Vice-Regent beats village chief during mediation meeting in Sorong.

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The vice-regent of the Sorong Selatan Regency, Mr Alfons Sesa, reportedly ill-treated Mr Gad Gabriel Yandafli, the village chief of the Pusu Tiligum Village in the Klasafet District, Sorong Regency, on 18 October 2023. The altercation occurred during a mediation meeting between the Sorong Selatan local government and the indigenous people of the Moi Tribe concerning the demarcation of regional boundaries. According to the Papuan media platform Suara Papua, Alfons Sesa approached Mr Yandafli after arriving with his car and slapped him in the face for no apparent reason (see photo, source: Suara Papua).

While the deputy regent has apologized and promised to pay a fine, the incident highlights the need for accountability and mechanisms to prevent such abuses of power in the future. It is crucial for the state and its officials to ensure that human rights, including the right to be free from ill-treatment, are respected, especially in situations involving land disputes and indigenous communities.

The ill-treatment of Mr Yandafli by a state official is a clear violation of his right to physical integrity and dignity. Such actions not only infringe upon the individual’s human rights but also undermine the principles of fair and respectful engagement in conflict resolution processes. The incident illustrates the importance of upholding the rights of indigenous people to participate in decision-making processes related to their land and territory without fear of violence or intimidation.

Detailed Case Data
Location: Klasafet
Region: Indonesia, Southwest Papua, Sorong, Klasafet
Total number of victims: 1

# Number of Victims Name, Details Gender Age Group Affiliation Violations
1. 1 Gad Gabriel Yandafli, village chief
 male unknown Indigenous Peoples, Activist ill-treatment
Period of incident: 18/10/2023 – 18/10/2023
Perpetrator: Government

Perpetrator details: Vice-regent of the Sorong Selatan Regency Mr Alfons Sesa

Issues: security force violence, indigenous peoples, business, human rights and FPIC
Sources:
https://suarapapuacom/2023/10/18/wabup-sorsel-pukul-kepala-kampung-pusu-tiligum/ Media Info