On 12 February 2025, students from the Puncak Regency, along with an investigative team probing the murder and mutilation of Tarina Murib, attempted to hold a peaceful demonstration at the local parliament Office in Nabire, Papua Tengah Province. The protesters aimed to demand justice for Tarina Murib’s family and accountability for her killing, which allegedly involved TNI personnel from Battalion 303.
Demonstrators called for the prosecution and dismissal of those responsible and urged the withdrawal of military personnel from the Puncak Regency. Authorities thwarted the demonstration, with police officers blocking the road in front of the Puncak Student Dormitory at 8:00 am local time using armored crowd control vehicles, and police trucks (see photos on top and below, source: Suara Papua).
The suppression of peaceful demonstrations has raised serious concerns over freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest. Human rights organizations and relatives are calling for an independent investigation into both the killing of Tarina Murib and the shooting of eight other civilians on 3 March 2023. The case is only one of the various examples in which solidary groups and relatives keep demanding accountability for extra-judicial executions by the police and military.
Case background
Mrs Tarina Murib’s dismembered body was discovered near the Iloway River in the Yugumuak District, Puncak Regency, on 3 March 2023. Eight persons were injured with bullets during the same incident. The Legal Aid Institute Talenta Keadilan Papua (LBH TKP) has filed a complaint regarding the killing and mutilation of Mrs Tarina Murib to the Indonesian National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM). LBH TKP urged Komnas HAM to conduct a preliminary investigation to assess the situation and gather accurate data. Despite these efforts, the incident has not been thoroughly investigated, prompting ongoing demands for justice.
Military officials have denied the accusations against TNI personnel. On 6 March 2023, Colonel Kav Herman Taryaman, Head of Public Relations for the XVII/Cenderawasih Military Command, claimed that the shooting in Pamebut Village on 3 March resulted from an attack by TPNPB members, which also led to the death of a TNI soldier. He stated that the confrontation began when TPNPB allegedly shot a civilian and that the TNI was attempting to evacuate the victim when they were ambushed. The TPNPB has denied these allegations, claiming that the TNI was fully responsible for the shootings.
Police vehicles gathering in front of the Puncak Dormitory in Nabire, on 12 February 2025
