Churches in Indonesia condemn escalating violence in Papua

The Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) has issued a strong condemnation of the escalating armed conflict and violence plaguing Papua. PGI's Papua Bureau Chief, Rev. Ronald Rischard Tapilatu, decried the violence, which has led to numerous casualties.

Tapilatu pointed to specific recent events, including the fatal shooting of American pilot Nicholas F. Goselin and the torching of an AMA PK-RCY aircraft at Ipdeheik Airport in Yahukimo on July 2. These incidents add to a grim tally of killings in Indonesia's easternmost region. PGI records indicate that victims include civilians, clergy, pregnant women and their unborn children, and security personnel. The worsening security situation has also forced thousands of civilians to flee their homes.

"The conflict leaves not only deep wounds for families but also wounds the dignity of humanity," Tapilatu stated in a written release on Saturday, July 4, 2026. He emphasized that the loss of any life, regardless of political or security justifications, is an unacceptable tragedy. PGI is calling for an immediate cessation of all violence, prioritizing the safety and protection of civilians. The organization also demands that the government conduct thorough, impartial investigations into all incidents and impose severe penalties on perpetrators. This includes holding accountable any police or military personnel suspected of human rights violations.

Furthermore, PGI urges the government to seriously consider the calls for peaceful dialogue from church leaders, religious figures, traditional leaders, and civil society. The church body believes that the militaristic approach, pursued thus far, has failed to achieve peace and justice. Instead, it has perpetuated prolonged suffering for civilians in the conflict zones.