Habema Task Force Claims No Operation Occurred When Child Was Shot

The Indonesian military's Habema Task Force has issued a statement refuting claims that its operations led to the deaths of civilians, including children, in Papua. According to the task force's spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Infanteri Wirya Arthadiguna, the incident involving civilian casualties on April 14, 2026, in Kembru Village, Puncak Regency, Papua Tengah, was entirely separate from a counter-insurgency operation against the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM). The military asserts that during the operation against the TPNPB-OPM, four armed group members were killed, and evidence such as firearms, ammunition, and communication devices were confiscated.

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So it cannot be concluded as one interconnected event.

This official military account directly contrasts with the findings of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM). Komnas HAM Chairperson Anis Hidayah stated that the Habema task force's operation resulted in the deaths of 12 civilians, including children and women, who sustained gunshot wounds. The commission also reported that dozens more civilians were seriously injured. The discrepancy between the military's narrative and the human rights commission's findings raises serious concerns about accountability and the conduct of security operations in the region.

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The TNI emphasizes that there were no TNI soldier activities in Jiginggi Village during the shooting incident involving a child, and both events occurred in different locations and times and are not interconnected.

From an Indonesian perspective, particularly within the context of reporting from outlets like Tempo, there is a critical need to present both sides of such sensitive events. While the military maintains its operations are professional and aimed at maintaining security, reports from human rights bodies like Komnas HAM highlight the devastating impact these operations can have on civilian populations. The differing accounts underscore the complexities of the Papua conflict and the challenges in verifying information amidst ongoing security operations. The Indonesian public, and indeed the international community, relies on thorough investigations and transparent reporting to understand the full picture and ensure that justice is served, especially when vulnerable populations are affected.

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The TNI emphasizes that it is committed to acting professionally, transparently, and accountably in every task execution.