On 14 August 2024, members of the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) in the Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province, experienced acts of intimidation and unauthorised search by members of the 1715 Kodim (military district command) and Brimob (mobile brigade corps). The operation was led by Yahukimo Police Chief, Commissioner Heru Hidayanto. Six KNPB members were present at their office when the security forces arrived, resulting in a tense confrontation and forceful entry into the KNPB office.
The incident began with surveillance activities on 13 August 20214, with two vehicles monitoring the KNPB office. On August 14, the surveillance intensified. At 3:20 pm, a large contingent of security forces, comprising nine vehicles including armoured cars and patrol vehicles from various units, arrived at the KNPB office. Despite attempts by KNPB members to negotiate and clarify that no demonstrations were planned for 15 August 2024, the security forces forcibly entered the office without providing a warrant. They searched the office and took photographs of the premises. The operation concluded around 3:40 pm when the forces withdrew.
The incident raises serious concerns about respect for civil liberties, freedom of association, and the use of intimidation tactics against political activists in West Papua, Indonesia.
Security force vehicles approaching the KNPB office in the Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency, on 14 August 2024
Detailed Case Data
Location: Dekai
Region: Indonesia, Highland Papua, Yahukimo, Dekai
Total number of victims: 6
#
Number of Victims
Name, Details
Gender
Age
Group Affiliation
Violations
1.
6
unknown
unknown
unknown
Indigenous Peoples, Activist
freedom of assembly, freedom of expression, intimidation
Perpetrator: Indonesian Police
Perpetrator details: 1715 Kodim and Brimob
Issues: indigenous peoples, human rights defenders