On 29 August 2024, members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) arbitrarily arrested two indigenous Papuans in Sugapa District, Intan Jaya Regency, Papua Tengah Province. The victims, identified as Mr Junianus Nambagani, 26, and Mr Paskalius Pogau, 21, were apprehended at approximately 9:00 am. The incident has raised concerns about potential human rights violations against civilians as a result of the deteriorating armed conflict in the region.
According to the information received, the arrests occurred when the two men passed the Maleo TNI post in Mamba Village. Mr Nambagani and Mr Pogau were detained without apparent cause or adherence to proper legal procedures. Concerned about the arbitrary nature of the arrests, family members of the victims approached the Sugapa Police Station later that day at around 10:30 am (see photo on top, source: independent HRDs) to inquire about the motives behind the detentions and to express their concerns over the lack of adherence to standard legal protocols.
