On 11 March 2026, joint security personnel of the Damai Cartenz Task Force arbitrarily detained five indigenous Papuans in multiple locations in Nabire City and Wanggar District, Nabire Regency, Central Papua province. The arrests were reportedly carried out without warrants, without explanation of legal grounds, and in at least one case accompanied by physical violence, raising serious concerns regarding violations of the right to liberty and security of person as well as torture.
The first reported detention occurred at around 2:00 pm in Wanggar District, in front of a shop near the entrance to the Nabire Airport. Mr Peniel Weya and Mr Kris Mirip were on their way home after working in their gardens. They wanted to purchase drinking water as security forces apprehended and immediately took them into custody without explanation.
At approximately 4:00 pm, two further arrests were reported in Kampung Pepaya. Mr Yosua Waker and Mr Lakius Waker were allegedly stopped by officers arriving in vehicles while travelling from their homes towards Nabire City. Witnesses stated that the police officers detained both men on the spot and transported them to the police station.
Later the same evening, at around 8:00 pm, joint security personnel reportedly detained Mr Desen Agimbau, 29, (see photo on top, source: independent HRD) in the Bumi Wonorejo area of Nabire City. Reports indicate that Mr Agimbau was subjected to beatings during the arrest before allegedly being taken to the military headquarters in Nabire. He was later broughjt to the Nabire District police hgeadquarters in Nabire and released on 15 March’26 at 9:30 pm without charges.
At the time of reporting, no official statements have been issued by the Cartenz Peace Task Force or other authorities regarding the reasons for the detentions, the legal status, or the whereabouts of the five detainees. The Nabire Police Chief reportedly stated that he had not received information about the arrests, indicating possible lack of transparency or coordination among security institutions.
Residents in Nabire City have further reported intensive armed patrols conducted since 1 March 2026, involving military vehicles and fully armed personnel entering residential neighbourhoods. Community members, including parents and local leaders, expressed concerns that the visible militarisation of civilian areas has caused fear and psychological distress, particularly among children and women, contributing to an atmosphere of insecurity.
Human rights analysis
The series of arbitrary detentions in Nabire Regency raise serious concerns under Indonesian domestic law and international human rights standards. Arresting civilians without presenting a warrant, informing them of the reasons for arrest, or ensuring prompt access to legal safeguards may constitute arbitrary deprivation of liberty protected under Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), ratified by Indonesia in 2006. Allegations that military personnel were involved in law-enforcement actions against civilians also raise questions regarding jurisdictional legality and civilian protection standards. The reported beating of Mr Desen Agimbau during arrest would, if substantiated, amount to ill-treatment or torture, prohibited under both Indonesian law and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT).
Detailed Case Data
Location: Nabire, Nabire Regency, Central Papua, Indonesia (-3.3722254, 135.5016253) various locations in Nabire regency
Region: Indonesia, Central Papua, Nabire
Total number of victims: 5
#
Number of Victims
Name, Details
Gender
Age
Group Affiliation
Violations
1.
1
Peniel Weya
male
adult
Indigenous Peoples
arbitrary detention
2.
1
Kris Mirip
male
adult
Indigenous Peoples
arbitrary detention
3.
1
Yosua Waker
male
adult
Indigenous Peoples
arbitrary detention
4.
1
Lakius Waker
male
adult
Indigenous Peoples
arbitrary detention
5.
1
Desen Agimbau
male
0
Indigenous Peoples
arbitrary detention, torture
Perpetrator: Indonesian Security Forces
Perpetrator details: Damai Cartenz Task Force
Issues: indigenous peoples, security force violence