The police in Papua have carried out numerous arbitrary arrests in conflict areas over the past months as part of the effort to intensify operations against the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB). Four officers reportedly arrested Mr Asom Giban, while walking with his daughter at the Sinakma Market, Jayawijaya Regency, on 12 July 2023. At 12:20 pm, two patrol cars intercepted Mr Giban, four officers jumped out of the vehicle and forced him to enter their car. The daughter was left behind alone. Bystanders later safely returned the frightened child to Mr Giban’s relatives.
The reason for the arrest is unclear, as the officers did not provide a reason or show a warrant justifying the arrest. HRM has not received information regarding the release of Mr Giban or charges being pressed against him.
Detailed Case Data
name of the location: Pasar Sinakma (-4.105004777718259, 138.9316946327045)
administrative region: Indonesia, Papua Pegunungan Province, Jayawijaya Regency, Wamena District
total number of victims: one
period of incident: 12.07.2023
perpetrator: police
perpetrator details: unknown
Issues: arbitrary detention, indigenous peoples
Sources:
Further HRM News:
| Number | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1 | Asom Giban | male | unknown | indigenous | arbitrary detention |
