Hidden War in West Papua: Nduga District Under Military Bombardment
Hidden War in West Papua: Nduga District Under Military Bombardment
Indonesian military bombards Gearek & Wosak with helicopters. Civilians flee to forests, facing trauma and ongoing human rights violations.
Amid celebrations, holidays, and daily life in Nduga, West Papua, the realities of conflict remain hidden from much of the world. On December 10, 2025, two districts in Nduga—Gearek and Wosak—were subjected to intense military airstrikes involving six Indonesian military helicopters. This escalation forced local civilians to flee their homes and seek refuge in the surrounding forests, highlighting a persistent and largely unreported conflict in West Papua.
The December 10–12 Operations
According to reports from the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), military operations began on December 10, coinciding with the 77th International Human Rights Day. Initially, three military helicopters conducted strikes on Gearek and Wosak. The following day, December 11, six helicopters were deployed for continued operations. These attacks reportedly continued into December 12.
The airstrikes affected 12 villages across the two districts. Civilians, caught in the middle of the conflict, were forced to abandon their homes and flee into the dense forests, leaving behind livelihoods, property, and essential resources. Many remain displaced, living in makeshift shelters in the jungle.
Escalating Violence and Civilian Casualties
Beyond the immediate threat of aerial bombardment, the conflict has involved direct shootings of civilians attempting to move between villages. Reports indicate that on December 12, eight local civilians traveling toward Gearek and Wosak were shot midway along their journey and had to retreat to the district capital, Keneyam. While exact casualty numbers remain unclear, vehicles belonging to civilians and security personnel were reportedly damaged by gunfire.
The ongoing military operations have created deep trauma among the local population, who now face not only physical danger but also the psychological impact of constant fear. The timing of these attacks—just weeks before Christmas—has disrupted traditional community preparations for the holiday season, reflecting the broader social costs of militarized conflict.
Historical and Political Context
This recent escalation comes amid a backdrop of long-standing tension in West Papua. On December 1, 2025, Brigadier General Egianus Kogeya led a ceremonial raising of the Morning Star flag to commemorate the 64th anniversary of Papua’s declaration of independence. During this event, he reaffirmed the TPNPB’s commitment to continue armed resistance against the Indonesian military, framing the struggle as one for self-determination and liberation from colonial domination.
The conflict in Nduga is part of a larger, decades-long struggle for West Papuan independence. Despite international human rights frameworks and the nominal recognition of Papua’s special autonomy, reports of militarized operations, forced displacement, and human rights abuses continue to emerge.
The Hidden War
The armed conflict in Nduga is emblematic of a “hidden war” in West Papua—one largely invisible in mainstream international media. While the Indonesian state presents these operations as security measures against separatist groups, local populations experience them as an existential threat to life, culture, and community. Families are uprooted, villages emptied, and traditional ways of life are interrupted, all while the broader world remains largely unaware.
The events in Gearek and Wosak on December 10–12, 2025, illustrate the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the urgent need for attention to civilian protection. The airstrikes and shootings highlight the extreme vulnerability of local populations and underscore the human costs of political conflict in West Papua.
Conclusion
As West Papua approaches its Christmas holiday season, the people of Nduga face fear, uncertainty, and displacement.
The bombardment of Gearek and Wosak is a stark reminder that while the region’s conflict may be hidden from international headlines, its impact is immediate and devastating for ordinary civilians. The continued militarization of West Papua raises urgent questions about human rights, self-determination, and the need for global awareness and intervention.
The hidden war in West Papua is not just a military struggle; it is a humanitarian crisis demander urgent recognition and action.
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