After Six Years Displaced in the Forest, Maybrat Residents Return: Government and Komnas HAM Strengthen Recovery Efforts in Papua

 

MAYBRAT, SOUTHWEST PAPUA — Efforts to restore the lives of communities affected by conflict in Southwest Papua have taken an important step forward. The Papua Representative Office of Indonesia’s National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) has facilitated the return of several displaced residents, particularly women and children, who had reportedly spent approximately six years sheltering in the forests of Maybrat Regency. Their return marks an important step toward restoring family and community life while creating opportunities to rebuild access to education, public services, and everyday activities.

Frits Ramandey, head of the Papua Representative Office of Komnas HAM, said the institution had acted as a negotiator and facilitator to support the residents’ return. The process involved coordination with the regional government, police, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), and church representatives. This cooperation highlights the importance of cross-institutional coordination in addressing the consequences of conflict and ensuring that returning residents receive protection and support as they rebuild their lives.

Regional Authorities and Relevant Institutions Coordinate the Return

According to an ANTARA report published on October 5, 2026, Komnas HAM Papua facilitated the return of displaced residents and their handover to the regional government, with the aim of helping them resume community life without fear. The Deputy Regent of Maybrat, the Maybrat Police Chief, TNI representatives, and church representatives attended the process.

The involvement of multiple institutions is important because returning displaced residents involves more than simply helping them leave the forest. Regional authorities also need to ensure that they can access essential services, receive social assistance, and readjust to their communities. Such coordination can provide a foundation for a more structured recovery process that prioritizes residents’ safety and needs.

Six Years in the Forest Following Conflict

Frits Ramandey explained that the displaced residents had spent approximately six years in forest areas after the attack on the Kisor Military Subdistrict Command post in Maybrat Regency in September 2021. The report also linked their displacement to security disturbances and extortion experienced by residents.

For these families, returning home means more than changing their location. It offers an opportunity to resume lives that have been disrupted for years. Women and children are among those requiring particular attention, especially in restoring their sense of security and access to education, healthcare, and social support. The return process therefore needs to be accompanied by continued measures to protect residents from further threats and reduce the risk of renewed displacement.

Komnas HAM Calls for Continued Protection of Returning Residents

In his statement, Ramandey urged the regional government and local communities to welcome the displaced residents humanely and treat them as members of the community. He also warned against any intimidation of residents who have returned.

This message underlines that successful repatriation must be followed by protection in everyday life. Regional authorities, security personnel, and community representatives all have important roles in maintaining a stable environment, responding to reports of threats, and ensuring that residents can resume their activities without pressure.

An approach that prioritizes civilian safety and respect for human rights is also important for rebuilding public trust. Consistent coordination can help ensure that the recovery process proceeds in a structured manner and responds to the needs of affected residents.

Children's Education Becomes a Recovery Priority

One of the main concerns surrounding the return is the future of children who have spent years displaced. Ramandey urged the regional government to ensure that these children have the opportunity to return to school and continue their education in a more stable environment.

Access to education is an essential part of post-conflict recovery. In addition to helping children resume their studies, regional authorities need to consider healthcare, psychosocial support, and assistance with their transition back into community life.

These efforts are also closely linked to the development of human resources in Maybrat. When children can access education and families receive adequate protection, opportunities to rebuild social and economic life become stronger.

Humanitarian Assistance Complements Security Efforts

The return of displaced residents in Maybrat demonstrates that addressing the consequences of conflict requires a broader approach than security measures alone. Humanitarian assistance, communication with religious leaders, regional government support, and protection for vulnerable groups are all important parts of the recovery process.

The participation of TNI, the police, the regional government, and Komnas HAM highlights the importance of inter-agency coordination. Each institution has responsibilities within its mandate, ranging from supporting security conditions to helping ensure that residents can return to community life.

Going forward, sustained recovery will require security monitoring, access to basic necessities, continuity of public services, and opportunities for dialogue with local communities. These measures can help reduce the risk of residents being forced back into displacement by renewed security disturbances.

Government Support Is Essential for Long-Term Recovery in Maybrat

The return of residents is an important first step, but long-term recovery requires continued attention. Regional authorities need to ensure that returning families can access food and other basic necessities, education, healthcare, and social support. Coordination with security forces, Komnas HAM, churches, and community leaders can also help identify and address obstacles to successful reintegration.

The Maybrat experience highlights the importance of connecting security efforts with regional development. A safer environment becomes more meaningful when residents can return to work, children can attend school, public services operate effectively, and families can live without intimidation.

The success of recovery should therefore be measured not only by the number of people who return, but also by whether they can remain safely in their communities, access essential services, and rebuild their lives with dignity.

Conclusion

The return of displaced residents who had reportedly spent approximately six years in the forests of Maybrat marks an important development in recovery efforts in Southwest Papua. The facilitation provided by Komnas HAM Papua, alongside the involvement of regional authorities, TNI, police, and church representatives, has helped create a pathway for residents to return to their communities.

The next step is to ensure that their return is supported by sustained protection, access to education for children, essential services, and adequate public assistance. Strong inter-agency coordination and a consistent humanitarian approach will be important in helping Maybrat residents rebuild safe, dignified, and sustainable lives.