On 29 June 2026, security forces reportedly shot dead Rev Elianus Agimbau, 20, a pastor of the Indonesian Tabernacle Church (GKII), whilst travelling through the Mbamogo Village area, located on the border between the Sugapa and the Agasiga districts. According to multiple sources, Mr Agimbau was unarmed and was travelling to Sugapa. His body was recovered one day later. The killing occurred amid intensified Indonesian military operations in Intan Jaya Regency. Church leaders, Indonesia's Minister for Human Rights, and the Papua office of the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) condemned the killing, and called for an independent investigation.
Rev Elianus Agimbau and a relative left Kupia Village on the morning of 29 June 2026 after seeking shelter from the deteriorating security situation in Agisiga District. They travelled towards Sugapa to facilitate the release of village funds. Upon reaching the Mbamogo ojek base at approximately 11.00 am, security personnel reportedly opened fire at them. Mr Elianus Agimbau was reportedly shot and died at the scene, while his relative escaped by jumping down a ravine and subsequently hiding in the forest. The victim's body was later recovered in the undergrowth and covered with grass (see photos and videos below, source: independent HRD). After Rev Agimbau's relative reached Sugapa on the following day, he informed the family. Thereupon, members of the local conflict resolution team searched the area and recovered the body on 30 June 2026. Mr Elianus Agimbau's body was buried on 1 July 2026.
Family members stated that they had not received any official explanation regarding the circumstances of the killing. According to the Ministry of Human Rights, the victim's body bore five gunshot wounds, multiple cuts and signs of mutilation, including the reported loss of one ear. At the time of publication, neither the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) nor the Indonesian National Police (Polri) had publicly clarified the circumstances surrounding the shooting or announced any criminal investigation into the incident.
The killing occurred during a broader escalation of violence in Intan Jaya. On the same day, Indonesian military personnel allegedly opened fire on a vehicle transporting Catholic clergy and parishioners returning from collecting construction materials for a church and bridge project in Titigi Village, injuring two civilians, Mr Daud Hagismijau and Mr Kiko Hagismijau. Both reportedly remained under the care of the Catholic Church after allegedly being prevented from receiving hospital treatment because security forces accused them of being members of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB). The military operations allegedly involved helicopters, drones, rockets and ground troops between 26 and 29 June, and resulted in attacks on civilian settlements, church facilities and widespread displacement in Agisiga and Sugapa districts.
The killing of Rev Elianus Agimbau triggered widespread condemnation from church leaders, HGOs and public figures Thousands of residents protested in Sugapa on 3 and 4 July 2026 (see photos and videos below, source: independent HRD), demanding an investigation into all civilian deaths in Intan Jaya, and calling for a review of the Indonesian military presence in Intan Jaya.
The chairman of the Papua Regional Office of Komnas HAM described the repeated attacks against civilians as human rights violations and called on President Prabowo Subianto to comprehensively review security governance and military operating procedures in West Papua. Indonesia's Minister for Human Rights, Mr Natalius Pigai, publicly urged the Commander of the TNI and the Chief of Police to exercise stricter control over security personnel deployed in West Papua. Church leaders, including the Chairman of the GKII Central Papua Regional Synod demanded an independent, transparent investigation and renewed calls for a humanitarian approach and peaceful dialogue to resolve the conflict.
Human rights analysis
The above-described incident raises serious concerns regarding the arbitrary deprivation of life. Mr Agimbau was an unarmed civilian. Therefore, his killing constitute a violation of the right to life protected under Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Even if military operations were ongoing in the area, international humanitarian law requires parties to distinguish at all times between civilians and persons directly participating in hostilities and prohibits attacks against civilians.
The reported mutilation of the victim's body and the alleged failure to promptly recover the remains further warrant an independent forensic investigation consistent with the Minnesota Protocol on the Investigation of Potentially Unlawful Death (2016). Indonesian authorities are under an obligation to conduct a prompt, impartial and effective investigation, identify those responsible and ensure accountability and effective remedies for the victim's family.
Detailed case data
Document ID: HRM-CAS-103-2026
Location: Mbamogo, Agisiga, Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua, Indonesia (-3.6708932, 137.0680343)
Region: Indonesia > Central Papua > Intan Jaya > Agisiga
Total number of victims: 1
1. Elianus Agimbau, male 20 Indigenous Peoples, Religious Group right to life, unlawful killing
Period of incident: 29/06/2026-29/06/2026
Perpetrator: Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces
Issues: indigenous peoples, security force violence
Sources: BBC Indonesia, Suara Papua
Source: https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/papuan-pastor-killed-during-military-operation-in-intan-jaya