Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Rising Military Operations In West Papua Spark Concerns About Displacement Of Indigenous Papuans
Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific Journalist
A West Papua independence leader says escalating violence is forcing indigenous Papuans to flee their ancestral lands.
It comes as the Indonesian military claims 18 members of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) were killed in an hour-long operation in Intan Jaya on 14 May.
In a statement, reported by Kompas Daily, Indonesia's military said its presence is "not to intimidate the people" but to protect them from violence.
"We will not allow the people of Papua to live in fear in their own land," it said.
Indonesia's military said it seized firearms, ammunition, bows and arrows. They also took morning star flags - used as a symbol for West Papuan independence - and communication equipment.
The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) interim president Benny Wenda, who lives in exile in the United Kingdom, told RNZ Pacific that seven villages in Ilaga, Puncak Regency in Central Papua are now being attacked.
"The current military escalation in West Papua has now been building for months. Initially targeting Intan Jaya, the Indonesian military have since broadened their attacks into other highlands Regencies, including Puncak," he said.
Wenda said women and children are being forced to leave their villages because of escalating conflict, often from drone attacks or airstrikes.
Earlier this month, ULMWP claimed one civilian and another was seriously injured after being shot at from a helicopter.
Last week, ULMWP shared a video of a group of indigenous Papuans walking through mountains holding an Indonesian flag, which Wenda said was a symbol of surrender.
"They look at us as primitive and they look at us as subhuman," Wenda said.
He said the increased military presence was driven by resources.
President Prabowo Subianto's administration has a goal to be able to feed Indonesia's population without imports as early as 2028.
A video statement from tribes in Mappi Regency in South Papua from about a month ago, translated to English, said they rejected Indonesia's food project and asked companies to leave.
In the video, about a dozen Papuans stood while one said the clans in the region had existed on customary land for generations and that companies had surveyed land without consent.
"We firmly ask the local government, the regent, Mappi Regency to immediately review the permits and revoke the company's permits," the person speaking said.
Wenda said the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) had also grown.
But he said many of the TPNPB were using bow and arrows against modern weapons.
"I call them home guard because there's nowhere to go."
RNZ
New Zealand's public broadcaster, providing comprehensive NZ news and current affairs, specialist audio features and documentaries.
Radio New Zealand is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. Radio New Zealand News are vital elements in our programming, providing impartial news and information to New Zealanders every day. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) provides listeners with exciting and independent radio programmes in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.
Greenpeace: Greenpeace Analysis Reveals Almost Half A Million Blue Sharks Caught As ‘Bycatch’ In Central And Western Pacific In 2023
The Independent Panel: Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Helen Clark Applaud Historic Pandemic Agreement
Burness: First-Ever Gathering - Hundreds Of Indigenous Leaders From Forest Nations To Meet Ahead Of COP30
UNICEF: Statement On The Reported Killing Of 45 Children In The Gaza Strip In Recent Days
UN News: ‘We Are Still Waiting For Our Loved Ones’ - Families Of The Abducted Speak Out
MSF Australia: Siege Of Gaza – MSF Denounces Deliberate Humanitarian Catastrophe