West Papua – The shooting incident against the Head of the Papua Representative of the National Human Rights Commission, Frits Ramandey, while carrying out humanitarian duties in Bintuni Bay, West Papua, has received widespread condemnation.
The attack carried out by the Free Papua Movement (OPM) was considered a form of violence that cannot be tolerated, especially targeting an independent institution that is present to ensure the protection of human rights in Papua.
This incident occurred on Sunday (27/4/2025) morning, when Frits Ramandey and his entourage were monitoring the search operation for First Inspector Tomi Samuel Marbun who was missing in the Rawara River. When they were on the edge of the river for toilet needs, they were suddenly shot at from across the river. Luckily, with quick protection from Brimob members who were around the location, Frits and his entourage managed to survive and were immediately evacuated to a safe area in the Moskona District.
“I came here at the invitation of the West Papua Regional Police to monitor and ensure that the search for First Inspector Tomi Marbun is carried out accountably, without violating the rights of civilians. But it is very unfortunate, we were shot by an armed civilian group,” said Frits Ramandey in his statement.
West Papua Police Chief, Inspector General Pol Jonny Edison Isir, confirmed the incident and ensured that Frits Ramandey and his entire entourage were healthy and safe. The police chief also emphasized that security forces would remain committed to ensuring the safety of the entire team, including humanitarian workers on duty in the field.
“Thank God, the Chairman of the Papua National Human Rights Commission, Frits Ramandey, is in good health and safe,” said the Regional Police Chief.
The attack on the Komnas HAM envoy shows that the OPM in Papua no longer respects the basic principles of human rights that they have claimed to be fighting for.
This brutal act not only jeopardizes the search for missing victims, but also shows a hostile attitude towards any peaceful initiative aimed at upholding human rights in Papua.
This attack is clear evidence that the OPM group does not respect legal, moral, or humanitarian norms. They even attack those who try to protect the rights and safety of the Papuan people themselves.
The government and security forces are expected to increase protection for all elements working for humanity. The attack on the Chairman of Komnas HAM must be strongly condemned by all elements of the nation as a form of crime against the values of humanity itself.
This incident also reinforces the urgency to accelerate law enforcement against the OPM group that continues to spread terror in Papua. All parties must unite in ensuring that Papua remains a peaceful and sovereign part within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.
