# KNPB member arbitrarily detained in Timika

**Publisher:** [Human Rights Monitor](https://humanrightsmonitor.org)
**Document ID:** HRM-CAS-021-2024
**Document Type:** Case
**Document URL:** https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/knpb-member-arbitrarily-detained-in-timika/
**Issues:** security force violence | indigenous peoples
**Publication Date:** April 10, 2024
**Tags:** Indonesia | West Papua

## Summary
An arbitrary arrest occurred in Timika, Papua Selatan Province, on 14 March 2024,  joint security forces raided the house of Effesus Hisage.

## Detailed Case Narrative
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](https://humanrightsmonitor.org/news/papuan-activist-victor-yeimo-found-guilty-of-treason-after-prosecutors-appeal-longer-sentence-imposed/) and have [become victims of police violence](https://humanrightsmonitor.org/news/series-of-arrests-of-knpb-members-in-jayapura-and-yahukimo-37-activists-arrested-16-tortured/).

## Incident Period & Location
- **Start Date:** March 14, 2024
- **End Date:** March 14, 2024
- **Period Type:** Single Day
- **Reference Date:** March 14, 2024 (used for chronological ordering)
- **Location:** - Timika
- **Geographic Coordinates (WGS84):** -4.5570945449518, 136.88608058047
- **Google Maps:** https://maps.google.com/?q=-4.5570945449518,136.88608058047
- **Administrative Regions:**
  - **Region 1:** Indonesia (Country) > Central Papua (Province) > Mimika (Regency) > Mimika Baru (District)

## Victims
**Total number of victims:** 1

| Count | Name | Age | Gender | Groups | Violations |
|-------|------|-----|--------|--------|------------|
| 1 person | Effesus Hisage, KNPM member | 50 years (exact) | male | Indigenous Peoples, Activist | arbitrary detention, freedom of expression |

## Perpetrators
**Perpetrator Category Paths:**
- **Category 1:** Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces > Other Security Forces

- **Perpetrator Description:** unknown