# Security and human rights situation in Papua

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/security-and-human-rights-situation-in-papua
> Updated: 2026-09-22T10:46:53.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

The security situation in Papua has been marked by violence against civilians and calls for greater accountability from both state and non-state actors. In August 2026, the Regent of Nduga, Yoas Beon, condemned the hostage-taking of nine women in the Mimika district by an armed group associated with Egianus Kogoya, demanding their immediate release. Human rights officials also criticized the group for using the term “securing” to describe the detention of the women.

During this period, Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai called for increased transparency from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the National Police (Polri) regarding the scale of security deployments in the region. By September 2026, Pigai expanded his focus to urge both the TNI and the Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) to cease targeting civilians. He emphasized that while his authority to intervene in military operations is limited, there is an urgent need for practical prevention to ensure that security crackdowns and separatist activities do not violate humanitarian law or endanger civilian populations.

## Claims

- President Prabowo Subianto used the term 'goblok' (stupid) to describe certain experts during a speech at the 28th anniversary of the National Mandate Party (PAN). (corroborated by 2 sources)
- President Prabowo Subianto proposed making education free from elementary school through state universities. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai stated that free education fulfills the mandate of the 1945 Constitution. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Mahfud MD responded to the President by suggesting that many presidents have also lacked capacity. (single source)
- Natalius Pigai urged experts to remain critical but to also acknowledge the government's achievements objectively. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-22: Prabowo Subianto sparks debate over expert remarks and free education plan

President Prabowo Subianto faces criticism over remarks regarding experts, while Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai supports the President's proposal for free education from primary school to university.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/human-rights-minister-urges-tni-and-opm-to-protect-papuan-civilians

### 2026-08-23: Papua security: Hostage crisis and calls for military transparency

Nduga officials demand the release of nine female hostages held by armed groups in Papua, while Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai calls for transparency regarding security force deployments.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/papua-security-hostage-crisis-and-calls-for-military-transparency

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Cite as: Security and human rights situation in Papua. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/security-and-human-rights-situation-in-papua