On 16 February 2025, around 06:30 pm, a commotion erupted on Poros Road, near the Mangga Market Police Post, Merauke City, Papua Selatan Province. The incident stemmed from the aftermath of a public celebration in Merauke, as a group of youth from Kuda Mati was returning home. Police officers allegedly assaulted Mr Day Abuy, a resident of Kuda Mati, as the group passed the police post. He sustained a bleeding injury on the head and the right knee (see video below, source: independent HRD)
The assault sparked anger among the youth and fuelled the confrontation with the officers on the road. In response to the escalating tension, the police officers dispersed the youth releasing multiple warning shots. Following the shooting, the police prevented further tensions by carrying out patrols along the Kuda Mati main road. The incident is only one out of many cases that raise concerns regarding law enforcement’s excessive use of force against indigenous Papuans.
