Escalating violence in Indonesia's West Papua region is threatening the security of the largely indigenous population amid intensified clashes between Indonesian security forces and separatist rebels, Human Rights Watch (HRW) warned May 29. Military operations in the densely forested Central Highlands have resulted in the deaths and injuries of dozens of civilians due to drone strikes and the indiscriminate use of explosive munitions, forcing thousands of indigenous Papuans to flee their homes.

The West Papua National Liberation Army, armed wing of the Free Papua Movement (jointly known as the TPNPB-OPM), claimed responsibility in April for the death of 17 illegal gold miners. The Indonesian military has responded by escalating its ongoing campaign, called Operation Habema, in six provinces of West Papua, especially in the Central Highlands, claiming the deaths of 18 separatist fighters. The recent surge in hostilities, particularly in Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua, has prompted the declaration of a 14-day state of emergency.

The conflict between Indonesian authorities and the Free Papua Movement dates back to the controversial 1969 Act of Free Choice, which integrated West Papua into Indonesia—without the free consent of the Papuans, the TPNPB-OPM) charges. Recent military operations have led to significant civilian displacement, with reports indicating that over 76,000 Papuans have fled their homes since 2018. In addition to displacement, there have been alarming accounts of human rights abuses.

International humanitarian law requires all parties to distinguish between civilians and combatants during a conflict. Civilians must never be targeted, and all feasible measures must be taken to minimize harm to them and civilian infrastructure. It urges parties to humane treatment of detainees, prohibit hostage-taking, and allow humanitarian aid delivery, while permitting attacks only against combatants and military establishments.

Meenakshi Ganguly, deputy Asia director at HRW, said: "Concerned governments need to press the Prabowo administration and Papuan separatist armed groups to abide by the laws of war… Both the Indonesian military and Papuan armed groups need to comply with international standards that protect civilians."

From JURIST, May 31. Used with permission.