Indonesian diplomat Nona Gae Luna says any discussion about the human rights situation in Papua should reflect what Indonesia describes as the full picture, including violence against civilians and government workers.

Luna made the statement at the United Nations in response to concerns raised by Vanuatu and Solomon Islands over reported human rights violations affecting indigenous Papuans.

Indonesia says allegations are taken seriously

Luna said Indonesia takes credible allegations of human rights violations seriously through its national institutions and legal mechanisms, including its independent National Human Rights Commission.

“Indonesia takes all credible allegations of human rights violations seriously. Our national institutions and legal mechanisms, including the independent National Human Rights Commission, are working continuously to address such allegations.”

She also pointed to Indonesia’s engagement with the international human rights system, noting that the country is currently serving as President of the UN Human Rights Council after previously serving six terms as a Council member.

Indonesia points to violence against civilians

Luna said discussions about Papua should also consider violence that Indonesia attributes to armed criminal groups.

She referred to recent incidents involving the deaths of civil servants and a civilian driver, as well as the alleged abduction of nine women and children.

“Any serious discussion of Papua must reflect the full picture. Innocent civilians, teachers, health workers and many others have fallen victim to violence by armed criminal groups.”

Luna said three civil servants were recently killed after delivering livestock assistance to local communities, while a civilian driver transporting basic commodities was also killed.

The incidents were presented by Luna as part of Indonesia’s statement at the UN and have not been independently verified in the information available for this report.

Indonesia rejects claims of misinformation

Luna said attacks against civilians and government workers should not be characterised as peaceful political expression.

“These are not acts of peaceful political expression. Attacking innocent civilians and murdering civil servants are criminal acts.”

She said Indonesia has a responsibility to protect its citizens, while law enforcement must remain subject to Indonesian law and the country’s international human rights obligations.

Luna also rejected what she described as attempts to spread misinformation about the human rights situation in Indonesia.

“We therefore categorically reject any attempt to present misinformation about human rights situations in Indonesia.”

Indonesia calls for continued international engagement

Luna said Indonesia would continue to engage constructively through relevant international mechanisms.

She also argued that human rights concerns should be discussed seriously but should not be used to justify violence or advocate separatism.

“Human rights concern deserves serious discussion but it should never be used as a tool to justify violence or advocate separatism.”

Luna concluded by reaffirming Indonesia’s position that it remains a partner in promoting peace and security, democracy, human rights and sustainable development.