Sorong, Jubi – The Independent Indigenous Peoples Alliance of Papua (MAI-P) in Sorong City, Southwest Papua Province, has rejected the government's National Strategic Projects (PSN), the Sorong Special Economic Zone (SEZ), the creation of new autonomous regions (DOB), transmigration programs and the expansion of investment, saying these initiatives could further restrict Indigenous communities' access to their customary lands and livelihoods.
MAI-P voiced its opposition during a peaceful demonstration in Sorong on Sunday (9 August 2026) to mark International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, held under the theme "Save Customary Lands and Papuan People."
The group also called for the withdrawal of Indonesian military and police personnel from Papua, an end to armed conflict in civilian areas, protection for internally displaced people, the release of political prisoners, an end to the criminalisation of activists and journalists, and unrestricted access for independent human rights monitors to assess conditions in Papua.
MAI-P action coordinator Andre Nauw said the seizure and appropriation of customary land was one of the most fundamental issues requiring government attention.
He said customary land was not merely an economic asset but the foundation of Indigenous communities' livelihoods, food systems, culture, history, knowledge and future generations.
MAI-P rejects development projects that could take over or change the use of customary land without the consent of Indigenous communities.
The group specifically rejected PSN projects in Merauke, South Papua Province, and elsewhere across Papua. It also opposed the development of the Sorong SEZ and called on the government to halt plans to clear 98,824.97 hectares of customary forest in Southwest Papua for PSN related development.
"MAI-P also rejects the proposed construction of the Warsamson River Dam in Sorong Regency," Nauw said.
The group also criticised the expansion of investment in mining, forestry, plantations, oil and gas, and other natural-resource industries.
Meanwhile, MAI-P national executive chair Ardhy Murib said Papua must not be treated as an empty space available for development projects without considering Indigenous communities.
"Papua is not an empty space. This land is home to people and Indigenous communities. It carries history, languages, cultures, forests and life," Murib said.
He said any policy affecting customary land must recognise Indigenous communities and their rights to their traditional territories.
MAI-P therefore rejected transmigration policies, which it said could marginalise Indigenous Papuans on their own customary lands. It also opposed the Red-and- White Cooperatives program unless it is implemented with the free consent of Papuan communities.
The group called for national and international journalists, human rights defenders and the UN Human Rights Council to be granted broad access to monitor, report on and independently investigate alleged human rights violations in Papua.
During the demonstration, MAI-P presented 24 demands, including opposition to National Strategic Projects in Merauke and throughout Papua, and support for Indigenous communities defending their customary lands and forests against appropriation for investment.
The group called for the cessation of operations by PT Freeport Indonesia, BP-LNG, development of the Wabu Block, and other major coal, gold, gas and nickel mining companies. It also called for the repeal of Papua's Special Autonomy policy.
MAI-P rejected the development of the Sorong SEZ and demanded that the planned clearing of 98,824.97 hectares of customary forest in Southwest Papua be halted.
It also rejected the Omnibus Law and called for the passage of the Indigenous Peoples Bill, while opposing the Red-and-White Cooperatives program unless it involves the free consent of Papuan communities.
The group rejected the creation of new autonomous regions throughout Papua and opposed transmigration policies that it said could marginalise Indigenous Papuans.
MAI-P also called for the withdrawal of organic and non-organic military forces from Papua and rejected plans to establish new police, military and territorial infantry units.
Among its other demands were opposition to the planned Territorial Development Infantry Battalion 858 and a proposed spaceport on Biak Island, as well as the proposed Warsamson River Dam in Sorong Regency. The group called for Karel Fatem to be spared the death penalty and demanded the release of all West Papuan political prisoners.
It also called for an end to intimidation, criminalisation and repression of human rights defenders, journalists, students and Papuan political activists.
MAI-P demanded an end to armed conflict between the Indonesian military and police (TNI/Polri) and the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) in civilian areas and displacement sites, as well as an end to impunity for perpetrators of human rights violations.
It called for alleged perpetrators of serious human rights violations in Papua to be investigated, arrested and prosecuted through fair and transparent legal proceedings.
The group also demanded a permanent halt to the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program throughout Papua and supported the development of dedicated markets for Papuan women.
MAI-P called for protection and basic assistance for 122,135 internally displaced people, unrestricted access for national and international journalists, human rights defenders and the UN Human Rights Council to conduct independent monitoring and investigations, and recognition of the right to self-determination of Indigenous Papuans.
After delivering their demands and statements, the MAI-P demonstrators ended the protest at around 6 p.m. local time and dispersed peacefully.