On 5 April 2025, Indonesian police forcibly dispersed a peaceful leaflet distribution by the Forum Independen Mahasiswa West Papua (FIM-WP) at Perumnas III Waena, Kota Jayapura. Around ten officers intervened, claiming the activity lacked an official permit and citing orders from superiors. The leaflets aimed to mobilise public participation for a planned protest on 7 April 2025, demanding the closure of PT Freeport Indonesia and advocating for West Papuan self-determination. Despite having submitted a notification letter, the police officer refused to issue a confirmation of receipt of the protest notice.
On 7 April 2025, a coordinated peaceful protest organised by the Forum Independen Mahasiswa West Papua (FIM-WP) in Jayapura City was met with violent repression by Indonesian security forces. Protesters’ demands included the closure of PT Freeport Indonesia, an end to military operations, and the recognition of the Papuan people’s right to self-determination. The peaceful demonstration, titled “Close PT Freeport as a symbol of capitalism in Papua and grant the right to self-determination for the Papuan people”, involved student participants from multiple locations, including the University of Cenderawasih (Uncen), Uncen Bawah, and the Expo Waena area. Despite efforts to negotiate peaceful assemblies, police blocked, delayed, and ultimately dispersed demonstrators using excessive force.
The protest began at approximately 09:30 am, as students moved from the Uncen campus in Waena to the Perumnas III taxi stand. Upon arrival, they encountered three police trucks, a riot control vehicle, and approximately 50 officers. Police violently repressed the gathering but eventually allowed a 45-minute window for speeches. Officers forcibly dispersed the group at 11:05 am. At the Expo bus terminal, protesters were surrounded and denied their planned long march to the DPRP office. Despite persistent negotiations, security forces forcibly dispersed the crowd by 12:30 pm, blocking all movement and encircling protesters.
Detailed Case Data
Location: Uncen
Region: Indonesia, Papua Province, Jayapura
Region: Indonesia, Papua, Jayapura
#
Number of Victims
Name, Details
Gender
Age
Group Affiliation
Violations
1.
dozens
unknown
unknown
unknown
Indigenous Peoples
freedom of assembly
Perpetrator: Indonesian Police
Perpetrator details: unknown
Issues: indigenous peoples