2) Alleged destruction of property and intimidation of a Papuan Pastor amid escalating security operations in Dekai, Yahukimo Regency
3) "Pig Feast" in Sydney - A Touching Reminder of West Papua
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https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/arbitrary-detention-ill-treatment-and-internal-displacement-during-security-force-operation-in-tambrauw-regency/
1) Arbitrary detention, ill-treatment and internal displacement during security force operation in Tambrauw Regency
Between 1 March 2026, joint Indonesian military and police forces conducted raids in the districts Fef and Bamus Bama, Tambrauw Regency, South West Papua province. Security force personnel reportedly detained at least 12 villagers without warrants. Human rights defenders raised allegation of torture and ill-treatment, and documented mass displacement of villagers fleeing into forests. The arrests reportedly occurred between 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm on 18 March 2026 in several villages, including Banfot Village (Fef District), Bamus Bama Village, Bano Village and Jukbi (Jokbu) Village (Bamus Bama District). Identified detainees include Mr Tadius Yesyan, Mr Paulus Yesyan, Mr Wempi Yeblo, Mr Dominggus Yekwam, Mr Manfred Yekeam (Head of Bano Village), Mr Ayub Yekwam (Head of Banfot Village), Mr Lukas Yekwam, and five others whose identities remain unknown.
The military operation followed a violent incident on 16 March 2026 in the Jokbu Village, during which members of the West Papua National Liberation Aremy (TPNPB) reportedly killed two health workers, while two others escaped. The TPNPB claimed the health workers were found in possession of firearms, ammunition and communication equipment, alleging that the victims were intelligence agents working undercover as healthcare staff.
Between 17 and 18 March 2026, Indonesian security forces reportedly blocked the main road connecting Tambrauw Regency and Sorong Regency and conducted search and arrest operations across multiple villages. Witnesses stated that security personnel entered homes, forcibly dragged residents outside, and detained them without presenting arrest warrants or clearly identifying suspects. A video circulated locally showed several detainees with their hands bound and visible injuries, lying on the floor at the Tambrauw Police Headquarters in Fef (see video below, source: independent HRD).
The operation involved gunfire directed into or near civilian residential areas, which caused widespread panic. Many villagers including children, women, elderly persons and teenagers fled into nearby forests due to fear of further violence. Preliminary reports on 19 March 2026 indicated that additional Indonesian military forces had landed in Fef, prompting further civilian displacement and making independent verification of the situation difficult.
Human rights analysis
The reported arrests raise serious concerns regarding violations of the right to liberty and security of person, particularly where individuals were detained without clear evidence of involvement in criminal acts or armed hostilities. The binding of detainees’ hands and eyes, coupled with visible injuries, indicates a risk of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment during arrest or detention. Such practices are prohibited under the International covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCRC) and the Convention against Torture and other Inhumane and Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT).
The practice of conducting indiscriminate or “blind” arrests during security operations in conflict-affected areas contributes to patterns of collective punishment and undermines the principle of distinction between civilians and combatants, which is central to international humanitarian law. Furthermore, the reported firing into villages and resulting displacement may constitute acts of intimidation against the civilian population and could amount to violations of the right to protection from arbitrary interference with home and family life, as well as the right to freedom of movement.
The presence of intensified military deployments in populated areas without adequate civilian protection measures also increases risks of further arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, or extrajudicial violence, particularly in remote regencies such as Tambrauw where access to legal counsel, medical care and independent monitoring remains limited.
