The tragic death of a prominent female activist has sparked international concern over the safety of humanitarian workers in Indonesia. The community mourns Michelle Kurisi Doga, whose body was discovered with multiple injuries in the Kolawa District of Lanny Jaya Regency on August 31, 2023. Indonesian police confirmed that sharp weapons caused the fatal wounds found on the Papuan activist. Shortly before the discovery, West Papuan separatists released a video claiming responsibility for the brutal killing.
Who was Michelle Kurisi Doga?
At just 31 years old, Michelle had already established herself as a dedicated advocate for her people. She sharpened her intellectual skills at the London School of Public Relations (LSPR) in Jakarta before returning to focus on the rights of women, children, and refugees. Michelle Kurisi Doga gained a reputation for her bravery, frequently speaking on behalf of those displaced by armed conflict in the Nduga region.
Her roots ran deep in the La Pago traditional region of the Papua Mountain Province. As the granddaughter of Silo Sukarno Doga—the Chief of the Silo Tribe and a respected community leader—she carried a heavy mantle of leadership. Historical records from the Indonesian National Army website note that her grandfather played a pivotal role in the 1969 Popular Opinion Determination (Pepera), which solidified Papua’s status within Indonesia.
The Truth Behind the Activism of Michelle Kurisi
West Papuan separatists attempted to justify the murder by accusing the victim of acting as an Indonesian military intelligence agent. However, human rights activist Theo Hesegem strongly refuted these claims, stating that Michelle Kurisi Doga acted purely out of concern for the social conditions in Nduga. Her activities focused on humanitarian aid rather than clandestine data collection.
Both the Indonesian Army and the National Police officially denied that she served any intelligence mission. Major General Izak Pangemanan revealed that Michelle Kurisi Doga was actively registering refugees when the separatists intercepted her. He expressed deep regret over the loss, emphasizing that the perpetrators targeted a humanitarian worker who cared deeply for the vulnerable. “It is very unfortunate that they killed a humanitarian activist,” Izak remarked during an official briefing.
Arrests Made in the Case of the Fallen Activist
Joint security forces recently made significant progress in the investigation by arresting three suspects linked to the murder. The authorities identified the individuals as PM, AW, and RK (also known as RM), all of whom reportedly belong to the West Baliem West Papua National Committee. Police conducted a coordinated sweep across Jayawijaya, Jayapura, and Tolikara to bring these suspects into custody.
“We arrested PM on October 5, 2023, and subsequently captured AW and RK in following days,” stated Faizal Ramadhani, Head of Peace Operations Cartenz. Investigators believe the group attacked Michelle Kurisi Doga in the Upper Koloak District on August 28, 2023. While three men are currently in detention, Faizal noted that the total number of perpetrators likely reaches seven.
The investigation reveals that the attackers used blunt force and sharp objects before recording the act for social media. Currently, the three primary suspects remain at the Papua Regional Police headquarters to face legal proceedings for their roles in the death of Michelle Kurisi Doga.
