Indonesia: Criminal armed group attack killed 10 locals in Kenyam District, Nduga Regency, Papua Province, July 16

Event

Members of an armed criminal group (KKB) staged an attack that killed at least 10 locals and injured two others in Nogolait Village, Kenyam District, Nduga Regency, Papua Province, the morning of July 16. Reports indicate that around 20 assailants blocked a truck that most of the victims were riding in and opened fire indiscriminately; the motive for the attack is unclear. The casualties included traders and a pastor.

The incident site is around 79 km (49 miles) southwest of Wamena.

Context

KKB group attacks which kill multiple civilians are relatively rare, as the organizations typically target Indonesian soldiers and police officers and workers and facilities of foreign-owned resource extraction companies, specifically PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI). The incidents point to the continued tension between Indonesian authorities and people in Papua, who claim that the Indonesian central government racially discriminates against Papuans and that it does not sufficiently develop the provinces' infrastructure. The attack also occurred amid increased tension and demonstrations in the region after the House of Representatives passed the bill, which created three new provinces, Central Papua, Papua Mountains, and South Papua, June 30; critics claim that the legislative process did not sufficiently involve the people of Papua and that the measure will only benefit political elites in Papua and Jakarta.