Police detain KNPB activists distributing leaflets in Sentani Town

On 13 August 2024, an incident of arbitrary arrest and intimidation against Papuan activists occurred in the town of Sentani, Jayapura Regency, Papua Province. Members of the Jayapura District Police (Polres Jayapura) allegedly detained 50 members of the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) at the Doyo Baru Police Station. The incident illustrates the climate of repression in West Papua, which has particularly manifested in violations of civil and political rights in the region.

TThe events unfolded when KNPB activists came to the old market in Sentani to distribute leaflets. At 2:30 pm, police forces approached the activists. Following a discussion between the activists and officers, the police reportedly seized their motorcycles and forcibly brought them to the Doyo Police Station using a police truck (see photos below, source: KNPB). The detained activists were held for approximately two hours. They were released at 6:00 pm after lawyers of the Legal Aid Institute (LBH) came to the police station to provide legal support.

The incident followed earlier confrontations on 12 August 2024, where police forcibly dispersed other KNPB members distributing leaflets. Police officers reportedly used excessive force against the activists resulting in injuries, including 15-year-old Meyus Wisal, who was reportedly punched in the face and sustained a bruise on the left eyebrow. The repeated suppression of peaceful political activities has sparked outrage and calls for more protection of human rights in West Papua.

The KNPB is a Papuan movement organisation promoting the right to self-determination through a referendum. Their members have committed to non-violent protest by organising peaceful demonstrations and political discussions. In the past decade, the Indonesian police have targeted the KNPB as a subversive pro-independence organisation. KNPB members and supporters are criminalised and have repeatedly become victims of police violence.