Jayapura, Jubi – The West Papua National Committee (KNPB) chapters in Numbay and Sentani have submitted official notices of a planned peaceful protest to several government and security institutions ahead of a nationwide demonstration on August 15, 2026.
The protest, under the theme "Papua: Military Emergency and Humanitarian Crisis Zone," will mark the 64th anniversary of the New York Agreement. KNPB says the action will take place simultaneously across 36 of its command areas throughout Tanah Papua.
On Tuesday (August 11), KNPB representatives submitted notification letters to the Papua representative office of the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM), the Papua Legislative Council (DPR Papua), the Papua provincial governor's office, the Papua Regional Police (Polda Papua), and Jayapura City Police (Polresta Jayapura Kota).
General field coordinator Kiri Keroman said the letters were submitted as part of KNPB's responsibility ahead of the August 15 action. He said KNPB would ensure that the demonstrations it organizes are conducted peacefully and with dignity.
However, Keroman alleged that KNPB members were subjected to violence by police officers while attempting to deliver the notification letter to Polda Papua.
"Earlier, when we went to submit the letter to Polda Papua, KNPB officials and several members were subjected to repressive treatment, including physical violence, by police officers on guard," Keroman said on Tuesday.
He alleged that police blocked the group from entering, confiscated two KNPB flags and assaulted two KNPB members, Beny Murib and Benny Pahabol.
According to Keroman, one of the activists had his hair forcibly pulled and was pushed by police officers. The incident nearly triggered a confrontation between KNPB activists and police personnel at the entrance to the police post.
KNPB called on security forces to refrain from any form of repression and to respect public safety and order during the planned demonstration.
"KNPB will hold a peaceful demonstration in a dignified manner and in accordance with human rights principles. We urge the police to act more professionally," Keroman said.
Meanwhile, KNPB Sentani chairperson Sadrack Lagowan said his organization had issued an official appeal to Indigenous Papuans, non Papuans living in Tanah Papua and Indonesians more broadly to prepare for the nationwide action on August 15.
He said the demonstration would follow a similar protest held on August 3 and would focus on what KNPB describes as a military emergency and humanitarian crisis in Tanah Papua.
"The action is a continuation of the previous demonstration on August 3. It aims to voice concerns over the military emergency and humanitarian crisis in Tanah Papua. A public platform will be provided so people can participate and express their views on the ongoing humanitarian situation," Lagowan said.
He said the demonstration would also provide an opportunity for people in Papua and across Indonesia to call for greater protection of human rights and accountability in Tanah Papua.
Through the planned action, KNPB Sentani is urging the Indonesian government and international institutions to pay closer attention to what it describes as the increasingly critical humanitarian situation in Tanah Papua.