West Papua, Indonesia, continues to face major challenges in social development. Although various programs have been implemented to improve the welfare of indigenous Papuans, access to education and healthcare services remains obstructed due to security threats posed by West Papua separatists. The following report details attacks carried out by West Papua separatists against education and healthcare services for indigenous Papuans.

Teachers and Healthcare Workers Burned Alive, March 2025

On Friday, March 21, 2025, West Papua separatists burned three teachers, one healthcare worker, and two civilians alive in Anggruk Village, Anggruk District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan, West Papua, Indonesia.

In addition to killing the teachers and healthcare worker, the separatist group also set fire to four school buildings and a teacher’s residence. They extorted and robbed local residents in the area.

Colonel Infantry Candra Kurniawan, Head of Information for the XVII/Cenderawasih Military Regional Command, stated that authorities had identified four victims so far. Their initials are T, F, and F, who were teachers, and I, who was a healthcare worker. The identities of the two remaining victims are still being verified.

The brutal attack by West Papua separatists left teachers and healthcare workers in fear, prompting them to request evacuation. On Saturday, March 23, 2025, Indonesian police and military evacuated teachers and healthcare workers from Heriyapini District, Kosarek District, Ubalihi District, Nisikni District, Walma District, and Kabiyanggama District in Papua Pegunungan. The evacuation was carried out using Adventist Aviation aircraft, transporting 58 people, including four children, through Wamena Airport.

Sebby Sambom, spokesperson for the West Papua separatists, stated on Saturday, March 22, 2025, that the group had ordered the attack and was responsible for the killing of teachers and medical workers in Anggruk District.

Attack on Kiwirok District Health Center, September 2021

Separatis West Papua attack on Kiwirok District Health Center in Pegunungan Bintang, Papua, took place on Monday, September 13, 2021. Indonesian security forces found two missing medical workers following the separatist attack on the health center and residential quarters in Kiwirok on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. One of them, Gabriela Meilan (22 years old), was found dead. Another, Kristina Sampe, survived and was rescued from a ravine. Both had fallen into the ravine while trying to escape the attack.

The evacuation of Gabriela Meilan’s body was delayed due to gunfire from West Papua separatists in Kiwirok District. The attackers opened fire on the rescue team as they attempted to descend into the ravine where the victim was found. The assault occurred at approximately 11:00 AM GMT+5, obstructing the evacuation process.

see also: West Papua Separatists Edit Attack Video at Kiwirok District Health Center

Burn Down School by West Papua Separatists

Based on data collected by the Cartenz Peace Task Force, during the period 2023 to 2024, West Papua Separatists have burned down many school buildings in several districts in West Papua.

The following is a list of schools burned by West Papua Separatists in 2023:

1. Gome 1 Middle School, Gome District, Kab. Peak on Friday, November 10 2023

2. DEKAI State Elementary School (arson attempt) Dekai District, Kab. Yahukimo On March 14 2023

3. Inpres Gome Elementary School, Gome District, Kab. Peak on Tuesday, March 28 2023

4. Oksibil 1 State High School in Oksibil, Kab. Governor’s Office on Monday, January 9 2023

5. YPK Metanoia Inpres Elementary School in Dekai, Yahukimo, Papua Mountains on Thursday, March 16 2023

6. Oksibil State High School 1 Serembakon District, Pegubin District on Monday, September 18 2023

7. Ilaga 1 State High School in Ilaga District. Peak on Thursday, August 17 2023

List of schools burned by West Papua Separatists in 2024

1. Inpres Pogapa Elementary School, Homeyo District, Intan Jaya, Central Papua on Wednesday, May 1 2024

2. Kepas Kopo Preschool, Elementary School and Junior High School of the Evangelical Churches Education and School Foundation (YPPGI) in Madi Village, East Paniai District on Wednesday, May 22 2024

3. Okbab State Elementary School, Borban Village, Okbap District, Kab. Bintang Mountains on Friday, July 12 2024

see also: Not Wanting West Papuan Children To Study, West Papuan Separatists Burn Down School