On 16 October 2024, in the early hours of the morning, an attack targeted the Jubi editorial office, a prominent media house in Jayapura, Papua, known for its coverage of human rights and environmental issues. Around 3:15 a.m. local time, two individuals riding a motorcycle threw Molotov cocktails into the office yard, setting ablaze two operational vehicles, a Toyota Avanza and a Toyota Calya, parked in front of the building. Fortunately, quick action by Jubi staff and residents managed to extinguish the flames, preventing further damage or casualties.
Attack details and police response
Eyewitnesses reported seeing two assailants, dressed in black pants, jackets, masks, and helmets, surveilling the area several times before the attack. Moments before the incident, they paused under a mango tree near the Jubi office, later returning to throw Molotov cocktails. Witnesses, some of whom were only 20 metres away, refrained from intervening out of fear.
Upon receiving reports, local police arrived at the scene (see image from Jubi) to secure the area and initiate an investigation. Initial statements from Heram Police Chief Inspector Bernadus Ick confirmed that Molotov cocktails were involved, but he deferred on confirming the exact composition of the incendiary devices until forensic teams could assess the materials.
Escalating demands for action and forensic insights (18-21 October 2024)
Human rights and press freedom advocates voiced frustration with the police’s handling of the incident. On 18 October, the Director of the Papua Human Rights Advocates Association (PAHAM), Gustaf Kawer, highlighted that similar attacks in recent years, including previous attempts on Jubi staff, had not resulted in arrests. Kawer called for swift action, noting that slow police responses contribute to a culture of impunity.
By 20 October, the forensic team had completed a preliminary analysis of the materials used in the Molotov cocktails. According to forensic findings on 21 October, common additives such as polystyrene were detected, which increase the combustion effect, along with soot and polymer-based substances typically accessible to the public. This forensic insight provided a clearer understanding of the materials used but did not directly identify the assailants.
Persistent issues with police responsiveness (22 October 2024)
Further into the investigation, on 22 October, advocates like Kawer reiterated that extensive CCTV coverage (see photo of two suspects below) in the area should facilitate the identification of the perpetrators. The Coalition for Justice and Safety Advocacy for Journalists expressed that surveillance footage and witness testimonies pointed to two masked individuals on a Honda Vario motorcycle. Despite this evidence, however, no arrests had been made, and the coalition called on authorities to treat the incident as an act of terrorism to expedite legal action.
Komnas HAM’s involvement began to intensify, as they started formal discussions to address the safety of Jubi journalists and hold authorities accountable. Reports submitted by the coalition emphasized the need for immediate and transparent police action.
Komnas HAM takes up the case amidst broader frustrations (29 October 2024)
On 29 October, the Journalist Safety Committee (KKJ) officially reported the case to the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), marking an escalation in advocacy efforts. The report detailed the sequence of events, stressing the danger posed by ongoing attacks on journalists and the inadequacy of police responses to past incidents. Komnas HAM Chair Atnike Nova Sigiro and Subcommission Coordinator Uli Parulian Sihombing received the complaint and assured advocates that Komnas HAM would press the Papua Police for action.
Human Rights Watch researcher Andreas Harsono noted that the lack of resolution in this case reflects longstanding challenges to press freedom in Papua. Harsono highlighted that since the 1960s, restrictions on independent journalism in Papua have made it difficult for journalists to report freely, with ongoing limitations placed on international media access. Harsono urged authorities to allow journalists, both local and international, to operate without fear of retribution, as guaranteed under Indonesian and international law.
Unresolved threats and calls for justice
The attack on Jubi’s office in Jayapura is part of a broader pattern of intimidation. Previous incidents include a 2021 bombing attempt and a January 2023 Molotov attack on the residence of Jubi editor Victor Mambor. Other cases include vehicle damage directed at journalists such as AJI Chairman Lucky Ireeuw and the July 2024 attempted shooting of rights lawyer Yan Warinussy in Manokwari. None of these cases have led to prosecutions, fostering a perception of impunity that, according to advocates, threatens press freedom and safety in Papua.
The Coalition for Justice and Safety Advocacy for Journalists and Komnas HAM now push for immediate arrests, urging the authorities to categorise the incident as a terror attack. The continued advocacy reflects a deep-seated need for transparent legal proceedings and stronger protections for journalists in Papua.
As the investigation continues, Komnas HAM and advocacy groups remain committed to ensuring accountability and transparency. Meanwhile, the Jubi staff and other journalists in Papua continue their work under precarious conditions, calling for justice and the freedom to report on issues that matter to their communities.
Images and videos of civil society demonstration in support of Jubi following the attack
