Jayapura – The Papua Foundation for Justice and Human Integrity (YKKMP) has written to Indonesia's National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM RI) over the alleged shooting of three civilians in Ainot village, Aifat district, Maybrat regency, Southwest Papua on August 13, 2026.
The letter, numbered AO1/PTI/YKKMP/WMX/PG/VIII/2026 and signed by YKKMP Executive Director and Papuan human rights advocate Theo Hesegem, calls for the establishment of a monitoring and investigation team.
YKKMP expressed concern over the incident and urged Komnas HAM to immediately investigate the alleged shooting, which injured Selviana Sorry, Ana Fatie and Silvester Assem.
According to preliminary information gathered by YKKMP, the civilians were staying in a makeshift shelter after working in their gardens and processing sago when the incident occurred.
Witnesses told the organisation that, as darkness fell, several personnel believed to be members of a TNI task force assigned to the area arrived near the location.
A barrage of gunfire was then reportedly directed at the shelter and the surrounding area where the civilians were staying.
"The victims and witnesses were reportedly evacuated only at around 6 a.m. WIT on Friday, August 14, 2026, because the incident occurred at night and the location was relatively far from the district centre," YKKMP said in its letter.
YKKMP stressed that the information was preliminary and must be verified through an independent, objective and evidence-based investigation.
The organisation said it did not intend to pre-empt the results of any investigation or determine who was responsible before all the facts had been thoroughly examined.
However, given the allegation that armed force was used and resulted in civilians being injured, YKKMP said the incident warranted serious attention from a state institution mandated to monitor and investigate alleged human rights violations.
YKKMP therefore called on Komnas HAM to immediately establish a monitoring and investigation team to determine what happened on August 13.
The team, it said, should work independently, objectively, professionally and transparently, while prioritising the safety and interests of the victims.
YKKMP said the investigation should, at a minimum, include direct interviews with all three victims to establish the chronology of the incident and assess their condition. It also called for interviews with witnesses who were at the scene when the incident occurred.
The organisation urged investigators to examine the crime scene to establish the victims' positions, the direction of fire, shooting distance and surrounding conditions. It also called for medical examinations of the victims, including documentation of their injuries and medical records, to determine the cause and mechanism of the injuries.
YKKMP further requested the collection of physical evidence, including projectiles, bullet casings, bullet marks and other evidence found at the scene. It said the types of firearms and ammunition used should also be verified where ballistic examination is possible.
The organisation called for verification of the presence and movements of security personnel in the area at the time of the incident, as well as an examination of security operation records and reports relating to the deployment of personnel in the area.
YKKMP also urged investigators to interview village and district officials, medical personnel and others who were aware of the incident and the subsequent evacuation.
It said the security situation faced by civilians in Aifat and Maybrat following the incident should also be documented to prevent intimidation or further violence.
YKKMP urged Komnas HAM to give particular attention to protecting the victims and witnesses.
"Victims and witnesses must be provided with a safe environment in which to give testimony without pressure, intimidation, threats or any form of intervention," the organisation said.
YKKMP said the willingness of residents to provide testimony was crucial to establishing the truth and that their safety must therefore be a priority throughout the monitoring and investigation process.
The organisation also called on all relevant parties to provide Komnas HAM with the access it needs to conduct an objective investigation.
"There must be no attempt to destroy evidence, prevent witnesses from giving testimony or restrict access to the scene without clear legal grounds," YKKMP said.
If accounts provided by residents differ from those given by security forces, YKKMP said the discrepancies should be resolved through an evidence-based investigation rather than unilateral statements from either side.
Beyond establishing the facts, YKKMP urged Komnas HAM to ensure that the rights of the three victims are upheld, including their right to medical treatment and security and protection.
The victims, it said, should also have the right to information about the handling of the case, access to remedies if they are found to have been victims of human rights violations, and access to justice in accordance with applicable law.
YKKMP called on the TNI, Polri, local governments, armed groups, traditional leaders, religious leaders and all other parties in Maybrat to exercise restraint and refrain from actions that could further destabilise the security situation or increase the risk of civilian casualties.
YKKMP stressed that civilians must not be treated as targets in conflict situations and that their safety and protection must remain a priority.
"Komnas HAM RI has an important role in ensuring that alleged human rights violations against communities are investigated objectively and do not end in mutual accusations between the parties," YKKMP said.
The organisation urged Komnas HAM to take concrete steps by sending a monitoring and investigation team to Maybrat, interviewing victims and witnesses, examining the scene, collecting evidence and publicly reporting its findings in a transparent manner, in accordance with its mandate and applicable regulations.
YKKMP said it was prepared to cooperate with Komnas HAM and provide the commission with the preliminary information it had gathered, provided the process was conducted professionally and independently and prioritised the protection of victims and witnesses.
"We sincerely hope that Komnas HAM RI will give this matter serious attention and take immediate action. We thank you for your attention and follow-up," YKKMP said in the letter.