# Military members arbitrarily detain two Papuans in Titigi, Intan Jaya – One suspect tortured

**Publisher:** [Human Rights Monitor](https://humanrightsmonitor.org)
**Document ID:** HRM-CAS-072-2024
**Document Type:** Case
**Document URL:** https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/military-members-arbitrarily-detain-two-papuans-in-titigi-intan-jaya-one-suspect-tortured/
**Issues:** security force violence | indigenous peoples
**Publication Date:** September 26, 2024
**Tags:** Indonesia | West Papua

## Summary
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.

## Detailed Case Narrative
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.

## Incident Period & Location
- **Start Date:** September 14, 2024
- **End Date:** September 14, 2024
- **Period Type:** Single Day
- **Reference Date:** September 14, 2024 (used for chronological ordering)
- **Location:** - Mamba
- **Geographic Coordinates (WGS84):** -3.735082338108, 136.98275713612
- **Google Maps:** https://maps.google.com/?q=-3.735082338108,136.98275713612
- **Administrative Regions:**
  - **Region 1:** Indonesia (Country) > Central Papua (Province) > Intan Jaya (Regency) > Sugapa (District)

## Victims
**Total number of victims:** 2

| Count | Name | Age | Gender | Groups | Violations |
|-------|------|-----|--------|--------|------------|
| 1 person | Nopianus Nabelau, | 19 years (exact) | male | Indigenous Peoples | arbitrary detention, torture |
| 1 person | Rudi Sani | unknown | male | Indigenous Peoples | arbitrary detention |

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

- **Perpetrator Description:** unknown