Indonesia Rejects West Papua Chemical Weapons Allegations as “Hoax” Amid Calls for UN Probe

The Indonesian government has refuted allegations of using chemical weapons against indigenous Papuans in Kiwirok, West Papua, calling the claims a “hoax” and “propaganda.” This response came after Benny Wenda, interim president of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), called for an urgent international investigation into the matter.

Wenda claimed that Indonesia may have deployed white phosphorus in Kiwirok, citing testimony from civilians in the new Paradise Broadcast film, "Border War." According to the film, West Papuan civilians recounted incidents from 2021 where children died from an unknown illness following an attack. Witnesses described symptoms consistent with chemical exposure, including severe coughing, bleeding, and prolonged suffering after explosions that generated large amounts of dust.

“White phosphorus is an evil weapon even when used against combatants. But Indonesia is committing these crimes against humanity against defenseless civilians, the elderly, women, and children,” Wenda asserted. He also stated that thousands of Papuans have been displaced as a result of these attacks, further adding to the region's already large population of internally displaced persons. Wenda also pointed to reports of white phosphorus use in Nduga in 2018. Journalists at the time documented victims suffering severe burns and photographed munitions with yellow tips, which military sources suggested could be incendiary or white phosphorus weapons. He claimed similar evidence has been found in Kiwirok.

However, Indonesia has strongly denied the allegations. “That is a hoax. We do not have any chemical weapons. That is propaganda,” said an Indonesian government spokesperson. They added that more police and military personnel have been killed than separatist groups, and that separatists have also killed road workers, nurses, teachers, and local people.

The controversy has exacerbated long-standing tensions in West Papua, where access for international media, NGOs, and even the UN remains restricted. Wenda urged the international community, including the UN, as well as regional bodies such as the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), to pressure Indonesia to allow a long-delayed UN human rights visit. “West Papua is a prison island. Journalists, NGOs, or aid organizations are not allowed to operate there. Indonesia must allow an independent investigation and facilitate a UN visit,” he said. Wenda reiterated his position calling for self-determination for West Papua through an independence referendum, arguing that Indonesia's policies in the region are based on secrecy and repression.

These allegations and the subsequent denials have once again brought West Papua into the spotlight, raising concerns about human rights and transparency in the conflict-ridden region.