'Fighting Is More Frequent Now': Human Rights Researcher Warns Of Escalating Conflict In West Papua
The escalation of violence in West Papua is on par with some of the most intense times of conflict over the past six decades, a human rights researcher says.
The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) claims that Indonesia killed at least one civilian and severely injuring another on last Tuesday in Puncak Regency.
In a statement, ULMWP interim president Benny Wenda said Deris Kogoya, 18, was killed by a rocket attack from a helicopter while riding his motorbike near Kelanungin Village. Jemi Waker, meanwhile, sustained severe violent injuries, including to both his legs.
The statement said Waker has refused to go to hospital, fearing he will be killed if he goes.
Human Rights Watch researcher Andreas Harsono said that over the past month he has received an unusually high number of messages accompanied by gruesome photos showing either Indonesian soldiers or civilians being killed.
"The fighting is much more frequent now," Harsono said.
"There are more and more Indonesian soldiers sent to West Papua under President Pradowo.
"At the same time, indigenous Papuans are also gaining more and more men, unfortunately also boys, to join the fight in the jungle."
He said the escalation could match similarly intense periods of conflict in 1977, 1984, and 2004.
A spokesperson for Indonesia's Embassy in Wellington said they could not confirm if there was a military attack in Puncak Regency on Tuesday.
However, they said all actions conducted by Indonesia's military are in line with international law.
They said there were attacks in March and April of this year, instigated by an armed criminal group targeting Indonesian workers and civilians.
Harsono said if the attack was indeed on civilians, it would be a clear breach of human rights.
However, he said it was difficult to confirm due to the remoteness of the area. He said it is common for civilians to wear army camouflage because of surplus Indonesian uniforms.
Wenda said West Papuans are "a forgotten, voiceless people".
"Where is the attention of the media and the international community? How many children must be killed before they notice we are dying?"
Wenda compared the lack of attention with the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Palestine conflict that is getting more media attention.
He said Indonesia has banned media "to prevent journalists from telling the world what is really going on".
The Indonesian Embassy spokesperson said foreign journalists were not allowed in the area for their own safety.
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