Several detainees with their hands bound and visible injuries, lying on the floor at the Tambrauw Police Headquarters in Fef, 18 March 2026
Indonesian security forces reportedly blocked the main road connecting Tambrauw Regency and Sorong Regency , 17/18 March 2026
Detailed Case Data
Location: Fef, Tambrauw Regency, Southwest Papua, Indonesia (-0.7798216, 132.3665985)
Region: Indonesia, Southwest Papua, Tambrauw, Fef
Total number of victims: 12
Location: Fef, Tambrauw Regency, Southwest Papua, Indonesia (-0.7798216, 132.3665985)
Region: Indonesia, Southwest Papua, Tambrauw, Fef
Total number of victims: 12
| # | Number of Victims | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1. | 1 | Tadius Yesyan | male | adult | arbitrary detention, torture | |
| 2. | 1 | Lukas Yekwam | male | adult | arbitrary detention, torture | |
| 3. | 1 | Paulus Yesyan | male | adult | arbitrary detention, torture | |
| 4. | 1 | Wempi Yeblo | male | adult | arbitrary detention, torture | |
| 5. | 1 | Dominggus Yekwam | male | adult | arbitrary detention, torture | |
| 6. | 5 | male | adult | Indigenous Peoples | arbitrary detention, torture | |
| 7. | 1 | Ayub Yekwam | male | adult | Indigenous Peoples | arbitrary detention, torture |
| 8. | 1 | Manfred Yekwam | male | adult | Indigenous Peoples | arbitrary detention, torture |
Perpetrator: , Indonesian Security Forces
Issues: indigenous peoples, security force violence
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2) Alleged destruction of property and intimidation of a Papuan Pastor amid escalating security operations in Dekai, Yahukimo Regency
Between 12 December 2025 and February 2026, a series of incidents of alleged shooting, vandalism, robbery, intimidation and continued harassment were reported at the home of Rev. Victor Kobak in Jalan Gunung, Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan province. Rev Kobak leads the Evanhastia congregation, belonging to the Evangelical Church in Indonesia (GIDI). The events occurred in the context of security force raids in response to the deteriorating security situation in the Yahukimo Regency. Authorities reacted with intensified military deployments, restrictions on civilian activities and a series of reported arbitrary arrests in Dekai Town. Rev Kobak reportedly suffered material losses, psychological distress and ongoing intimidation, while the wider community experienced heightened fear and insecurity linked to escalating armed conflict dynamics in the area.
Security forces came to Rev Kobak’s house, opening fire at his house, damaging parts of the property, and seizing personnel belongings. On 12 December 2025 joint security forces reportedly opened fire at the house belonging to Rev. Victor Kobak. Bullets struck walls and roof sections at both the front and rear of the building, causing structural damage and material losses. On 22 January 2026, security personnel again entered Rev Kobak’s house without showing a warrant and devastated the interior. The doors were kicked in and damaged. After the house search, personal belongings were missing. On 31 January 2026, security force personnel again came to Rev Kobak’s house, dismantling parts of the house and removing items, including his Starlink communication equipment, four sleeping bags or mats, and work-related equipment. Four doors were dismantled.
Following the circulation of video documentation of the incidents, Rev. Kobak received anonymous threatening phone calls and hostile social media posts in February 2026. The acts of intimidation included attempts to stigmatise him as a member of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) in social media posts. These actions increased fear for the safety of the Rev Kobak and his family.
Deteriorating security situation and series of arbitrary detentions in Dekai
The harassments and intimidation of Rev Kobak occurred amid a significant escalation of security operations across Yahukimo Regency in early 2026, particularly in the Dekai District. Reports indicate the establishment of additional security presence, expanded patrols and increased surveillance of civilian movement. Statements by security officials during meetings with business operators on 17 February 2026 suggested that civilians remaining in public spaces beyond designated curfew hours could be warned, detained overnight or otherwise subjected to enforcement measures. Such policies reportedly contributed to fears of arbitrary detention, racial profiling and collective stigmatisation of indigenous Papuans as potential supporters or members of armed groups.
The deteriorating situation also had humanitarian consequences. Healthcare workers at the Yahukimo Regional General Hospital and community health centres publicly stated on 20 February 2026 that they felt unsafe while performing their duties amid the presence of armed personnel near medical facilities. They demanded explicit security guarantees from both Indonesian security forces and armed Papuan groups, emphasising their neutral humanitarian role protected under International Humanitarian Law. Reports further indicated temporary closures of healthcare facilities and disruptions to essential services due to security fears, affecting civilian access to medical treatment.
Church leaders similarly expressed alarm at the militarisation of civilian spaces. On 21 February 2026, Rev. Atias Matuan, Chair of the Yahukimo Churches’ Fellowship (PGGY), urged security forces not to station personnel at hospitals, warning that their presence had traumatised patients and undermined public trust in essential services. These developments reflect a broader climate of insecurity in which civilian institutions such as churches, schools and healthcare facilities have become increasingly entangled in conflict dynamics.
Human rights analysis
The reported shooting at a civilian residence, vandalism and removal of property raise concerns regarding arbitrary interference with the home and unlawful destruction of civilian objects, particularly if conducted by state security forces without lawful basis or judicial oversight. Such conduct violates the right to privacy, family life and property, as well as abuses of authority under domestic criminal law.
