Amid mounting international concern, the Pacific Network on Globalisation (PANG) has issued a fervent condemnation of alleged human rights abuses against Papuan civilians by Indonesian troops in West Papua.

The PANG stands united with civil society groups and student protesters demanding accountability for the reported atrocities, including the torture of Defianus Kogoya, a chilling incident captured on video.

The distressing footage, which surfaced recently, depicts Kogoya bound in a water-filled barrel while being subjected to brutal beatings and knife wounds by Indonesian soldiers.

The incident also involved the arrest and alleged torture of two other Papuan men, Warinus Murib and Alianus Murib, with Warinus Murib tragically succumbing to his injuries after being horrifically dragged behind a moving vehicle.

In the wake of these events, condemnation has poured in against the excessive military presence and the violent suppression of peaceful demonstrations, deemed clear violations of human rights.

Despite longstanding denials and censorship, United Nations experts have highlighted a disturbing pattern of abuses against indigenous Papuans, including killings, disappearances, torture, and mass displacement.

The recent findings of the Human Rights Committee on Indonesia’s periodic report underscore the urgent need for accountability and justice.

The Committee expressed grave concern over widespread extrajudicial killings, disappearances, and torture, particularly targeting indigenous Papuans, alongside the suppression of freedom of expression and media censorship.

In response, the PANG has called upon the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), the Pacific Island Forum (PIF), and all Pacific Island countries to demand Indonesia’s cooperation in permitting the implementation of the Pacific Island Forum Leaders’ decision from August 2019.

This decision mandates the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to conduct a mission to West Papua to assess the human rights situation firsthand.

Furthermore, the PANG urges the special envoys of the Pacific Island Forum on West Papua to expedite efforts to facilitate dialogue with Indonesia and pave the way for an urgent UN visit.

The Indonesian government is urged to halt all military operations in West Papua, allowing the United Nations to fulfill its mandate of protecting human rights in the region.

Given Indonesia’s privileged positions as an Associate member of the MSG and a Dialogue Partner of the PIF, heightened expectations loom for full cooperation and accountability in addressing the ongoing human rights crisis in West Papua.

(This article was re-edited on the 10th April 2024: PNOG was changed to PANG)