Police officers arbitrarily detain Papuan man in Nabire

On 17 July 2024, officers from the Nabire Resort Police Unit detained Mr Zakeyos Dendegau, 26, at Karang Tumaritis Market in the Nabire Regency, Papua Tengah Province. The arrest was conducted without an official Arrest Warrant raising serious concerns about the legality and justification for the detention. Mr Dendegau’s name was not listed in the Wanted List (DPO), which supports concerns about arbitrary arrest.

Following Mr Dendegau’s arrest, his relatives immediately tried to ascertain his condition and the reasons for his detention. Despite multiple inquiries, the Nabire Resort Police failed to provide any evidence or clear explanation for the arrest. The family sought assistance from the Papuan Legal Aid Institute (LBH Papua) to advocate for his release and address the procedural violations. Mr Dendegau was released without charges on 19 July 2024.

The lack of transparency and due process by the Nabire Resort Police underscores the urgent need for accountability and respect for human rights in West Papua.

Detailed Case Data
Location: Karan Tumaritis Market
Region: Indonesia, Central Papua, Nabire
Total number of victims: 1

# Number of Victims Name, Details Gender Age Group Affiliation Violations
1. 1 Zakeyos Dendegau
male 26 Indigenous Peoples arbitrary detention
Period of incident: 17/07/2024 – 17/07/2024
Perpetrator: Indonesian Police

Perpetrator details: unknown

Issues: security force violence, indigenous peoples