The investigation into the Molotov bomb attack on the Jubi office has seen a setback, with new developments raising concerns about the authorities’ commitment to uncover the perpetrators. In the months following the incident, the case was handled by the Papua Regional Police (Polda Papua), but in January 2025, the investigation was transferred to the military police for further examination. On 26 February 2025, the XVII/Cenderawasih Military Command officially returned the case file to Polda Papua, as stated by Lieutenant Colonel Candra Kurniawan, the head of information for the military command. Despite initial involvement in the investigation, the Military Command claimed that they had found no evidence linking the Indonesian National Army (TNI) to the attack.
This decision has drawn criticism from journalist advocacy groups, who argue that the authorities have not been serious in addressing the case, especially given the evidence and witness testimonies suggesting a TNI connection. The fire caused significant damage to two Jubi operational cars, totalling approximately IDR 300 million (about € 16,950) in losses. Despite surveillance camera recordings (see photo on top, source: Jubi) and witness statements, including testimonies identifying the suspects as military personnel, the case has made little progress, with the investigation reportedly stalling and key witnesses disappearing.
Human rights groups, including the Coalition for the Advocacy of Justice and Safety for Journalists in Papua, criticize the handling of the case. They argue that the lack of an arrest, despite clear evidence and witness identification, reflects a lack of political will to pursue justice. They call for Polda Papua and the Military Command to take swift action in identifying and arresting the suspects, with some warning that failure to do so will result in more public protests.
Case Background
The community and Jubi journalists remain anxious for accountability, as the case has yet to yield any meaningful results in the months following the attack as impunity remains a major obstacle to addressing human rights abuses in West Papua.The combination of opaque internal investigations and lenient sentences for police and military personnel fosters a climate of impunity.
Neither military courts nor police procedures provide victim compensation. Allegations linking victims to armed independence movements are routinely amplified in national media, effectively deterring investigations and legal proceedings against perpetrators. The spread of misinformation about human rights violations shapes public discourse on military presence in the region, with military spokespersons frequently dismissing rights defenders’ claims and victims’ testimonies as hoaxes, thereby hampering accountability.
Civilian court proceedings against suspects remain exceptionally rare, as evidenced by the stark disparity between documented cases of torture, killings, and disappearances compared to actual investigations and trials. Throughout 2024, HRM recorded no prosecutions resulting in public trials of police or military-affiliated perpetrators.
Despite advocacy efforts by relatives and human rights organisations, Indonesian police and military institutions have proven largely impervious to public pressure.
