On 10 December 2024, a group of students from the Walter Post School of Theology (STT) in Sentani, Jayapura were arbitrarily stopped by police while they were driving to a public commemoration worship for the Human Rights Day, organised by the Papuan Council of Churches and Indigenous Pastors. Despite their attempts to negotiate and clarify their intentions, the police prohibited them from continuing their journey, citing concerns about potential disruptions due to the public assembly. The students were transported to the Jayapura District Police and detained from 8:00 am to 11:30 am before being released.
The detained group consisted of 16 students, whose identities and belongings, including mobile phones, were searched by the police. The students were released after legal aid representatives arrived at the police station. The police officers failed to provide a clear explanation for the arbitrary detention.
Jayapura Resort Police Chief, AKBP Umar Nasatekay, defended the police actions, claiming that the students were only “secured” to ensure their safety and prevent disruptions. Nasatekay emphasised his support for worship as a native Papuan but reiterated that the decision to restrict long marches was intended to avoid unforeseen issues.
Students detained at the Jayapura District Police Station in Sentani on Human Rights Day, 10 December 2024
Table of arbitrarily detained students in Sentani on 10 December 2024
Detailed Case Data
Location: Polsek Sentani
Region: Indonesia, Papua Province, Jayapura Regency, Sentani
Region: Indonesia, Papua, Jayapura Regency, Sentani
Total number of victims: 16
#
Number of Victims
Name, Details
Gender
Age
Group Affiliation
Violations
1.
1
Sadrak Lagowan, student
male
20
Indigenous Peoples
arbitrary detention
2.
1
Kenias Payage, student
male
24
Indigenous Peoples
arbitrary detention
3.
1
Wahyu Heluka, student
male
24
Indigenous Peoples
arbitrary detention
4.
1
Maikel Siep, student
male
21
Indigenous Peoples
arbitrary detention
5.
1
Beddy Mallo, student
male
17
Indigenous Peoples
arbitrary detention
6.
1
Manu Hisage, student
male
16
Indigenous Peoples
arbitrary detention
7.
1
Agus Deal, student
male
17
Indigenous Peoples
arbitrary detention
8.
1
Yanto Mirin, student
male
18
Indigenous Peoples
arbitrary detention
9.
1
Lukas Deal, student
male
19
Indigenous Peoples
arbitrary detention
10.
1
Aluri Wandik, student
male
17
Indigenous Peoples
arbitrary detention
11.
1
Tepanus Mallo, student
male
19
Indigenous Peoples
arbitrary detention
12.
1
Nasman Mallo, student
male
17
Indigenous Peoples
arbitrary detention
13.
1
Yosia Meklu, student
male
14
Indigenous Peoples
arbitrary detention
14.
1
Pilatus Lokon, student
male
23
Indigenous Peoples
arbitrary detention
15.
1
Lukas Wisal, student
male
19
Indigenous Peoples
arbitrary detention
16.
1
Temanus Deal, student
male
21
Indigenous Peoples
arbitrary detention
Perpetrator: Indonesian Police
Perpetrator details: unknown
Issues: security force violence, indigenous peoples, women and children