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.
West Papua
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.
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.
Papuan activist Victor Yeimo found guilty of treason after Prosecutor’s appeal – longer sentence imposed
On 5 July 2023, two months after judges at the Jayapura District Court sentenced Papuan activist and human rights defender Victor Yeimo to eight months imprisonment for other charges but not for treason, a panel of judges of the Jayapura High Court in its appeal decision, stated that Mr Yeimo was proven to have committed treason and sentenced him to one year in prison.
Papua Monitor Quarterly Report Q2: The implications of security raids, activist trials, and enforced disappearances
HRM’s Papua Monitor Report for the second quarter of 2023 covers the events that happened from 1 April to 30 June 2023 regarding the conflict situation and human rights in West Papua.
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.
Police intimidate journalist while covering destruction of mangrove forest in Jayapura
The journalist Abdel Gamel Naser was allegedly intimidated by police officers while reporting on the destruction of mangrove forests in the Youtefa Bay Nature Park conservation area in Jayapura, Papua Province, on 11 July 2023
Police arrest Asom Giban at Sinakma Market without warrant
Police officers arrested Mr Asom Giban, while walking with his daughter at the Sinakma Market, Jayawijaya Regency, on 12 July 2023.
Police officers arrest ULMWP activist in Sorong
On 5 July 2023, four armed plainclothes police officers forcefully arrested Mr Viktor Makamuke, a 52-year-old ULMWP activist, and subsequently detained him at the Sorong Selatan District Police Station.
Yahukimo Police arrest six KNPB activists in Dekai without warrant
Members of the Yahukimo District police arbitrarily arrested six activists belonging to the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) in the town of Dekai on 6 July 2023.