Indonesia Rejects Allegations of Systematic Human Rights Violations in Papua - Tempo.co English
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia rejects unilateral allegations of systematic human rights violations in Papua. The country asserts that it takes any credible allegations seriously and addresses them through national institutions and legal mechanisms, including the independent National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM).
According to a press release from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jakarta on Tuesday, Indonesia conveyed this while exercising its right of reply during the General Debate of the 81st United Nations General Assembly session in New York on Monday, September 28, in response to statements regarding the situation in Papua made by representatives of the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
It has been reported that three civil servants were killed after distributing livestock aid to the community, a driver transporting necessities was killed, and nine women and children were abducted in Mimika.
“Attacks on civilians do not constitute a peaceful expression of grievances. Indonesia is obligated to protect all its citizens, while ensuring that every law enforcement measure adheres to national law and international human rights obligations,” Indonesia asserted in its right of reply, as quoted by ANTARA.
Indonesia reiterates that discussions regarding Papua must reflect the situation in its entirety. Civilians, teachers, health workers, and government officials have also fallen victim to violence perpetrated by armed groups.
Indonesia also emphasizes that arrangements for a visit by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights must be agreed upon between the host country and the Office of the High Commissioner—as applies to all member states—and not be dictated by other countries or regional organizations.
Indonesia has stated that it will continue to engage constructively through relevant mechanisms and promote dialogue and cooperation grounded in respect for facts and the safety of all civilians.
According to the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA), during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale called for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit West Papua, stating that reports of human rights violations must be independently verified.
"Reports regarding human rights violations in West Papua have persisted for too long. These reports must be independently verified, rather than being allowed to turn into an unending dispute," said Wale. He also urged Indonesia to facilitate the long-awaited visit of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Vanuatu’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Odo Tevi, raised a similar point when he expressed concerns about alleged human rights violations in West Papua.
Tevi said peace and security cannot be separated from human rights, while calling for greater international attention to the situation of indigenous Papuans in West Papua. "The call from Pacific Islands Forum leaders for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit West Papua has yet to be addressed and requires urgent follow-up," he said.
Meanwhile, on September 24, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Rick Nelson Houenipwela held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly to strengthen cooperation in development, trade, and capacity building.
Sugiono invited business representatives from the Solomon Islands to participate in the Trade Expo Indonesia, scheduled for October 14–18, 2026. He also encouraged finalizing cooperation in education and culture.
The Foreign Minister of the Solomon Islands outlined plans to strengthen the country's representation in Jakarta to boost bilateral economic and trade relations, and expressed appreciation for Indonesia's contributions through various capacity-building programs and scholarships.
