On 29 January 2025, a student named Herlis Pakaimu died after reportedly being tortured and shot by military members in the town of Kepi, Mappi Regency, Papua Selatan Province. Two other Papuans, Mr Steven Agawemu and Mr Santos Agawemu, were allegedly tortured by the same military personnel. The Indonesian military (TNI) has denied these allegations, claiming instead that the victims were accidentally shot after attempting to snatch the weapons from the TNI soldiers.
The extra-judicial execution occurred at the Kepi Port, from where Herlis Pakaimu wanted to go to the Muin Village with a small speed boat. As he left the port, the engine failed, forcing him to drag the boat to the side of the river and fix the engine. Around 3:30 pm, a speed boat carrying five uniformed TNI soldiers reportedly approached the boat. Without issuing any warnings or inquiries, one of the soldiers struck Herlis Pakaimu with a wooden beam, causing him to fall into the water. An eyewitness recounted that the soldiers retrieved Herlis from the river while one soldier shot him at close range with a firearm.After loading the Herlis Pakaimu onto the boat, the soldiers reportedly continued to beat and kick him before bringing him to Kepi Town. The witness later informed Herlis Pkaaimu’s family, who retrieved the body the following morning for burial.
Related Events at Kepi Port
Before the unlawful execution of Herlis Pakaimu, an altercation occurred at Kepi Port around 3:00 pm. A resident was reportedly beaten by a TNI soldier while drinking alcohol with friends at the harbor. The confrontation escalated when the group retaliated, leading to shots being fired by the soldier. Following this incident, a group of suspected soldiers returned to the port, searching for those involved in the brawl. The military members subsequently arrested Mr Steven Agawemu and Mr Santos Agawemu despite their lack of involvement in the altercation. Witnesses reported that military members collectively bet both men at the port before taking them to a military post, where their family members later secured their release and sought medical assistance.
Victim Demands and Military Response
The victims’ relatives and residents demand accountability for the killing and the abuse of Steven and Santos Agawemu. They have called for an independent investigation into this matter. Community members in Mappi remain concerned as the incident occurred in the context of the ongoing militarization of the region and the reoccurrence of cases involving excessive force against civilians.
In response, Lieutenant Colonel Ahmad Ali Akbar, Military District Commander of 1704/Mappi, denied any wrongdoing by TNI personnel, asserting that the incident stemmed from an attempt to control a security disturbance caused by intoxicated youths. He claimed that soldiers were attacked with machetes and other weapons, leading to defensive measures, including the use of firearms. According to Lieutenant Akbar, the shooting was accidental and occurred while victims attempted to seize weapons from soldiers. The TNI also stated that they assisted with the funeral arrangements and that the situation in the community has since returned to normal.
Victim of extra-judicial execution, Herlis Pakaimu
Mr Steven Agawemu was arbitraily detained and beaten by military members at the Kepi Harbor (Source: Jubi)
