Indonesia Reports 122,000 Papuans Displaced by Conflict

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - There is currently 122,000 internally displaced persons in Papua, according to Indonesia's Ministry of Human Rights. 

Deputy Minister of Human Rights Mugiyanto Sipin mentioned that his side has yet to specify the spread of refugee points in Papua, but will seek comprehensive data on Papua's displaced population in upcoming meeting with relevant ministries/agencies.

"Since the issue of refugees has been largely handled by our colleagues from the Ministry of Social Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection, to ensure a more comprehensive approach, we will hold a coordination meeting," said Mugiyanto at the Ministry of Human Rights office in Jakarta on July 7, 2026.

Internal displacement occurs when people lose sense of security in their hometown, Mugiyanto said. The government, he went on, will work to ensure the essential needs of the internally displaced are fulfilled. 

The conflict in Papua has worsened over the last month after three civilians were killed amidst hostilities between Indonesian authorities and armed groups such as the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM). Meanwhile, the Indonesian government has deployed military and police troops in the region. 

On July 2, 2026, at least two armed violence incidents claimed civilian casualties. A pregnant woman named Melkiana Duwitau, 31, became a victim in a shootout between security forces and TPNPB-OPM in Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua.

On the same day, American pilot Nicholas F. Goselin was shot and killed in an aircraft which was later set on fire by TPNPB-OPM in the Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Highlands.

The Human Rights Monitor recorded that the number of internally displaced people in Papua from 2018 to 2026 reached around 107,039 people.

Amelia Rahima Sari contributed to the writing of this article

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