The intimidation of a religious leader and the dissemination of personal identity data without consent may amount to harassment of a human rights defender and interference with freedom of religion, expression and association. In conflict-affected contexts, religious figures often play key humanitarian and mediation roles; targeting them risks undermining civilian protection mechanisms and community resilience.
More broadly, the imposition of curfews combined with threats of detention for civilians present in public spaces may engage international human rights standards relating to freedom of movement and protection from arbitrary arrest or detention. Where security operations result in the closure of hospitals or intimidation of healthcare workers, this may also violate obligations to respect and protect medical personnel and ensure access to essential services.
Under International Humanitarian Law applicable to non-international armed conflicts, parties must distinguish between civilians and combatants, respect the neutrality of medical personnel and religious institutions, and refrain from pillage or destruction of civilian property unless imperatively required by military necessity. The reported developments in Dekai suggest a shrinking humanitarian space and increasing risks to civilians not directly participating in hostilities.
On 31 January 2026, security personnel again searched Rev Kobak’s house without warrant and devastated the interior
On 12 December 2025 joint security forces reportedly opened fire at the house belonging to Rev. Victor Kobak. The bullets struck walls and the roof.
Social media post accusing Rev Kobak of affiliation with the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB)
Detailed Case Data
Location: Dekai, Yahukimo regency, Highland Papua, Indonesia (-4.8638158, 139.4837298)
Region: Indonesia, Highland Papua, Yahukimo, Dekai
Total number of victims: 1
Location: Dekai, Yahukimo regency, Highland Papua, Indonesia (-4.8638158, 139.4837298)
Region: Indonesia, Highland Papua, Yahukimo, Dekai
Total number of victims: 1
| # | Number of Victims | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1. | 1 | Victor Kobak | male | adult | Indigenous Peoples | criminalisation, intimidation |
Perpetrator: , Indonesian Security Forces
Issues: indigenous peoples, security force violence
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3) "Pig Feast" in Sydney - A Touching Reminder of West Papua
Podcast 8”15 in Bahasa
After first screening in Papua, the film “Pesta Babi” was also aired through a series of nobar and discussion events in various places, including in New Zealand and Australia (Sydney).
Published 20 March 2026 12:00pm By Dina Indrasafitri Source: SBS
The documentary "Pesta Babi", directed by journalist Dandhy Laksono and produced by journalist Victor Mambor, depicts the struggle of indigenous people in Papua to defend their ancestral lands.
Although the documentary Pesta Babi tells about Indonesia, the film was first shown in Sydney instead of Jakarta. According to Dandhy, the screening of the film this time, which is on March 13, 2026, is more of a pre-screening where feedback is still taking place.
Pig Feast sheds light on the growing concern regarding land clearings in West Papua in the interest of multiple agri-business ventures, including cane sugar plantations to be utilised for bio-ethanol fuel.
The documentary features voices of Papuan indigenous peoples who are against the projects taking place in their traditional lands and who stated that they preferred to live in a thriving natural environment with clear river waters and abundant traditional staple food.
The title Pig Feast refers to a major tradition involving multiple clans of Papua’s Muyu tribe. The survival of this tradition is highly dependent on the natural environment surrounding those clans, because in order for the feast to be held, years of preparation in which pigs belonging to different clans are allowed to roam free in the forest until it comes the time to slaughter them. Within that process respect between clans is reflected in the way that each has their own territories and pigs.
The name Pig Feast itself refers to a large traditional ceremony involving various clans within the Muyu tribe of Papua. The viability of the pig feast largely depends on the state of nature around the clans involved.
Because, in order to hold this pig feast ceremony, it takes years of preparation in which the pigs that will be cooked and eaten in the ceremony are left to roam the surrounding forest until it is time to be slaughtered. In this process is implied respect between one clan and another as each has its own territory and its own pig.
Patrick Earl is the Executive Director for the Diplomacy Training Program for the Asia Pacific Region. He said the organisation, which is affiliated with the University of New South Wales’ Law Faculty, considers the movie to be highly relevant to their advocacy for the rights of indigenous peoples.
Earle said that he personally gained new knowledge from Pig Feast, such as the link between Australia’s sugar consumption and the land clearings in Papua for cane sugar plantations.
Dian Anggreini, an Indonesian student currently studying at the University of New South Wales, said she was touched by the sincerity of Papuans' love for nature, as depicted in the documentary.
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Dina Indrasafitri
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