Indonesian rights body alleges TNI killed two pregnant women in Papua operation

Indonesia's National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) is demanding justice and reparations for victims of a security operation in Papua Tengah. The operation, conducted by the Habema task force in Kembru District on April 13-14, 2026, allegedly resulted in the deaths of 12 civilians, including two pregnant women and their unborn fetuses.

Komnas HAM Commissioner Saurlin P. Siagian presented the findings, gathered through document review, coordination with local authorities, and witness testimonies, to the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs. The commission's investigation, based on Indonesia's Human Rights Law, identified four critical issues indicating potential human rights violations.

Among the 12 deceased civilians were two women in their ninth month of pregnancy. A seven-year-old child also sustained a fatal chest wound. Investigators discovered 36 bullet casings near local dwellings, suggesting they originated from the security forces' operation. The commission also noted discrepancies in accounts of the shootings of four individuals.

While the Indonesian military (TNI) stated they shot four people in response to an attack by the TPNPB-OPM, citing Handy Talkie recordings as evidence, witness testimonies claim the perpetrators were TNI members. Komnas HAM is pushing for accountability and the restoration of victims' rights in light of these findings.