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 9 March 2025, two indigenous Papuans faced cultural discrimination inside the church for using customary clothes at the cathedral in Merauke
On 10 March 2025, members of the Papua Barat Regional Police (Polda Papua Barat) intimidated students at the Jayawijaya student dormitory in Manokwari
On 5 March 2025, a police officer reportedly stabbed Mr Elinus Walianggen during police detention in the town of Elelim Yalimo Regency.
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.
The Indonesian military (TNI) deployed new troops and intensified operations in the regencies Pegunungan Bintang and Puncak in January and February 2025.
On 19 October 2024, the Indonesian military (509/BY TNI), in collaboration with the Indonesian National Police launched an operation in Bilogai Village, Sugapa District, Intan Jaya Regency, Papua Tengah Province.
On 30 December 2024, a shooting occurred at a cockfighting arena in Prafi, Manokwari Regency, Papua Barat Province. A police officer’s warning shot killed a civilian named Amir Hidayat Sianturi.
A police officer with the initials EMP is suspected of raping the girls, aged 13 and 14 years after the two victims were caught stealing in Kaimana, Papua Barat Province.
On 4 March 2025, Mr Aguni Sondegau, a 25-year-old motorcycle taxi driver was arbitrarily arrested and tortured by members of the Yonif 509 military unit at the Holomama Military Post, Intan Jaya Regency, Papua Tengah Province.
On 14 February 2025, members of the Indonesian National Army (TNI) arbitrarily detained and tortured Mr Abner Karet, 23, in Sorong City, Papua Barat Daya Province.
On 12 January 2025, Mrs Kesya Irene Yola Lestaluhu, a 20-year-old woman, was found murdered in Saoka Beach, Sorong, Papua Barat Daya Province. The perpetrator, Mr Agung Suyono Ponidi, a 23-year-old member of the Indonesian Navy, confessed to stabbing the victim multiple times after engaging in sexual intercourse.
On 27 February 2025, members of the Indonesian National Army (TNI) arbitrarily arrested and tortured Mr Goliath Sani. in Mamba Village, Sugapa District, Intan Jaya Regency, Papua Tengah Province,
On 16 February 2025, police officers allegedly assaulted Mr Day Abuy, in front of the Mangga Market Police Post, Merauke City, Papua Selatan Province
The Indonesian government’s ‘Free Nutritious Food’ Project (Makanan Bergizi Gratis, MBG), spearheaded by President Prabowo Subianto, has reached West Papua. The program aims to reach 2 million pupils nationwide, with a large-scale rollout scheduled for 17 February 2025.
The armed conflict in West Papua throughout 2024 remained a driving force behind human rights violations in the Papuan provinces, characterised by reports of extrajudicial killings, disappearances and torture by security forces, particularly in the highlands. Authorities continued to restrict freedom of expression by dispersing peaceful protests.
Over 120 civil society organisations from Europe and Indonesia, including Human Rights Monitor, have called on the European Union and Indonesia to end negotiations on a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The EU-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) being developed will likely pose significant risks to environmental and human rights, particularly for indigenous peoples and other vulnerable groups in the Indonesian archipelago.
On 12 February 2025, police officers prevented Papuan students from holding a peaceful demonstration at the local parliament Office in Nabire, Papua Tengah Province.
On 8 February 2025, five Papuan students were arbitrarily arrested without an arrest warrant by plainclothes officers in Jayapura. The students were identified as Mr Frengky Anouw, Mr Nataniel Pigai, …
Arbitrary arrest and torture of five Papuan students in Jayapura Read More »
On 7 February 2025, members of the Pumako Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) special unit reportedly opened fire at a Papuan farmer, Mr Marten Anouw, in the Kapiraya District.
The Papua representative office of the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) has urged the Manokwari Municipal Police (Polresta) to arrest OU immediately, the alleged perpetrator responsible for the shooting …
Komnas HAM calls for arrest in shooting of human rights defender Yan Christian Warinussy Read More »
