On 5 March 2025, a police officer reportedly stabbed Mr Elinus Walianggen during police detention in the town of Elelim Yalimo Regency. Mr Walianggen was stopped by the police while riding a motorcycle with his friend, Mr Roni Kepno, in the back. Both men were intoxicated. As the police officers recognised that, they detained Mr Walianggen at the Yalimo District Police Station, where he was subjected to severe beatings. An officer stabbed him in the back and side of his right hand. Mr Kepno was also punched in the face, sustaining bruises.
Relatives heard Mr Walianggen screaming in pain as they wanted to pick him up at the police station. The family immediately entered the police station discovering that Elinus Walianggen had been stabbed with a knife. After negotiations, the police officers agreed to take him to the hospital. Mar Walinaggen was brought to the Elelim Community Health Centre (Puskesmas). However, due to inadequate medical facilities, he was transferred under strict police escort to the Er Daby Hospital in Heahabak. Mr Roni Kepno received medical attention at the Puskesmas Elelim.
The victims’ relatives condemned the abuse of power and human rights violations committed by the police officers during detention. They plan to pursue legal action against the Yalimo Police Headquarters. The cases are part of a series of recent incidents in Merauke, Manokwari, and Kaimana and involving police violence.
Stab wounds on Mr Elinus Walianggen’s body after the police violence on 5 March 2025
