TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Human Rights will not establish an investigative team to probe the death of a pregnant woman during a shootout between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) in Wandoga Village, Sugapa District, Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua.
Deputy Minister of Human Rights Mugiyanto Sipin said while the ministry considered the plan, it was put on hold after an investigation was confirmed by Police Chief Assistant Commissioner General Fadil Imran.
"Pak Fadil explained that there's no need for an investigative team since authorities are handling the case," said Mugiyanto at the Human Rights Ministry office in Jakarta on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.
Meanwhile, on the same occasion, Fadil Imran said there's no need for an additional team, as the police-TNI collaboration to identify the perpetrators is running smoothly.
"I don't think it's necessary. The joint team from the Damai Cartenz Operation Task Force and the Gakkum (Law Enforcement) Task Force is working; what remains is technical coordination on the ground to find the suspects," said Fadil.
The Chairperson of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), Anis Hidayah, previously brought up the death of a 7-8-month pregnant Melkiana Duwitau. She died along with her baby due after being shot while inside her own house.
According to Anis, the incident occurred amidst a broader escalation of violence in Papua. She emphasized the deaths of a preacher, armed group members, TNI soldiers, and a foreign national pilot of a pioneer aircraft in recent days.
"The TNI stated that the shots that hit the victim came from an armed group, but independent verification of this claim is not yet available to the public," said Anis in a written statement, quoted on Monday, July 6, 2026.
Komnas HAM also urges for a ceasefire amid the worsening situation in Papua that continues to claim civilian casualties.
Amelia Rahima Sari contributed to the writing of this article
Read: Komnas HAM Urges Papua Ceasefire as Civilian Casualties Mount
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Papua Conflict Falls Under VP Gibran's Mandate, Says Politician
1 jam lalu
Vice President Gibran was previously assigned by President Prabowo Subianto to oversee efforts to address a range of issues in the Papua region.
Komnas HAM Urges Papua Ceasefire as Civilian Casualties Mount
1 hari lalu
Komnas HAM chief Anis Hidayah pushes for a ceasefire between the Indonesian government and the armed group in Papua.
Komnas HAM Urges Probe After Pregnant Woman Killed in Papua Clash
1 hari lalu
Komnas HAM urges an independent probe after a pregnant woman was killed in a shooting during an armed clash in Intan Jaya, Papua.
Papua Rights Group Urges Prabowo to Review Troop Deployment
1 hari lalu
Theo Hesegem, the Executive Director of the Papua Human Rights and Justice Foundation (YKKMP), urges the President to reevaluate the security approach in Papua.
Indonesian Military to Reinforce Troops in Papua After Pilot Killing
2 hari lalu
The shooting of an American pilot and the burning of an aircraft in Yahukimo, Papua, Indonesia, were carried out by a militia led by Elkius Kobak.
Key Facts About American Pilot Shot Dead in Indonesia's Papua
2 hari lalu
American pilot Nicholas F. Goselin was shot and killed by a separatist group in Papua, Indonesia. Here are some of its key facts.
US Pilot Shot in Papua: What We Know So Far
3 hari lalu
TPNPB-OPM attacked an AMA plane and shot the American pilot Nicholas F. Goselin in Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Mountains.
Parts of Indonesia Still Rainy Despite Dry Season, Says BNPB
3 hari lalu
Why did some parts of Indonesia still see rainfall despite the widespread dry season across the country? Here's what BNPB said.
American Pilot's Body Handed Over to Family After Papua Attack
4 hari lalu
TNI handed over the body of American pilot Nicholas F. Goseli to his family and PT AMA Air after he was killed in Yahukimo, Highland Papua.
Why Did the Papua Liberation Army Kill an American Pilot?
4 hari lalu
The Papua separatist group TPNPB-OPM claimed it killed a pilot and burned a plane in Yahukimo.
