The Indonesian military (TNI) conducted operations in Omukia District, Puncak Regency, between 1 and 6 May 2026 which reportedly resulted in the deaths of four indigenous Papuans, including two women. Seven villagers reportedly were injured by booby traps that military personnel had planted under one of the bodies (see video testimony below: source: independent HRD). Following the operations, entire indigenous communities in the surrounding area fled to safety. Security force personnel allegedly opened fire at unarmed civilians working in their gardens.
The incidents occurred amidst continuing military operations in several conflict-affected areas of Puncak Regency, including Omukia District, Pogoma District and Kembru District. According to local human rights defenders, the operations raise serious humanitarian concerns in Central Papua province and endangered civilians already displaced by earlier violence.
Civilians shot during military operations
Indonesian military personnel reportedly began operations in the Eronggobak Village on 1 May 2026. During the operation, Mrs Tarling Wanimbo, 20, was reportedly shot whilst searching for food in her family's garden. Her body was discovered on 2 May 2026. Military operations reportedly continued and expanded on 3 May 2026. Mrs Naena Murib, 31, was allegedly shot dead whilst gardening. Two other Papuan villagers, Mr Bebison Murib, 19, and Mr Amukiamen Magay, 41, were also reportedly shot dead during the operations.
Local reports indicate that indigenous communities in the Omukia District were unable to safely recover or evacuate victims for several days due to the ongoing military presence and security situation.
Explosion during evacuation injures seven civilians
On 6 May 2026, residents and community leaders reportedly attempted to evacuate the bodies. During the evacuation process, an explosion reportedly occurred near one of the bodies. Members of the evacuation team alleged that the explosion originated from a booby trap attached to a deceased victim. Seven individuals were reportedly injured, including church leaders, traditional leaders, village officials and the Omukia District Deputy Secretary (see video testimony below: source: independent HRD).
According to the team, the evacuation of the bodies had been coordinated with local military leaders, who had permitted access to the shooting sites without warning the team of possible booby traps in the area. If verified, the alleged use of explosive devices in connection with dead bodies would constitute a grave violation of international humanitarian law and may amount to a war crime under international criminal law.
Internally displaced persons reportedly intimidated
The operations in Omukia District reportedly occurred against the backdrop of broader military operations in Puncak Regency since April 2026. Residents from conflict-affected areas in Kembru District and Pogoma District reportedly fled to Omukia District seeking safety. The area is exclusively inhabited by indigenous Papuans. Communities in the area continue to face severe humanitarian challenges, including insecurity, trauma, restricted movement and difficulties accessing food and medical assistance.
Local sources reported that Indonesian security personnel entered displacement camps sheltering internally displaced persons (IDPs), conducted interrogations and fired shots around camp locations. These incidents allegedly created widespread fear amongst IDPs already affected by previous violence and displacement.
Continuing pattern of violence in Puncak Regency
The incidents in Omukia District follow earlier reports of civilian casualties during military operations in Kembru District on 14 April 2026. According to local sources, at least ten civilians were reportedly killed during those operations, whilst others sustained gunshot wounds, including children and women.
Sources further alleged that Indonesian security forces used helicopters during operations in Pogoma District and Kembru District causing the residents to flee their homes. The continuing military escalation in the Papuan highlands has contributed to repeated displacement and fear amongst indigenous Papuan communities.
Human rights defenders and local community representatives have called on the Government of Indonesia to immediately halt military operations targeting civilian areas and guarantee protection for civilians and IDPs in the Puncak Regency.
Human rights and humanitarian law analysis
Based on the preliminary information received, there are strong indications that the military operations in Omukia may have violated fundamental principles of international humanitarian law applicable during non-international armed conflict situations.
The reported shootings of civilians engaged in gardening and food gathering activities raise concerns regarding violations of the principle of distinction, which obliges parties to an armed conflict to distinguish at all times between civilians and combatants.
The alleged use of armed force against civilians not participating in hostilities may also constitute disproportionate use of force and violate the right to right to life enshrined in international human rights law, under Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
Particular concern also arises from reports that security forces entered displacement camps and fired shots near IDP shelters. Under international humanitarian standards, displaced civilians remain entitled to protection from violence, intimidation and arbitrary interference.
The alleged placement of explosive devices near deceased persons, if confirmed, would violate the obligation to respect and protect the dead. This practice violates international humanitarian law standards as it endangers humanitarian evacuation efforts and civilians attempting to recover bodies.
Detailed case data
Document ID: HRM-CAS-064-2026
Region: Indonesia > Central Papua > Puncak > Omukia
Total number of victims: 11
1. Tarling Wanimbo, female 20 Indigenous Peoples execution, right to life, unlawful killing
2. Naena Murib, female 31 Indigenous Peoples execution, right to life, unlawful killing
3. Babison Naimar Murib, male 19 Indigenous Peoples execution, right to life, unlawful killing
4. Amukiamen Magay, male 41 Indigenous Peoples execution, right to life, unlawful killing
5. 7, unknown unknown Indigenous Peoples ill-treatment
Period of incident: 01/05/2026-06/05/2026
Perpetrator: Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces > Indonesian Military (TNI)
Issues: anti-personnel mines, indigenous peoples, security force violence, women and children