An arbitrary arrest occurred in the town of Timika, Mimika Regency, Papua Selatan Province, on 14 March 2024, as dozens of joint security forces raided the residence of Mr. Effesus Hisage (see photo, source: KNPB). Mr Hisage, a 50-year-old farmer and activist associated with the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) in Timika, was apprehended during this operation. The arrest was conducted without a summons, as required under the Indonesian Criminal Procedures Code (KUHAP). Mr Hisage was taken to the Timika police station for interrogation and was released later that same day at 10:00 pm due to lack of evidence to support the arrest.
The events unfolded at 11:10 am when the joint TNI-POLRI forces came to Mr. Hisage’s residence with six minivans. The arrest of Mr Evesus Hisage sparks concerns over arbitrary detention, violation of due process rights, and the freedom of expression in West Papua. Political activists and human rights defenders in West Papua are facing intimidation, repressive measures by authorities, and criminalisation.
The KNPB is a Papuan movement organisation promoting the right to self-determination through a referendum. Their members have committed to non-violent protest by organising peaceful demonstrations and political discussions. In the past decade, the Indonesian police have targeted the KNPB as a subversive pro-independence organisation. KNPB members and supporters are criminalised and have become victims of police violence.
Detailed Case Data
name of the location: Timika (-4.557094544951842, 136.88608058046563)
administrative region: Indonesia, Papua Selatan Province, Mimika Regency, Timika town
total number of victims: one
period of incident: 14.03.2024
perpetrator: other security forces
perpetrator details: unknown
Issues: freedom of expression, arbitrary arrest, indigenous peoples
Sources:
Further HRM News:
| Number | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1 | Effesus Hisage, KNPM member | male | 50 | indigenous, activists | arbitrary detention, freedom of expression |
