The indigenous peoples in West Papua suffer from human rights violations in the decades long lasting political and economical conflict there. West Papua refers to the western half of the New Guinea island. It is comprised of the six Indonesian provinces: Papua, Papua Barat, Papua Tengah, Papua Pegunungan, Papua Selatan, Papua Barat Daya.
On 13 August 2024, an incident of arbitrary arrest and intimidation against Papuan activists occurred in the town of Sentani, Jayapura Regency, Papua Province.
On 29 August 2024, Indonesian military arbitrarily arrested two indigenous Papuans in Sugapa District, Intan Jaya Regency, West Papua.
On 24 August 2024, a 17-year-old Papuan, Justa Kobak, was brutally beaten by members of the Mobile Police Brigade Corps (Brimob) during a night patrol in Dekai, Yahukimo Regency. The unprovoked assault occurred as Justa was walking home, leaving him severely injured and in need of urgent medical attention. He was initially treated at Dekai General Hospital but later transferred to a hospital in Jayapura for advanced care due to the severity of his injuries.
A pPolice officer shot Charles Kogoya, in front of the GIDI Church, Jerusalem, Tolikara Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province, on 21 August 2024.
Following her testimony at the 53rd session of the Permanent People’s Tribunal (PPT) in London, Papuan human rights defenders Ms Tineke Rumkabu and her family experienced a series of acts of intimidation.
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.
Protesters in Timika gathered at the Timika Indah at 08:30 am and started walking while making orations along the way. Police officers blocked the crowd in Emeneme at 08:48 am. KNPB negotiated with the officers for almost one hour.
Protesters gathered in various locations across Manokwari, from where they wanted to meet in the Makalo area. Police officers blocked the demonstration at Bukit Doa, in front of Mansinam Dormitory.
Joint security forces prevented protesters at various gathering points across Wamena. They dispersed the crowd with tear gas and rubber batons in the locations Sinakma, Woma, Hom-hom, Jibama Market, and Woken Ilekma. Fourteen KNPB supporters, including a thirteen-year-old minor, were reportedly injured.
In Jayapura city, protesters gathered in various locations in Waena, Expo, the Cenderawasih University (UNCEN), and near the circle-way in Abepura. According to the police, about 700 officers were deployed to secure the protest in various locations. They prevented groups of protesters in Waena and Expo from walking towards Abepura
he KNPB protest in Sentani was blocked by about 300 police officers and additional military personnel around 8:00 am. Sixteen protesters reportedly sustained injuries as a result of police violence.
he protest in the town of Nabire gathered at Kali Bobo, Siriwini, Karang Market, SP I, and Jepara II. Police officers from Nabire District Police were present at all gathering points to disperse the crowd with batons, teargas, and rubber ammunition. According to information published by local media, 101 protesters were reportedly detained at the yard in front of the Nabire District Police headquarters.
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.
