A broad coalition of West Papuan civil society organisations, Indigenous leaders, church institutions, and human rights defenders is calling on the Indonesian government to grant immediate, unhindered, and unconditional access to international monitoring bodies across the region.

The joint appeal follows mounting regional diplomatic momentum, including key decisions at the MSG Caucus in Palau, the 55th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Communiqué, and bilateral statements delivered during the 81st UN General Assembly in September 2026. Coalition leaders emphasise that these international declarations must translate into immediate, concrete protections for civilians on the ground.

Humanitarian Crisis and Forced Displacement

Ongoing military operations and armed conflict have driven a severe humanitarian emergency. According to coalition data, more than 127,000 civilians have been internally displaced since 2018, leaving vulnerable populations without consistent access to healthcare, food, shelter, or education. 1

“Internally displaced communities face severe shortages of basic life-saving services,” said Rutina Labene of the Centre for Human Rights Studies at STT Walterpost and the West Papua Council of Churches.

“The government must guarantee immediate humanitarian relief and ensure safe, voluntary, and dignified returns to ancestral lands.”

Concurrently, civil society representatives raised alarms regarding state-backed National Strategic Projects (PSN) and extractive resource expansion, particularly in South Papua. Leaders warned that industrial developments proceeding without Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) threaten the survival of the Indigenous Malind, Yeinan, Awuyu, and Muyu peoples.

“We demand an immediate halt to military expansion, the withdrawal of non-organic troops from civilian areas, and the suspension of projects seizing customary land,” stated Beatrix Gebze of the Women’s Care Advocacy Institute of Merauke Regency. Call for Independent Global Oversight 1 https://humanrightsmonitor.org/news/csi-statement-at-the-un-displacement-in-west-papua-has-climbed-to-127000/
Addressing Indonesia’s current mandate on the UN Human Rights Council (2024–2026), human rights defenders stressed that domestic practices must align with international pledges.
“Indonesia cannot champion human rights abroad while ignoring arbitrary surveillance, intimidation, and the criminalisation of journalists and activists at home,” said Gustaf Kawer, Chair of PAHAM Papua. “Allegations of severe abuses require independent, transparent, and credible investigation.”

The coalition urges Jakarta to facilitate immediate site visits for:
● The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
● UN Special Rapporteurs
● A joint Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) diplomatic delegation
● Foreign journalists and independent observers
“Opening access to international observers is not a threat to national sovereignty,” added Manfun Apolos Sroyer of the Papuan Customary Council. “It is the single most essential step towards building transparency and restoring international trust.”

Rejecting Superficial Measures in Favour of Inclusive Dialogue

The coalition cautioned against public relations exercises, urging the Indonesia government to initiate a genuine political process to address the root causes of the conflict.

“Sustainable peace requires genuine political dialogue involving Indigenous leaders, churches, women, youth, and civil society,” said Leonardo Ijie of LBH Kaki Abu Sorong.

“We reject ceremonial responses that create an illusion of peace while civilian suffering continues.”

Samuel Awom of KontraS Tanah Papua confirmed local civil society networks are prepared to facilitate access: “Civil society across West Papua stands ready to assist UN and Pacific envoys so they can meet directly with victims, survivors, and Indigenous Papuans.”

About the Coalition
The release was initiated by ELSHAM Papua, PAHAM Papua, United for Truth (BUK), Papua Church Council (DGP), LBH Kaki Abu Sorong, KontraS Tanah Papua, KEWITA, PWG, eL_AdPPer Merauke, and KPKC GKI in Tanah Papua.
It is formally endorsed by a broad alliance of partner networks and movement people’s movement organisations, including Gerakan Rakyat Demokratik Papua (GARDA-P), West
Papua National Authority (WPNA), KOWAKI Tanah Papua, Gerakan Pembebasan Rakyat Papua (GEMPAR), Kainkain Karkara Byak, JPIC Ordo Santo Augustinus, Wahana Lingkungan Hidup (WALHI) Papua, Lao Lao Media Pergerakan Rakyat Papua, Yayasan Keadilan dan Keutuhan Manusia Papua (YKKMP), Lembaga Penelitian Pengkajian dan Pengembangan Bantuan Hukum (LP3BH), KPKC Franciscans OFM Papua, Tiki Jaringan HAM Perempuan Papua, Dewan Adat Papua (DAP), Forum Kerjasama LSM (FOKER) Papua, Komunitas Peduli Lingkungan (LEPEMAWI), LBH Papua Merauke, and individual women human rights defenders across West Papua.

Media Contacts :
● Gustaf Kawer, S.H. – PAHAM Papua | Mobile/WhatsApp: +62 811-2958-044
● Paul Mambrasar – ELSHAM Papua | Mobile/WhatsApp: +62 852-4444-6586
● Rutina Labene – STT Walterpost / DGP | Mobile/WhatsApp: +62 823-9910-8910