On 14 September 2024, members of the Indonesian National Army (TNI) arbitrarily detained two Papuans at a military post in Mamba Village, Sugapa District, in the Intan Jaya Regency, Papua Tengah Province. The victims were identified as Mr Nopianus Nabelau, a 19-year-old farmer from Soali Village, and Mr Rudi Sani, a teacher at SMAN 1 Senior High School in Sugapa. According to the information received, the TNI members used excessive force against Mr Nabelau, suspecting him of being associated with the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB).
According to reports, at approximately 9:00 am, Mr Nabelau and Mr Sani were driving by motorcycle from Sugapa Town towards Titigi Village when TNI officers stopped them at the military post (see photo on top, source: independent HRDs). The military allegedly found photos and videos published by the TPNPB on Mr Nabelau’s phone. Thereupon, the TNI officers reportedly tortured Mr Nabelau, resulting in injuries to his face and body. Mr Sani was not physically harmed during the interrogation at the military post. While Mr Sani was released the same day at 5:00 pm, Mr Nabelau remained in detention at the TNBI Post in Mamba as of 30 September 2024. The arbitrary nature of the arrest, the use of violence against Mr Nabelau, and the lack of due process raise significant human rights concerns.
Mr Nabelau’s family has demanded Mr Nabelau be transferred immediately to the police: They called for his immediate release if evidence against him is not sufficient for a criminal process. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between security forces and local populations in conflict regions, as well as the need for greater accountability and oversight of military actions against civilians.
Detailed Case Data
name of the location: Mamba (-3.7350823381080454, 136.9827571361206)
administrative region: Indonesia, Papua Tengah Province, Intan Jaya Regency, Sugapa District, Mamba Village
total number of victims: two
period of incident: 14.09.2024
perpetrator: other security forces
perpetrator details: unknown
Issues: torture, indigenous peoples, ill-treatment, arbitrary arrest
Sources:
Further HRM News:
| Number | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1 | Nopianus Nabelau, | male | 19 | indigenous | arbitrary detention, torture |
| 1 | Rudi Sani | male | unknown | indigenous | arbitrary detention |
