Indonesia: Three killed in Papua during ongoing rebellion

Event

Recent clashes between the Indonesian military and a rebel group left three people dead in Papua and highlight the ongoing threat of violence in the eastern portions of Indonesia. According to a statement released by a West Papuan National Liberation Army (TPN-PB) commander on Friday, November 9, Indonesian military forces killed two rebels in Lanny Jaya regency. Another person was killed by rebels in the same area who TPN-PB accused of spying for the military. The clashes are part of a recent spike in fighting since November 2. Related fighting is possible in the coming weeks and there remains an ongoing threat of violence, kidnapping, and civil unrest in Papua and West Papua provinces.

Context

Papuan independence fighters have engaged in an ongoing low-level guerilla rebellion since Indonesian independence in the 1960s.

Advice

Individuals in Indonesia are advised to remain vigilant and exercise caution when traveling to Papua and West Papua, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities (e.g. travel permits) and home governments, and avoid all public demonstrations. Travel to Papua and West Papua requires a permit Many Western government advise against nonessential travel to Papua and West Papua due to the threat of civil unrest and kidnapping.