The purpose of this research is to find out the human rights problems that occur in Papua, why the issue of human rights violations in Paniai Regency, Papua Province, is reoccurring and what is the role of the state in protecting its citizens regarding human rights in Indonesia . The aim of this research is to find out the role of the state in protecting human rights in Indonesia. The research method used in this research is normative research method . This research was conducted through an approach to further study the legal basis by reviewing the applicable laws and regulations regarding human rights issues that occurred in Paniai Regency, Papua. The finding in this research is that the role of the state is in protecting the human rights of its people which aims to protect human rights itself. However, the problem of resolving human rights cases that occur must be carried out fairly and transparently in carrying out the settlement process, bearing in mind the state’s obligation to carry out its role as a protector of human rights for all its people, must carry out according to the rules and every right must be fulfilled. however in practice Injuries to human rights are still commonly encountered as a result of injustices that come from the authorities themselves.