On 15 August 2024, police dispersed peaceful protests in the towns of Nabire, Wamena, and Sentani, as well as in Jayapura City with force. According to information received from local human rights groups, 222 protesters were arrested, and 41 injured as police forces dispersed the crowd with batons, teargas, and rubber ammunition. Many wounded protesters sustained head injuries, indicating that the officers targeted vital body areas. The protest in Nabire triggered outbreaks of occasional ethnic violence in the Bumi Wonoreja area. Acts of horizontal violence between Papuans and non-Papuans have significantly increased over the past years, resulting in a growing potential risk for the occurrence of atrocities in West Papua.
Protesters in Timika gathered at the Timika Indah at 08:30 am and started walking while making orations along the way. Police officers blocked the crowd in Emeneme at 08:48 am. KNPB negotiated with the officers for almost one hour. At 9:40 am, police officers pushed back the protesters and dispersed the crowd at Koteka Road at 10:03 am, seizing flags and banners. One police officer reportedly snatched a cell phone from one of the protesters.
The Mimika Police chief, Commissioner Komang Budiartha, justified the police action, stating “We did not permit to carry out the protest”. The statement illustrates the false understanding among many law enforcement officials, that public protests need police permission. Law No. 9/1998 on Freedom of Expression in Public only stipulates that authorities must be notified of the protest 3 x 24 hours before the commencement of the activity. Indonesian and international law stipulates that the police have the task of facilitating, protecting, and respecting the freedom of expression and the freedom to peaceful assembly and association. Indonesian law requires demonstrators to inform the police beforehand but does not require a permit.
Detailed Case Data
Location: Timika Indah (-4.545723146939051, 136.88386730321233
Region: Indonesia, Central Papua, Mimika
#
Number of Victims
Name, Details
Gender
Age
Group Affiliation
Violations
1.
dozens
unknown
unknown
unknown
Indigenous Peoples
freedom of assembly
Perpetrator: Indonesian Police
Perpetrator details: unknown
Issues: indigenous peoples