Four Papuan activists arrested in Jayapura Regency – Police press charges against two KNPB leaders
Police officers detained KNPB activsist Agus Kossay, Benny Murip, Ruben Wakla, and Ferry Yelipele in Sentani, West Papua, on 2 September 2023.
Indonesia
Greenpeace urges low-carbon development plan for preserving West Papua’s forests and Indigenous rights
Greenpeace Indonesia has called upon the Provincial Governments in West Papua to commit to a low-carbon development plan in order to preserve natural forests sustainably in the region.
Papuan students in Mataram face intimidation and racial discrimination at Mataram University
Three Papuan students reportedly faced acts of intimidation and racial discrimination during the Judicium event at the university in Mataram, Nusa Tenggara Barat Province, on 1 August 2023.
Corruption allegations against public prosecutors in Manokwari highlight shortcomings in Indonesian justice system
A case of corruption and misconduct involving prosecutors and administrative officers at the Manokwari District Attorney’s Office in the Papua Barat Province showcases persistent shortcomings in the Indonesian justice system. The incident came to light through a video that went viral on social media platforms.
Security forces alleged of arbitrarily arresting residents and burning houses in Dekai, Yahukimo
Joint security forces reportedly raided residential houses near the Kali Bonto Estuary in the district of Dekai, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province, on 21 August 2023.
Impunity: Military prosecutor demands sentence of 2 years for the killing of two indigenous Papuans in Timika
A second military trial against two of the four perpetrators of the extra-judicial execution of Mr Eden Bebari and Mr Ronny Wandik in the Mimika Regency in April 2020 is currently taking place at the Military Oditur III-13 Denpasar. The trial against the other two perpetrators ended in July 2023 with a guilty verdict and sentences of six and seven years. The defendants in the second trial, Sergeant Vicente De Oliviara and Private Bahari Muhrim, both members of the Yonif Raider 900/SBW Unit, face charges related to murder and the use of violence resulting in death.
National Team for Prevention of Torture visits West Papua
The Cooperation Team for the Prevention of Torture (KuPP) recently visited eight places of detention in West Papua, focusing on structural improvements and efforts to prevent torture.
One year after the killing and mutilation of 4 Papuans from Nduga – Sentences handed down by military tribunal more lenient than civilian court verdicts
A year after the tragic murder and mutilation of four Papuan civilians from the Nduga District in Timika. The victims’ relatives commemorated the event in prayer and released a press statement.
Joint security forces allegedly burned houses and killed three Papuans during raids in Puncak Regency
Human rights observers have expressed concerns regarding a series of security force raids in the Gome District, Puncak Regency, on 15 August 2023.
IDP Update, August 2023: Each Regency confronts a different set of challenges
On 1 August 2023, the Intan Jaya district government officially opened flights in order to return people from Intan Jaya who fled to Nabire, Paniai and Timika away from the armed conflict between the Indonesian military and the TPNPB, which has been ongoing since December 2019.
Papuan journalist’s coverage of Minister’s visit to Dogiyai blocked by police
The work of Mr Aleks Waine, a Papuan journalist who is also the coordinator of the Dogiyai Journalists Association (AWD), to cover the working visit of the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) in Dogiyai district, Central Papua Province, on 20 July 2023 was blocked by members of the Dogiyai Regional Police.
Arrests and torture of KNPB members in Sentani – 21 arrested and 16 tortured
On 12 August 2023, Police officers arrested 21 KNPB activists at the junction near Pasar Lama in the town of Sentani, Jayapura Regency, Papua Province. The arrests occurred around 10:30 AM while the KNPB activists distributed leaflets inviting participation to a peaceful demonstration on 15 August 2023.
Arrests of KNPB members in Dekai, Yahukimo – 16 arbitrarily arrested
On 14 August 2023, police officers arbitrarily arrested 16 KNPB members at Baliem Road, the BRI Bank Branch intersection in Dekai, Yahukimo Regency. The arrests took place at 11:20 AM, as they were intending to participate in a funeral.
Three Papuan students sentenced to ten months for holding peaceful free speech event in Jayapura
On 8 August 2023, the Jayapura District Court found the three students, Mr Yoseph Ernesto Matuan, Mr Devio Tekege, and Mr Ambrosius Fransiskus Elopere, guilty of treason.
Series of arrests of KNPB members in Jayapura and Yahukimo – 37 activists arrested, 16 tortured
At least 37 supporters of the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) were reportedly arrested and 16 tortured in relation to peaceful demonstrations held in the towns Sentani, Jayapura Regency, and Dekai, Yahukimo Regency, on 14 and 15 August 2023
HRM Report “Destroy them first… discuss human rights later” exposes Indonesian military attacks on indigenous villages in West Papua
Human Rights Monitor’s latest 49-page report delves deep into Indonesian forces’ systematic attacks on indigenous West Papua villages, highlighting potential crimes against humanity. Satellite imagery reveals 206 destroyed buildings and the displacement of over 2,000 indigenous Ngalum locals. With international attention urgently needed, the report questions Indonesia’s compliance with international humanitarian law.
Military member alleged of beating Papuan man to death in Timika
A military member allegedly killed twenty-six-year-old Mr Markus Kamisopa in the town of Timika, Papua Tengah Province, on 2 August 2023.
Impunity: Military tribunals in West Papua highlight fail to establish justice and accountability in Indonesia
Recent military tribunals related to the enforced disappearance and execution of indigenous Papuans in the regencies Intan Jaya and Mimika illustrate the pressing issue of accountability and impunity in West Papua. The failure to detain defendants and the leniency of sentences in cases of violence against civilians perpetuate a climate of impunity.
Five police officers torture and rob suspect in Manokwari – Case submitted to prosecutor
On the night of 8 April 2023, five police members tortured Mr Ahmad Widodo in the town of Manokwari, Papua Barat Province. The officers saw Mr Widodo riding a motorcycle without wearing a helmet.
Police shooting triggers civil unrest in Dogiyai – Three Papuans killed, six others injured with bullets
A series of alarming events unfolded in the Dogiyai Regency, Papua Tengah Province, on 13 July 2023. the incidents unveiled a disturbing pattern of unlawful shootings and outbreaks of horizontal violence.