Joint security forces torture minor during armed clash in Intan Jaya – other residents allegedly tortured and houses burnt

Fifteen-year-old Mekelon Sondegau was allegedly beaten and tortured by Indonesian joint security forces during an armed clash between the Indonesian military and police and the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) in the Bajemba Village, Sugapa District, Intan Jaya Regency, on 1 November 2023.

Another Papuan man, Mr Alex Sondegau, was allegedly shot. There were no casualties among combatants during the clash. However, the Indonesian military burnt at least 4 houses (reports mention 4, 5, and 6 houses), tortured residents, and killed livestock in Bajemba.

Reports mention that three people, namely Mr Damianus Sondegau, Mrs Nopeliana Bagubau, and Mr Martinus Sondegau were arrested and taken to the police mobile brigade (Brimob) headquarters in Sugapa. 

Detailed Case Data
Location: Sugapa
Region: Indonesia, Central Papua, Intan Jaya, Sugapa
Total number of victims: 5

# Number of Victims Name, Details Gender Age Group Affiliation Violations
1. 1 Mekelon Sondegau
male 15 Indigenous Peoples torture
2. 1 Alex Sondegau
male unknown Indigenous Peoples ill-treatment
3. 1 Damianus Sondegau
male unknown Indigenous Peoples arbitrary detention
4. 1 Nopeliana Bagubau
female unknown Indigenous Peoples arbitrary detention
5. 1 Martinus Sondegau
male unknown Indigenous Peoples arbitrary detention
Period of incident: 01/11/2023 – 01/11/2023
Perpetrator: Other Security Forces

Perpetrator details: unknown

Issues: security force violence, indigenous peoples, women and children