Komnas Perempuan Highlights Women’s Vulnerability in Papua Conflict

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) recorded 75 cases of violence against women in Papua between 2021 and 2025. Of these, 30 cases -- around 40 percent -- involved state officials or officers.

Komnas Perempuan shared the findings to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.

Commission member Yuni Asriyanti said the high number of officers implicated in violence against women reflects serious shortcomings in civilian protection, particularly in conflict zones.

“Based on complaint data from Komnas Perempuan for the 2021–2025 period, there were 75 cases of violence against women in Papua. Thirty of these cases, or 40 percent, involved state officials,” Yuni said in Jakarta on Friday, June 19, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

She added that women in Papua face not only violence but also limited access to protection and recovery services. Komnas Perempuan noted that services for victims, including survivors of sexual violence, remain scarce, leaving many unable to obtain assistance, legal protection, or recovery support.

“This fact shows that the problem in Papua is not only the violence itself, but also the high risk of impunity and weak infrastructure for victim protection in conflict-affected areas,” Yuni said.

Komnas Perempuan urged the government to end security-driven approaches and militarization practices that heighten the vulnerability of women and children to violence, including sexual violence.

Commission member Sondang Friskha warned that Papua’s security situation -- marked by a heavy presence of armed forces and prolonged displacement -- could worsen women’s vulnerability.

“In situations like this, women face multi-layered risks, including sexual harassment and violence in areas with a high presence of authorities, exploitation of refugee women, and rising domestic violence exacerbated by the pressures of conflict,” Sondang said.

Komnas Perempuan called on the state to prioritize civilian protection, victim recovery, and the fulfillment of basic rights for communities affected by conflict in Papua. ***