Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia rejects unilateral allegations of systematic human rights violations in Papua, emphasizing that credible claims are addressed seriously through national institutions and legal mechanisms, including the independent National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM).
According to a press release from the Foreign Affairs Ministry on Tuesday, Indonesia is exercising its right to reply during the General Debate of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York on September 28.
This was in response to statements regarding the situation in Papua made by representatives from the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
It is noted that three civil servants were killed after distributing livestock aid to the community, a driver transporting necessities was killed, and nine women and children were abducted in Mimika.
“Attacking innocent civilians and murdering civil servants are criminal acts. Indonesia has a responsibility to protect all of its citizens. Law enforcement must and will remain subject to Indonesia’s laws and our international human rights obligations,” Indonesia emphasized in its right of reply.
Indonesia reiterated that discussions regarding Papua must reflect the situation in its entirety. Civilians, teachers, health workers, and government officials have also fallen victim to violence perpetrated by armed groups.
Indonesia stressed that a visit by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights must be mutually agreed upon by the host country and the Office of the High Commissioner, following standard practice for all member states, without external dictates from other countries or regional organizations.
Indonesia would continue to engage constructively through relevant mechanisms and promote dialogue and cooperation grounded in respect for facts and the safety of all civilians.
Previously, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale urged independent verification of longstanding human rights violation reports in West Papua during the 81st UN General Assembly, emphasizing the need to resolve the persistent dispute.
Wale also called on Indonesia to facilitate the long-awaited visit of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to West Papua.
Vanuatu’s UN Permanent Representative Odo Tevi also voiced concern over alleged human rights violations in West Papua, stressing the link between peace, security, and human rights, and urging greater international attention and urgent follow-up on Pacific leaders’ call for a UN rights chief’s visit.
On September 24, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Rick Nelson Houenipwela met on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly to strengthen development, trade, and capacity-building cooperation.
Sugiono invited Solomon Islands businesses to Trade Expo Indonesia on October 14–18, 2026, and encouraged finalizing education and cultural cooperation.
Houenipwela outlined plans to strengthen the Solomon Islands’ representation in Jakarta to boost bilateral economic and trade ties, while appreciating Indonesia’s contributions through capacity-building programs and scholarships.
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Translator: Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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