The Governor of Papua, Lukas Enembe, has called on Indonesia to withdraw its troops from Nduga regency.
Papua governor, Lukas Enembe, speaks to a plenary meeting of the provincial parliament about armed conflict in the Highlands. Photo: Victor Mambor
A massive joint operation by police and military is underway in the area, after at least 17 people were killed by the West Papua Liberation Army.
Speaking to a plenary session of papua's provincial parliament, Papua Governor Lukas Enembe said he wanted the troops to withdraw so the people could celebrate Christmas.
Local media reported he and local government and community leaders planned to meet with Indonesia's President Joko Widodo.
Following the plenary meeting, Mr Enembe spoke to media about the situation in the region around Nduga.
He said his provincial government, Papua's provincial parliament, the Papuan People's Council, the Papua Office of the National Human Rights Commission, church and civil society organisations were all demanding that President Jokowi immediately withdraw troops from Nduga.
As a Highlands leader, he said he knew that civillians in the region were in danger as the Indonesian military pursued the Liberation Army.
Mr Enembe said civillians who have fled to the forest cannot find food, but that without a troop withdrawal, his government could not get help to them
He said an investigation into the deaths should be conducted by an independent team of local officials, which he would head.
Four people have reportedly been killed so far in the hunt for the Liberation Army.
West Papua Liberation Army monitoring Indonesian military flyover in Nduga, 11 July 2018. Photo: TPNPB