The Indonesian Military (TNI) have arrested Neos Bahabol, a 25-year-old Papuan motorcycle taxi driver, in Yahukimo Regency, Highland Papua Province. The arrest, which took place on 9 October 2023, at a sand company mill in Dekai’s capital, occurred without any clear justification. Unlike standard procedures, the TNI made the arrest without negotiation or explanation.
Neos Bahabol has been subsequently transferred to the Yahukimo police station for investigation, raising concerns about arbitrary arrests by the TNI and its impact on the community.
This incident is part of an alarming trend of extrajudicial arrests in Dekai, Yahukimo, by the TNI, Indonesian National Police (Polri), and the Mobile Brigade (Brimob) since 2021. These arrests have created fear and uncertainty among civilians, affecting their ability to engage in essential activities like farming, hunting, and fishing.
This situation not only violates basic human rights but also erodes trust between the military and civilians in Yahukimo, necessitating immediate government action to protect citizens’ rights and safety. Transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law are crucial. Addressing this issue requires engaging with the local community to understand their concerns and establishing a more just and inclusive approach to security in Yahukimo.
Detailed Case Data
name of the location: Dekai (-4.89137665323066, 139.51670300111923)
administrative region: Indonesia, Highland Papua Province, Yahukimo Regency, Dekai Town
total number of victims: one
period of incident: 9.10.2023
perpetrator: other security forces
perpetrator details:
Issues: indigenous peoples, arbitrary arrest
Sources:
Further HRM News:
| Number | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1 | Neos Bahabol | male | 25 | indigenous | arbitrary detention |
