NABIRE – The Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) has called for an end to all forms of violence that continue to occur in Papua and urged all parties to ensure the safety and protection of civilians in conflict situations.
Head of the PGI Papua Bureau, Ronald Rischard Tapilatu, said recent incidents of violence once again demonstrate that civilians remain vulnerable. He stressed that civilians should never become victims or be used as instruments in armed conflict.
The statement followed a number of violent incidents, including the reported hostage-taking of nine women in Jila District, Mimika Regency, and the shooting of three civil servants from Jayawijaya Regency in Muliama District on September 9, 2026.
“The safety and dignity of civilians must be the highest priority. They must not be targeted or used as instruments in armed conflict,” Ronald said in a written statement received in Nabire on Sunday.
PGI also expressed its deep condolences over the deaths of three Jayawijaya civil servants, Aprida Rapi, Alfonsius Albinus Mehan, and Wili Mbuik. The three were victims of a shooting while carrying out public service duties in Muliama District.
Ronald said acts such as hostage-taking, arbitrary detention, torture, and the killing of civilians are inhumane and contrary to the principles of respect for human dignity and the right to life.
According to him, violence will only prolong the suffering of communities while creating fear and trauma that could be passed on to future generations.
“Any effort to address the Papua issue must place humanity, respect for human rights, and the protection of civilians at its core,” he said.
PGI called on all parties involved in armed conflict to stop actions that could endanger communities, including shootings, hostage-taking, killings, and other forms of violence.
The organization also urged special protection for vulnerable groups, including women, children, humanitarian workers, public servants, and other civilians carrying out their daily activities.
In addition to calling for an end to violence, PGI encouraged the establishment of a humanitarian dialogue involving all relevant parties. Such dialogue, it said, is important to break the cycle of violence that has continued through recurring patterns of action and retaliation.
“Humanitarian dialogue must provide a space to save lives, ensure the safety of communities, rebuild trust, and open a path toward a peaceful and dignified resolution of the Papua issue,” Ronald said.
PGI emphasized that efforts to build peace in Papua cannot be limited to ending violence. They must also be accompanied by recovery efforts for affected communities and stronger protection for the lives and rights of civilians.
Ronald stressed that Papuan communities need security and the opportunity to live their lives without the constant threat of violence.
“Papua needs the courage to end violence, support the recovery of affected communities, protect lives, and work together to build peace,” he said.
