On 12 October 2024, soldiers arbitrarily arrested the junior high school student, Wenes Tipagau, along with his friend (identity yet to be verified) and reportedly tortured them inside the Yonif Maleo 509/BY military post in Mamba. Relatives alleged that the soldiers poured kerosene on their bodies and threatened to burn them alive if they refused to provide information about the TPNPB operations in the Intan Jaya Regency. The torture became known after the military members released the boys. However, only Wenes Tipagau returned home from detention, while his friend has been reported missing since the incident.
Photos allegedly showing the Wenes Tipagau and his friend (right) and wounds he suffered as a result of the torture (left)
Detailed Case Data
Location: Mamba
Region: Indonesia, Central Papua, Intan Jaya, Sugapa
Total number of victims: 2
#
Number of Victims
Name, Details
Gender
Age
Group Affiliation
Violations
1.
1
Wenes Tipagau, student
male
unknown
Indigenous Peoples
arbitrary detention, torture
2.
1
unknown
male
unknown
Indigenous Peoples
arbitrary detention, torture, disappearance
Perpetrator: Other Security Forces
Perpetrator details: Yonif Maleo 509/BY
Issues: security force violence, indigenous peoples