On 14 February 2025, members of the Indonesian National Army (TNI) arbitrarily detained and tortured Mr Abner Karet, 23, in Sorong City, Papua Barat Daya Province. The incident arose from a personal dispute between a TNI member and residents but escalated as around 40 TNI personnel arrived at the scene. Mr Abner Karet, who was not involved in the initial altercation, was allegedly detained, tortured, and later succumbed to his injuries on 16 February 2025. The case raises longstanding structural concerns over impunity, excessive use of force, and accountability within the TNI.
On 14 February 2025, a dispute between a TNI member and a resident in the Aimas District occurred at Watim Street, Aimas District. The altercation allegedly involved a TNI member’s girlfriend. Following the dispute, the TNI member reportedly contacted his comrades, causing a rapid escalation of the situation. Shortly after the call, around 40 TNI personnel from the Yonzipur 20/PPA Unit arrived at the scene on motorcycles. Amidst the tense situation, the TNI members arbitrarily detained Mr Abner Karet and later released him in a critical condition.
On 16 February 2025, in the early hours of Sunday morning, Mr Abner Karet reportedly succumbed to his injuries at the Piet Wanane General Hospital, where he was taken by his relatives for emergency treatment. In response to the incident, LBH Kaki Abu, a legal aid organization in Sorong, demanded a transparent and professional investigation to ensure accountability and determine the role of all 40 TNI members present at the scene.
On 18 February 2025, Colonel Inf Syawaludin Abuhasan, Head of Public Relations for the XVIII/Kasuari Military Command, publicly addressed the case, confirming that seven TNI personnel were under investigation by the Pomdam XVIII/Kasuari Military Police. Out of the seven, three were suspected of involvement in torture that led to Mr Abner Karet’s death. The TNI command issued a formal apology to the victim’s family, stating that there was no attempt to defend or conceal the actions of its members. Additionally, compensation of IDR 150 million was provided to the victim’s family, with IDR 10 million being a personal contribution from the Deputy Police Chief of Southwest Papua (see photo on top).
LBH Kaki Abu advocates emphasised that the payment of compensation to the victim’s relatives cannot replace the criminal legal process. Currently, the legal process against the three TNI members suspected of the abuse is ongoing, with public scrutiny remaining high. Civil society organizations continue to demand accountability, transparency, and justice in the case.
Mr Abner Karet’s body at the Piet Wanane General Hospital, 16 February 2025
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