On 4 November 2022, joint TNI-Polri security force members shot down 7-year-old Elpina Duwitau during a law enforcement operation in the village of Yokatapa, Sugapa District, Intan Jaya Regency. The security force members attempted to arrest a fugitive named Mr Luther Japugau. The police believe he is affiliated with the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPN-PB), an armed resistance group fighting for the political independence of West Papua.
The incident was confirmed by the Intan Jaya Police chief, Commissioner Afrizal Asri, and the XVII Cenderawasih military commander, Colonel Herman Taryaman, on 5 November 2022. According to officer Asri, Elpina Duwitau was hit by a bullet ricochet on the right thigh (see photo, source: independent HRDs). The security force members had opened fire because Mr Japugau resisted arrest. Elpina was admitted to a health centre in Sugapa for first aid treatment. On 5 November 2022, she was transferred to a hospital in the city of Nabire, where she received more comprehensive medical care.
Detailed Case Data
Location: Yokatapa Village
Region: Indonesia, Papua Province, Intan Jaya, Sugapa
Region: Indonesia, Central Papua, Intan Jaya, Sugapa
Total number of victims: 1
#
Number of Victims
Name, Details
Gender
Age
Group Affiliation
Violations
1.
1
Elpina Duwitau
female
7
Indigenous Peoples
ill-treatment
Perpetrator: Other Security Forces
Perpetrator details: Joint TNI-Polri Apparatus
Issues: security force violence, indigenous peoples, women and children