News on the human rights and conflict situation in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Indonesian government’s ambitious plan to create a one-million-hectare rice field in the Merauke Regency, Papua Selatan Province, is moving forward without proper consultation with indigenous communities and despite significant environmental risks.
On 10 September 2024, the Wamena District Court acquitted Melianus Baye and Benny Elopore (see photos on top and below, source: Paham Papua), two minors who had been arrested in the regency of Yahukimo, Papua Pegunungan Province, on 22 February 2024.
On 10 September 2024, relatives and supporters conducted a peaceful protest in Dekai to raise awareness about the case and demand justice
A pPolice officer shot Charles Kogoya, in front of the GIDI Church, Jerusalem, Tolikara Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province, on 21 August 2024.
he National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) has admitted to facing significant delays in investigating a torture case involving indigenous Papuan civilians in Puncak Regency, Central Papua Province.
The case of Papuan journalist Victor Mambor, who was the victim of a Molotov bomb attack in early 2023, continues to be a source of controversy and concern. Despite multiple attempts to seek justice, the perpetrators of the attack remain at large.
A video showing a police officer assaulting an evangelist during his demonstration (individual speech) in front of the Biak Numfor Resort Police Office has gone viral and has caused significant public concern and led to immediate actions by the authorities.
On 18 July 2024, the dispute over gold panning land in Kapiraya District escalated tensions between the Mee and Kamoro tribes. This dispute threatens the peaceful coexistence that has long been maintained between the two tribes.
On 20 August 2024. Tobias Silak was fatally shot by police officers in Dekai, Yahukimo, Papua while Naro Dapla was injured in the incident.
Recent findings highlight the ongoing use of treason charges to suppress peaceful activism in Papua, raising significant concerns over the infringement of fundamental human rights. A report by the Alliance for Democracy for Papua (AlDP) and Tapol, launched in Jayapura in July 2024, reveals that treason laws are frequently employed to criminalise activists advocating for Papuan rights.
On 15 August 2024, 222 protesters were arrested and 41 injured as police dispersed the crowd with batons, teargas, and rubber ammunition in West Papua.
A contentious legal dispute has emerged in the Sorong Regency, Papua Barat Daya Province, involving PT Mancaraya Agro Mandiri (MAM), a subsidiary of the Manca Group, and the Indigenous Peoples Alliance of the Archipelago (AMAN) Malamoi.
The new Papua Special Autonomy Law (Otsus II) has been challenged again through a judicial review at the Indonesian Constitutional Court on 15 July 2024.
On 20 July 2024, the Acting Mayor of Jayapura City, Mr Christian Sohilait, was reported to the South Jayapura Police for allegedly beating M., a 42-year-old bus driver, on Entrop-Polimak Road, Jayapura Selatan District, Jayapura City, Papua Province.
Mrs Lami Faan, a Papuan human rights defender from Maybrat was intimidated following her testimony at the United Nations Human Rights Council.
On the night of 16 July 2024, the Indonesian military shot dead Mr Tonda Wanimbo, head of Kalome Village in Mepogolok District, Mr Yotenus Wonda, head of Dokkome Village, and …
A video that went viral on social media shows an online taxi driver being allegedly assaulted by three members of the TNI (Tentara Nasional Indonesia, the Indonesian National Armed Forces).
Senior Papuan lawyer and director of the Manokwari Institute for Research, Assessment, and Development of Legal Aid (LP3BH Manokwari), Mr Yan Christian Warinussy was shot with an air rifle on …
Unknown perpetrator fires air rifle at Papuan human rights defender in Manokwari Read More »
A National Strategic Project (PSN) in Bintuni Bay (Teluk Bintuni Regency), Papua Barat Province, has sparked concerns about the potential violation of indigenous land rights. The project, handled by Genting Oil Kasuri Pte. Ltd, is facing criticism for lack of transparency and adherence to the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC).
Indigenous communities in Sorong Regency, Southwest Papua, are accusing PT Mancaraya Argo Mandiri (PT MAM) of illegally logging their customary forests. The company’s operational license was revoked in 2019, but it is suspected of continuing activities in the Sayosa and Maudus districts.
