Human Rights Monitor has reported that Indonesian security forces have intensified their operations in various conflict areas in West Papua, raiding villages and setting residential houses on fire. The raids have occurred in hotspots such as the Puncak, Nduga, and Intan Jaya regencies, as well as Elilim and Apahapsili districts in the Yalimo regency. Indigenous Papuans, including women and children, have been arrested and tortured. Observers predicted an escalation of the conflict after the Indonesian military deployed more than 2,000 additional personnel to West Papua throughout March 2023. The Indonesian chief-of-armed forces has also announced that the mode of operations against the West Papua National Liberation Army has switched from a “soft approach” to “ground combat ready” operations after a firefight with TPNPB members in Nduga. The increased security force presence comes with government-driven “socialisation” programmes, where military and police members interact with local communities, participate in collective work, visit schools, and take over or accompany essential healthcare services. For decades, many indigenous Papuans have been traumatised due to the history of violent military operations in West Papua, fearing arbitrary arrest, torture, killings, or enforced disappearance. The military presence in schools, health facilities, and churches also limits indigenous Papuans from accessing essential public services.
