Rising military operations in West Papua spark concerns about displacement of indigenous Papuans

This photo is shared by from the Indonesia Army. It shows the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) Mobile Yonif 1 Marine Task Force for Indonesian-PNG Border Security interact with the indigenous Papuan women in Kokamu Village, Yahukimo Regency, Papua and purchase local agricultural produce. 10 May 2025 Led by the Bravo Post Commander, this activity was more than just an economic transaction. It served as a direct interaction platform between Indonesian Navy soldiers and the indigenous Papuan community. The soldiers purchased local agricultural products such as vegetables, fruits, and tubers, showing their appreciation for the community's hard work. Photo: Faceook / Pusat Penerangan TNI

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.

Benny Wenda Photo: RNZ Pacific / Kelvin Anthony

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."