# Security force members shoot 7-year-old girl during law enforcement operation in Intan Jaya, Papua

**Publisher:** [Human Rights Monitor](https://humanrightsmonitor.org)
**Document ID:** HRM-CAS-094-2022
**Document Type:** Case
**Document URL:** https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/security-force-members-shoot-7-year-old-girl-during-law-enforcement-operation-in-intan-jaya-papua/
**Issues:** security force violence | indigenous peoples | women and children
**Publication Date:** December 16, 2022
**Tags:** Indonesia | West Papua

## Summary
On 4 November 2022, joint TNI-Polri security force members shot down Elpina Duwitau, 7, during a law enforcement operation in the village of Yokatapa, Sugapa District, Intan Jaya Regency. The security force members attempted to arrest a fugitive allegedly affiliated with the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPN-PB).

## Detailed Case Narrative
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.

## Incident Period & Location
- **Start Date:** November 4, 2022
- **End Date:** November 4, 2022
- **Period Type:** Single Day
- **Reference Date:** November 4, 2022 (used for chronological ordering)
- **Location:** - Yokatapa Village
- **Geographic Coordinates (WGS84):** -3.7582459882173, 137.01011922421
- **Google Maps:** https://maps.google.com/?q=-3.7582459882173,137.01011922421
- **Administrative Regions:**
  - **Region 1:** Indonesia (Country) > Papua Province (Province) > Intan Jaya (Regency) > Sugapa (District)
  - **Region 2:** Indonesia (Country) > Central Papua (Province) > Intan Jaya (Regency) > Sugapa (District)

## Victims
**Total number of victims:** 1

| Count | Name | Age | Gender | Groups | Violations |
|-------|------|-----|--------|--------|------------|
| 1 person | Elpina Duwitau | 7 years (exact) | female | Indigenous Peoples | ill-treatment |

## Perpetrators
**Perpetrator Category Paths:**
- **Category 1:** Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces > Other Security Forces

- **Perpetrator Description:** Joint TNI-Polri Apparatus