On 7 April 2025, Indonesian security forces began gathering at various locations in Nabire since the early hours of the morning. The peaceful protest was aimed at demanding the closure of PT Freeport Indonesia and the recognition of the Papuan people’s right to self-determination. The police banned the planned long march to the regional parliament (DPRP) at short notice and then used violence against the protesters. At least nine protesters were injured as a result of police violence, and seven people were arbitrarily detained. Their personal belongings, such as mobile phones and cash, were reportedly confiscated.
The protesters gathered from 6:30 am at four locations in Nabire, namely Jepara 1, Karang Market, Karang Mulia, and Siriwini. They planned to walk to the DPRP to present their demands. Despite the submission of a notification letter the day before, the police refused to acknowledge the latter, citing formal deficiencies (no responsible person, number of participants). At around 8:15 am, the first groups set off but were forcefully stopped by joint security personnel at several locations. Eyewitnesses reported beatings, tear gas, rubber bullets, and intimidation (see photos and videos below, source: WPCC). In some locations, the police dispersed the protesters without prior negotiations, arbitrarily detained protesters, including the coordinators of the protest. At around 3:00 pm, all those detained were released. However, seized items had not been returned by the time of release.
Detailed Case Data
Location: Kantor DPRD Nabire
Region: Indonesia, Central Papua, Nabire
Total number of victims: 16
#
Number of Victims
Name, Details
Gender
Age
Group Affiliation
Violations
1.
9
unknown
unknown
unknown
Indigenous Peoples
ill-treatment, freedom of assembly
2.
7
unknown
unknown
unknown
Indigenous Peoples
arbitrary arrest, freedom of assembly
3.
dozens
unknown
unknown
unknown
Indigenous Peoples
freedom of assembly
Perpetrator: Other Security Forces
Perpetrator details: unknown
Issues: security force violence, indigenous peoples