SERUIPOS.COM – Indonesia’s Minister of Human Rights, Natalius Pigai, has called for a comprehensive evaluation of military deployments in Papua following the fatal shooting of a pastor from the Evangelical Christian Church in the Land of Papua (GKI) in Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua.
Pigai made the call on Friday (July 3, 2026) after receiving reports that the pastor had been killed in a shooting incident in Intan Jaya. According to him, the latest incident, which once again claimed the life of a civilian, must be treated as a matter of serious concern by both the government and security authorities.
Pigai said he initially received information from the Regent of Intan Jaya, who reported the discovery of the victim’s body. He stressed that the incident must not be regarded as an ordinary occurrence because it concerns the fundamental right to life, which the state is obligated to protect.
“Incidents like this must become the subject of a serious evaluation. The right to life of civilians must remain the highest priority in every security operation in Papua,” Pigai emphasized.
He urged the Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Chief of the Indonesian National Police (Polri) to review the current deployment of security personnel in Papua, strengthen supervision of officers in the field, and ensure that all security operations prioritize the protection of civilians and respect for human rights.
Furthermore, Pigai called for a professional, transparent, and accountable investigation so that the cause of the shooting and those responsible can be identified and disclosed to the public as soon as possible.
According to Pigai, reviewing military deployments is essential to prevent further incidents that continue to claim civilian lives. He emphasized that the government has a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of all people living in Papua.
As of the publication of this report, security authorities were still investigating the full chronology, identifying the perpetrators, and determining the motive behind the fatal shooting of the GKI pastor. The government is also expected to take concrete measures to guarantee public safety and prevent similar incidents from occurring again in Papua. (**)
