On 4 March 2025, Mr Aguni Sondegau, a 25-year-old motorcycle taxi driver was arbitrarily detained and tortured by members of the Yonif 509 military unit at the Holomama Military Post, Intan Jaya Regency, Papua Tengah Province. The TNI members detaineded Mr Sondegau at approximately 08:00 am without a warrant.
After his apprehension, he was taken to the military post, where the soldiers interrogated and tortured him inside the post. The TNI members beat Mr Sondegau with a wooden stick at least four times on the back.
Following the news of Mr Sondegau’s arrest, residents, family members, intellectuals, and representatives from the church gathered at the TNI post and demanded his release. After negotiations with the military personnel, Aguni Sondegau was finally released (see photo on top, source: independent HRD). Upon his release, his family immediately took him to the hospital for medical treatment.
Background
Since 18 October 2024, the Indonesian military has been engaged in a counterattack against the TPNPB Kodap VIII Intan Jaya troops in Sugapa District. While there were no reported casualties on either side during the initial clashes, the situation has escalated, leading to civilian fatalities, and internal displacement.
HRM observes that violence has escalated significantly in Mamba Village, Sugapa District, amid intensifying armed conflict. Security forces, particularly the military, have increased repression against civilians, leaving residents vulnerable to arbitrary detention, torture, and unlawful executions.
Recent reports from the conflict-ridden region of Intan Jaya in the Papua Tengah province have raised serious concerns about the safety of civilians caught in the crossfire between the TNI and the TPNPB. The TNI continues to intensify its operations in Intan Jaya, leading lately to increased displacement of indigenous communities and severe human rights abuses. Military posts have been established in and near residential areas, significantly raising the risk for human rights violations to occur.
Reports also indicate that the military seized land belonging to the Moni Tribe in Intan Jaya Regency, without the consent or agreement of the indigenous community. The land, located in Silatugapa Village, is intended for the construction of a new military battalion. This move has sparked outrage among local communities and human rights organisations. The Moni Tribe, like many other indigenous groups in West Papua, relies heavily on the forest for their livelihoods and cultural practices. The military’s presence in the area severely restricts their access to vital resources and traditional lands.
Torture marks on Mr Aguni Sondegau’s back, 4 March 2025
