On 7 and 8 May 2026, military forces conducted an operation in the Kali Kabur (Kabur River) area of Tembagapura District, Mimika Regency, in the Central Papua province, resulting in injuries to at least six civilians. One of the injured victims is a one-year-old toddler. According to local human rights defenders, the operation targeted civilian mining camps along the Kabur River and triggered the internal displacement of an estimated thousand civilians fleeing towards Kimbeli and Timika (see photos and videos below, source: independent HRDs). Indonesian security forces maintain control over the area following the incident, preventing the evacuation of additional injured persons and the recovery and identification of all victims.
According to information received from local human rights defenders and statements published by local media outlets, the operation began on the evening of 7 May 2026 and continued until the morning of 8 May 2026. Witnesses alleged that Indonesian military personnel opened fire in areas occupied by traditional gold miners and civilian residents. Media reports referencing a statement issued by the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) alleged that five civilians were killed at the scene. While this information remains to be verified, more media reports and local human rights defenders have confirmed that civlllians have been injured, including a toddler. Thousands of civilians have reportedly fled through forests and along public roads towards Kimbeli and Timika City to escape the violence.
Media reports citing the Central Papua Regional Police stated that at least six civilians sustained gunshot wounds during the incident. Among the reported victims were a one-year-old boy identified by the initials KM, a 12-year-old girl identified as IW, a 22-year-old woman identified as NN, as well as other male and female victims. Police officials stated that the injured victims were evacuated to the Brimob Camp David MP 72 post and later transferred for medical treatment, including at the SOS Tembagapura Hospital. According to local authorities, investigations into the chronology of events and the parties involved remain ongoing.
Additional reports indicated that approximately 256 residents sheltering in the Kali Kabur area were evacuated by joint security forces consisting of Brimob Battalion B, the Amole Task Force, and the Tembagapura Police Sector. Security forces reportedly transferred evacuees to the Brimob post at MP 72 and subsequently relocated them to areas considered safe. Police authorities stated that information regarding fatalities had not yet been officially confirmed at the time of reporting.
Human rights analysis
The reported use of lethal force against civilians in a populated civilian area raises serious concerns under international human rights law and international humanitarian law. Indonesia, as a State Party to the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), is obligated to protect the right to life under Article 6 and to ensure effective investigations into potentially unlawful killings. The alleged shooting of civilians, including children, may constitute arbitrary deprivation of life if the use of force was not strictly necessary and proportionate. The reported inability of victims to access medical evacuation due to continued military control of the area may additionally violate protections relating to the right to health and humanitarian access.
The displacement of large numbers of civilians following armed operations also raises concerns regarding the protection of internally displaced persons and the obligation of state authorities to minimise harm to civilians during security operations. Under the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, lethal force may only be used when strictly unavoidable to protect life. Any military or law enforcement operation conducted in civilian-populated areas must comply with the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution.
Detailed case data
Document ID: HRM-CAS-065-2026
Region: Indonesia > Central Papua > Mimika > Tembagapura
Total number of victims: 6
1. 6 mixed unknown Indigenous Peoples ill-treatment
Period of incident: 07/05/2026-08/05/2026
Perpetrator: Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces
Issues: indigenous peoples, security force violence, women and children
Sources: Tomei, Nabire News