On 15 May 2026, Indigenous landowners from the Kwipalo clan reportedly confronted workers of PT Murni Nusantara Mandiri (MNM) in Muchikai Hamlet, Jagebob District, Merauke Regency, South Papua Province, after the company allegedly continued clearing customary land belonging to the clan. According to the report, customary landowner Vincen Kwipalo and members of his extended family blocked two excavators and one company vehicle to prevent further land clearing.
The report alleges that the company continued the land-clearing activities despite objections from the customary landowners. The Kwipalo community called on solidarity groups, NGOs and environmental defenders to support their struggle against what they described as land grabbing linked to the National Strategic Project (PSN) in Merauke. No information has been received regarding an official response by the company or government authorities.
The case raises concerns regarding the protection of Indigenous Peoples' customary land rights, including the right to free, prior and informed consent before development projects affect ancestral lands. Relevant standards include ICCPR Article 27, ICESCR Articles 1 and 15, and UNDRIP Articles 25, 26 and 32.
Detailed case data
Document ID: HRM-CAS-096-2026
Region: Indonesia > South Papua > Merauke > Jagebob
Total number of victims: dozens
1. Dozens, diverse unknown Indigenous Peoples cultural rights
Period of incident: 15/05/2026-15/05/2026
Perpetrator: Private Company
Perpetrator details: PT Murni Nusantara Mandiri (MNM)
Issues: Business, human rights and FPIC