inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Member of Commission XIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) Mafirion asked the government to prioritize the safety of civilians in handling the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) by the Indonesian National Army (TNI) and Indonesian National Police (INP)  in Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua.

"Protection of civilians must be a priority. They must not become victims to a conflict that they do not understand and do not participate in. When citizens live in fear, their human rights are clearly violated," said Mafirion quoted by Antaranews, Friday (5/16/2025).

He said that the protection of civilians has been regulated in various international conventions, including the 1907 Hague Convention, the 1949 Geneva Convention, and Additional Protocols I and II 1977.

Article 3 of the 1949 Geneva Convention, he said, explains that parties involved in a non-international conflict are obliged to protect those who do not actively participate in the fighting, including civilians and combatants who have surrendered.

“The fact that civilians became victims shows the weak protection for them. This leads to allegations of serious human rights violations,” he said.

The TNI reported that at least 18 KKB members were killed in the shootout. The Intan Jaya Regency Government (Pemkab) has declared a 14-day emergency response status, following reports of civilians killed and missing, and other civilians forced to flee.

“The community, especially women and children, are experiencing severe trauma. There is no peaceful space for civilians in the midst of armed conflict,” he said.

He also urged the government to immediately open an inclusive dialogue space by involving religious leaders and all related parties in order to stop the ongoing conflict.

“This conflict must end immediately. The government needs to show a real commitment to peace and the protection of civilians,” he said.

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