Police arbitrarily arrest Papuan boat operator in Timika
On 20 February 2024, plain cloth police officers reportedly arrested Mr Epson Nirigi, 34, while working for the election commission at the Rafael Hotel in the town of Timika, Mimika District.
Cases
Cases of human rights violations
Security forces raid villages in Omukia and Gome – three Papuans arrested and tortured, one died
According to information received, security force members carried out a raid in the Manggume Village, Omukia District, on 4 February 2024, around 10.00 am. Mr Andinus Murib, 21, and Mr Devius Wanikbo, 19, were fixing the roof of a house when the security forces came to the villages.
Security forces raid village Yenggernok – one Papuan pastor reportedly tortured
One Papuan villager reportedly died because of the injuries he sustained due to the torture. At least three other civilians were injured after being tortured, including one pastor named Rev Eriak Waker. The torture occurred during his interrogation in the Yenggernok Village.
Military members alleged of torturing four Papuan students after finding ammunition
On 1 February 2024, four students from Hitadipa were arrested in the Sugapa District on their way back home from Nabire to participate in the upcoming election
Police prevent ULMWP Worship ceremony in Jayapura
On 7 February 2024, the police intervened to disrupt a thanksgiving service and inauguration of the working structure of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) in Jayapura City, Papua Province.
Intimidation of Papuan human rights defender in Nabire Town
On the evening of 27 January 2024, Papuan human rights defender, Mr Yones Douw observed unusual lights coming from a flying object above his house. He identified the device as a spy drone. It continued to hover over Mr Douw’s house until approximately 12:10 am.
Security forces kill two Papuans and injure indigenous women during raids in Intan Jaya – about 4,400 residents displaced
Human rights observers have expressed concerns regarding a series of armed clashes in Sugapa District, Intan Jaya Regency, from 19 to 24 January 2024, which resulted in two Papuan men killed and one Papuan woman injured by joint security forces.
Military member kills Papuan man in Namblong, Jayapura – 958 non-Papuan residents evacuated in fear of ethnic violence
A military member reportedly killed Mr Daud Bano, 35, in the Karya Bumi Besum Village, Namblong District, in the Jayapura Regency on 1 January 2024.
KNPB again faces police obstruction in the Mamberamo Tengah Regency.
On 1 December 2023, as KNPB activists were preparing banners to commemorate the “Papuan Independence Day”, the police led by the Mamberamo Tengah District Police Chief (Kapolres) arrived with complete equipment, under the command of the Deputy Chief of Police of Papua.
KNPB faces police obstruction as it prepares for its 15th-anniversary celebration
According to the information received, members and activists were busy setting up the stage in front of the KNPB Mamberamo Tengah Secretariat. Around 3:40 PM, a joint police and military force comprising TNI and POLRI, led by the district police chief of Mamberamo Tengah, arrived at the KNPB secretariat.
Death of Papuan Governor Enembe followed by civil unrest and outbreaks of ethnic tensions
The death of Papuan Governor Enembe was followed by civil unrest and outbreaks of ethnic tensions in the city of Jayapura on 28 December 2023
Maladministration results in lack of medication in Deiyai Regency
Human rights defenders have reported a lack of medication at the hospital in December 2023 due to maladministration.
Public hospital and Puskesmas in Nduga indefinitely closed
The Nduga Regional General Hospital (RSUD) and the Kenyam Health Centre (Puskesmas) have ceased operations due to the non-payment of health workers’ honorarium for five months, from July to November 2023
Timika, Papua Selatan Province, Human Rights Day 10 Dec. – Police violence and arbitrary arrests
In Timika, the West Papua National Committee (KNPB), Timika University Students, the Independent Forum of West Papua Students (FIMWP), and Papuan Voices, all members of the Solidarity Movement Against Investment …
Manokwari, Papua Barat Province, Human Rights Day 10 Dec. – Police violence and arbitrary arrests
In the town of Manokwari, a demonstration in commemoration of the Human Rights Day led to a confrontation between police and protestors in the Amban area. The police forcefully dispersed the protesters with teargas grenades and water cannons
Ternate, Maluku Utara Province, 1 Dec: Authorities prevent peaceful protest and intimidate activists
In the city of Ternate, members of the military and the police not only obstructed the planned peaceful but also carried out acts of intimidation and harassment of activists from the Papuan Student Alliance (AMP) and the Indonesian People’s Front for West Papua (FRI WP).
Makassar, Sulawesi Selatan Province, 1 Dec: Police obstruct students in front of Papuan student dormitory
About 350 police officers prevented dozens of Papuan students from conducting a peaceful rally from the Papuan student dormitory to the Mandala Monument of West Irian Liberation. The AMP and FRI WP had registered the protest following national law.
Kupang, Nusa Tenggara Timur Province, 1 Dec: Police officers watch nationalist groups beating Papuan protesters
In the city of Kupang, members of the Papuan Student Alliance (AMP), the Indonesian People’s Front for West Papua (FRI WP), and supporters gathered at 9:00 am. They began holding orations on the colonial history of West Papua.
Sorong, Papua Barat Daya Province, 1 Dec: Police officers disperse peaceful protest in Sorong with teargas
Protesters gathered on 1 December 2023 at around 10:00 am next to the Ramayana Mall in Klademak Village, Sorong City. The protest was officially registered by the Papuan Peoples Alliance (ARP). The rally was closely monitored by police officers.
Military members carry out air raid in response to TPNPB attack on mining site in Yahukimo – total of 12 civilians reportedly killed in the attacks
Security force members reportedly attacked a gold mine at the Yi River in the Seradala District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province, on 6 November 2023. One civilains was rewportedly killed, one injured during the attack.