News on the human rights and conflict situation in the Indo-Pacific region.
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 Mr Dominus Wonda, a recent graduate from Cenderawasih University, in the Mulia District, Puncak Jaya Regency.
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 17 July 2024.
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.
This comprehensive 9-page document lists cases and developments including human rights violations and their patterns; escalation of armed conflict and its impact on civilians; significant political shifts in Indonesia affecting …
On 23 January 2023, Papuan journalist Victor Mambor became the target of a bomb attack at his residence. This incident, which threatened him and underscored the dangers faced by journalists in Papua, has sparked significant controversy and criticism over the handling of the investigation by law enforcement.
On 27 June 2024, a devastating fire consumed the home of Tribrata TV journalist Sempurna Pasaribu in Padang Mas Village, Karo Regency, North Sumatra. The incident, which occurred at approximately 3:30 am, resulted in the deaths of Pasaribu (47), his wife Elfrida Ginting (48), their son Sudi Investi Pasaribu (12), and their grandson Loin Situngkir (2). The fire initially raised suspicions, prompting investigations into the possible involvement of military personnel.
On 30 June 2024, military members allegedly arrested Mr Atinus Kum, a member of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), in the Intan Jaya Regency, Papua Tengah Province.
n this reflection, the characteristics of the social situation in Papua at the end of 2022 are being described. The current situation is the result of the ‘security approach strategy’ pattern that has been implemented by the Indonesian government for the past 3 ½ years.
