Komnas HAM Urges Stronger Support for Displaced Residents in Central Papua

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) is urging the government to meet the basic needs of communities displaced by the conflict in Central Papua. Strengthening registration and coordination is considered essential to ensure aid reaches affected residents quickly and accurately.

Komnas HAM commissioner Saurlin P. Siagian said the security situation in several parts of Central Papua remains volatile and continues to affect civilians. Armed clashes and shootings have resulted in fatalities and forced thousands of residents to flee to various locations.

“A volatile emergency situation persists in the area, with shootings resulting in 12 deaths and thousands of displaced persons scattering to different locations,” Saurlin said in a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He said the situation requires a coordinated humanitarian response to ensure displaced persons receive food, clothing, healthcare services, and other basic necessities.

Komnas HAM delivered this assessment after meeting with Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono to discuss the humanitarian situation and the needs of communities affected by the conflict in Central Papua. The meeting took place in Jakarta on Monday, August 10, 2026.

Saurlin emphasized that the government must strengthen the registration and identification of displaced persons’ needs. Accurate data is necessary to ensure aid distribution aligns with the number and condition of affected residents.

“It is important to identify the needs of the displaced persons and coordinate the aid,” he said.

Komnas HAM also urged the Ministry of Social Affairs to enhance cooperation with local governments and other stakeholders in handling the displaced population.

“We view collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs as vital in managing the displaced persons in Central Papua,” Saurlin said.

Agus said the Ministry has distributed emergency aid to 1,013 displaced persons in Puncak Regency. The assistance consisted of basic necessities and clothing valued at approximately IDR 150 million.

Agus also said further aid distribution requires proposals from local administrations, supported by data on the number of displaced persons and the needs of affected communities. This ensures aid can be delivered based on actual conditions on the ground.

In addition to aid for displaced persons, the Ministry of Social Affairs is also providing assistance to the families of those who died and to individuals injured as a result of the conflict.

To strengthen the response, Agus suggested that Komnas HAM coordinate with the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs. Such coordination is needed to align the efforts of ministries and agencies in meeting the needs of communities affected by the conflict in Central Papua.

Addressing the needs of displaced persons remains urgent given the security situation, which has not yet fully stabilized. It is essential for the government to ensure affected residents continue to receive protection and basic necessities while improving coordination to manage the humanitarian impact of the conflict. ***