Ministry of Human Rights: 122,000 refugees in Papua need resolution

Indonesia's Ministry of Human Rights has stated that 122,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Papua are awaiting resolution. Deputy Minister of Human Rights Mugiyanto Sipin acknowledged that specific details regarding the distribution of these displaced populations across Papua are not yet available.

The ministry plans to convene a coordination meeting with relevant ministries and agencies in the near future to compile precise data on the Papua refugees. "Because the issue of refugees has been handled by our colleagues from the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Health has also been involved. The Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection too, and for more comprehensive handling, we will hold a coordination meeting," Mugiyanto stated at the Ministry of Human Rights office in Jakarta on July 7, 2026.

Participants in the upcoming meeting will include the Ministry of Social Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, and Ministry of Health. Mugiyanto explained that internal displacement occurs when individuals lose their sense of security in their home regions. He assured that the government is committed to ensuring the basic needs of these displaced individuals are met.

The conflict in Papua has intensified over the past month, resulting in the deaths of three civilians. Papua is recognized as a region experiencing ongoing conflict, with separatist groups like the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM) actively resisting Indonesian rule, while the government deploys military and police forces. Recent violence on July 2, 2026, included the deaths of a pregnant woman in a firefight and an American pilot who was shot and his plane subsequently burned by TPNPB-OPM.

Human Rights Monitor data indicates that the number of IDPs in Papua between 2018 and 2026 reached approximately 107,039 individuals. The ongoing displacement highlights the persistent security challenges and humanitarian concerns in the region.

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Because the issue of refugees has been handled by our colleagues from the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Health has also been involved. The Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection too, and for more comprehensive handling, we will hold a coordination meeting.