# Suppression of peaceful protest calling for justice in the killing of Tarina Murib

**Publisher:** [Human Rights Monitor](https://humanrightsmonitor.org)
**Document ID:** HRM-CAS-015-2025
**Document Type:** Case
**Document URL:** https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/suppression-of-peaceful-protest-calling-for-justice-in-the-killing-of-tarina-murib/
**Issues:** indigenous peoples
**Publication Date:** February 14, 2025
**Tags:** Indonesia | West Papua

## Summary
On 12 February 2025, police officers prevented Papuan students from holding a peaceful demonstration at the local parliament Office in Nabire, Papua Tengah Province.

## Detailed Case Narrative
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 armoured crowd control vehicles, and police trucks (see photos on top and below, source: [Suara Papua](https://suarapapua.com/2025/02/12/aksi-demo-mahasiswa-puncak-tuntut-penembakan-tarina-murib-sempat-dihadang/)).

The [suppression of peaceful demonstrations](https://humanrightsmonitor.org/news/possible-reenactment-of-transmigration-program-triggers-west-papua-wide-protests-police-crackdown-on-protesters-in-jayapura-and-nabire/) 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](https://humanrightsmonitor.org/news/relatives-demand-justice-for-extra-judicial-execution-of-tobias-silak-in-yahukimo/) by the police and military.

### Case background
[Mrs Tarina Murib’s dismembered body was discovered near the Iloway River](https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/indonesian-security-forces-alleged-of-killing-indigenous-papuan-woman-and-injuring-eight-villagers-with-bullets-in-puncak-regency/) 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).](https://humanrightsmonitor.org/news/impunity-alleged-execution-and-mutilation-case-in-west-papua-filed-to-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
![](https://humanrightsmonitor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Police-prevent-demo_Nabire_Suara-Papua__Feb25_1.jpg)

## Incident Period & Location
- **Start Date:** February 12, 2025
- **End Date:** February 12, 2025
- **Period Type:** Single Day
- **Reference Date:** February 12, 2025 (used for chronological ordering)
- **Location:** - Kantor Bupati Nabire
- **Geographic Coordinates (WGS84):** -3.361681394741, 135.51059321668
- **Google Maps:** https://maps.google.com/?q=-3.361681394741,135.51059321668
- **Administrative Regions:**
  - **Region 1:** Indonesia (Country) > Central Papua (Province) > Nabire (Regency)

## Victims
| Count | Name | Age | Gender | Groups | Violations |
|-------|------|-----|--------|--------|------------|
| dozens | unknown, students | unknown | unknown | Indigenous Peoples | freedom of assembly |

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

- **Perpetrator Description:** unknown