Joint security forces reportedly apprehended Mr Erner Kobogau, a 18-year-old farmer, without showing a warrant in Sugapa Town, Intan Jaya Regency, on 29 May 2026. According to the information received, military personnel bound his hands and feet, and transferred him to a TNI post in Mamba Village, Sugapa District, where he reportedly remained in military custody at the time of reporting. Family members stated that Mr Kobogau is a civilian with no involvement in the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) or other armed groups.
According to witness accounts, security force personnel conducting operations in Sugapa District allegedly held the victim at gunpoint prior to his detention. Relatives later sought information regarding his whereabouts and legal status. They emphasised that he regularly travels to Sugapa Town solely to obtain food and necessities. No evidence has been presented publicly linking the Mr Kobogau to any criminal offence.
Simultaneously, a second case of arbitrary detention reportedly occurred later in the evening at approximately 9:00 pm. Military members reportedly apprehended Mr Nopi Bagau, 23, while returning home from a traditional ceremony in Sugapa District. He was reportedly taken to a military post and interrogated for approximately four hours regarding alleged links to the TPNPB. Mr Bagau was released at around 01:00 am on 30 May 2026 after no evidence was found against him.
Human rights analysis
The reported incident raise serious concerns regarding arbitrary detention. It is deeply troubling that both arrests appeared to have been conducted by military personnel without publicly disclosed legal grounds, judicial oversight, or access to legal safeguards. The detention may violate Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which guarantees the right to liberty and security of person and prohibits arbitrary arrest or detention. The use of intimidation and the binding of the victim without demonstrated legal necessity may also contravene international standards governing the treatment of detainees.
The arrest of civilians based solely on suspicion in an armed-conflict environment further raises concerns under Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions, which requires humane treatment of persons not taking active part in hostilities, and under the fundamental principle of distinction in international humanitarian law requiring parties to distinguish between civilians and members of armed groups. The interrogation and temporary detention of Mr Bagau, who was later released without charges, underscores the risk of civilians being wrongly targeted during ongoing military operations in the Intan Jaya Regency.
Mr Erner Kobogau (left) and Mr Nopi Bagau (right) during military detention on 29 May 2026
Detailed Case Data
Document ID: HRM-CAS-073-2026
Region: Indonesia > Central Papua > Intan Jaya > Sugapa
Total number of victims: 2
#
Number of Victims
Name, Details
Gender
Age
Group Affiliation
Violations
1.
1
Erner Kobogau
diverse
18
Indigenous Peoples, Peasant
arbitrary arrest
2.
1
Nopi Bagau
diverse
23
Indigenous Peoples
arbitrary detention
Perpetrator: Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces
Perpetrator details: Damai Cartenz Task Force
Issues: indigenous peoplesRelated Cases:
Alleged arbitrary detention of civilians by Indonesian military forces in Sugapa District, Intan Jaya
Conflict escalation in Intan Jaya comes with civilian casualties and further internal displacement
Arbitrary arrest of five Intan Jaya IDPs accused of being affiliated with TPNPB in Nabire
Enforced disappearance in Intan Jaya - Yonif 509 Balawara Yudha military members accused
Extrajudicial execution of indigenous Papuan during military operation in Intan Jaya
Indigenous Papuan allegedly shot dead during military operation in Intan Jaya
Joint security forces torture minor during armed clash in Intan Jaya - other residents allegedly tortured and houses burnt
Military members allegedly kill 16-year-old Papuan in Intan Jaya