military operation targeting separatist fighters in Papua, raising concerns over the protection of non-combatants in a long-running conflict.
The incident allegedly took place on April 14 in Kembru village, Puncak Regency, Central Papua, during an operation by the Indonesian Military (TNI) against the armed group known as TPNPB-OPM. The casualties reportedly included women and children, with several others sustaining serious injuries.
According to information compiled by the commission, the violence followed a series of military actions a day earlier in Guamo village, Pogoma district, where helicopters were said to have dropped explosive munitions on an area suspected of being a rebel base. The strikes triggered a wave of displacement, with civilians fleeing to Kembru, which had been regarded locally as a safe refuge.
However, reports indicate that military operations continued in Kembru on April 14, involving both air and ground forces. The exact number of casualties across several villages, including Kembru, Makuma, and Nilome, remains unverified, as evacuation efforts have been hampered by ongoing security operations.
Komnas HAM Chair Anis Hidayah said the agency is coordinating with multiple parties to verify the situation on the ground and ensure accountability.
"Operations, whether classified as military or non-war operations, that result in civilian casualties cannot be justified under any circumstances," Anis said in a statement issued Saturday.
The commission condemned the reported deaths and called on the TNI commander to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the operation carried out by the Habema Task Force. It also urged authorities to ensure that any legal process is conducted professionally, transparently, and thoroughly.
Komnas HAM stressed that the state has an obligation to provide maximum protection to civilians, particularly vulnerable groups such as women and children. It also called on both the military and TPNPB-OPM fighters to exercise restraint and avoid targeting civilians or fueling stigmatization during the conflict.
The commission further urged central and regional governments to take immediate steps to address the humanitarian situation, including providing medical and psychological assistance to victims and ensuring security conditions that would allow displaced residents to return home safely.
"Attacks on civilians, whether carried out by state or non-state actors, constitute serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law," Anis said. "The right to life and the right to security are non-derogable and must be upheld at all times."
Komnas HAM said it is preparing further monitoring measures in line with its institutional mandate to investigate the incident.
The TNI had not immediately issued a public response to the allegations at the time of publication. Independent verification of the claims remains difficult due to restricted access to the affected areas.