Indonesia Denies Systematic Human Rights Abuse Claims in Papua Amid UN Debate

During the 81st UN General Assembly, Indonesia exercised its right of reply to reject unilateral accusations of systematic human rights violations in Papua. Jakarta emphasized that credible allegations are investigated by national mechanisms, including the independent National Commission on Human Rights, and that law-enforcement actions adhere to domestic law and international obligations. The statement referenced recent incidents in Mimika, where three civil servants and a driver were killed and nine women and children were abducted, while also noting that teachers, health workers and officials have suffered attacks by armed groups.

Indonesia asserted that any visit by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights must be arranged between the host state and the UN office, not dictated by other countries. Representatives of the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu called for an independent UN investigation and urged Indonesia to enable the commissioner’s visit. In parallel, Indonesia’s foreign minister met his Solomon Islands counterpart, inviting business participation in the upcoming Trade Expo Indonesia.