2) Police officers fire rubber bullets at villagers following protest in Kaugapu Village, Mimika Regency – Seven protestors injured
3) Police officers arrest two Papuan gold panners without warrant in Yahukimo
5) Police officers allegedly intimidate activists following peaceful fundraising in Nabire
1) Military members arbitrarily detain and torture two KNPB activists in Dekai, Yahukimo
On 23 March 2026, Marine Corps (TNI AL) members arbitrarily detained Yuni Suhun, 23, and Mr Eliaton Wetapo, 31, at the marines’ post in the Kokamo Village, Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency, Highlands Papua Province. They were reportedly subjected to torture during interrogation. Both detainees are indigenous Papuans and associated with the West Papua National Committee (KNPB), a movement organisation, promoting the right to self-determination through peaceful means.
Mr Yuni Suhun and Mr Eliaton Wetapo were on the way to the river to pan for gold when they were intercepted at the marines control post in the Kokamo Village. The TNI-AL personnel detained them inside the military post. The military personnel reportedly tortured both activists during detention after finding KNPB-related video content on their mobile phones. The detainees were blindfolded and subsequently beaten on the head with bare hands and blunt objects while their hands were tied behind the back. The ties were only removed for eating.
Mr Suhun and Mr Wetapo were released on 25 March 2026 at 11:20 am after attending a ceremony in which they were coerced to kiss the Indonesian flag and pledge allegiance.
Human rights analysis
The arbitrary detention and torture both constitute serious violations of international human rights law and Indonesia’s domestic legal framework. The arrest, carried out without a warrant and in the absence of any clearly defined criminal offence, violates the right to liberty and security of person as guaranteed under Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Furthermore, the treatment inflicted upon Mr Suhun amounts to torture or, at a minimum, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment under Article 7 of the ICCPR and the Convention against Torture (CAT), to which Indonesia is a state party. The coercion to participate in a ceremony pledging allegiance to the Indonesian flag further infringes upon the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and political expression under Article 18 and Article 19 ICCPR.
The targeting of Mr Yuni Suhun and Mr Eliaton Wetapo based on their alleged association with the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) raises additional concerns regarding discrimination and repression of peaceful political activity. As described, the KNPB promotes the right to self-determination through non-violent means, which is protected under international law, including Article 1 ICCPR. The actions of the Marine Corps personnel indicate a pattern of criminalising peaceful political expression and collective identity among indigenous Papuans.
These acts may also violate provisions of Indonesia’s Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), which requires lawful arrest procedures and prohibits coercion, as well as obligations under the Indonesian Constitution to respect human dignity. Immediate, independent, and impartial investigations are required to ensure accountability. The incident is part of a broader pattern of arbitrary detentions in the Yahukimo Regency since January 2026.
Detailed Case Data
Location: Dekai, Yahukimo regency, Highland Papua, Indonesia (-4.8638158, 139.4837298)
Region: Indonesia, Highland Papua, Yahukimo, Dekai
Total number of victims: 2
| # | Number of Victims | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1. | 1 | Yuni Suhun | male | 23 | Activist, Indigenous Peoples | arbitrary detention, torture |
| 2. | 1 | Eliaton Wetapo | male | 31 | Activist, Indigenous Peoples | arbitrary detention, torture |
Perpetrator: Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL)
Issues: indigenous peoples
2) Police officers fire rubber bullets at villagers following protest in Kaugapu Village, Mimika Regency – Seven protestors injured
On 24 March 2026, Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob), members reportedly used excessive force against civilians during a community protest in Kaugapu Village, East Mimika District, Mimika Regency, Central Papua Province, resulting in seven residents sustaining gunshot wounds from rubber bullets. The incident occurred following tensions related to the poisoning of dogs belonging to the village head and longstanding grievances over unresolved customary land compensation.
On 23 March 2026, three dogs belonging to the Head of Kaugapu Village, Mr Xaverius Kapirapu, were allegedly poisoned, triggering anger among residents. In response, at approximately 07:00 am the following morning, members of the community erected a roadblock by felling a large tree across the Timika–Paomako main road, rendering it impassable until approximately 3:00 pm
The protest was not solely directed at the poisoning incident but was also driven by longstanding frustration regarding unresolved customary land disputes. Community members claim that land was appropriated during the tenure of former Mimika Regent Eltinus Omaleng without subsequent compensation to customary rights holders.
At approximately 5:15 pm, a large contingent of Brimob personnel arrived at the location. According to eyewitness accounts, security forces responded with the use of rubber bullets against the assembled villagers as tensions between the villagers and the police unfolded (see videos below, source: independent HRD). This action triggered a confrontation between the authorities and residents.
As a result, seven individuals sustained gunshot wounds. One victim required hospital treatment, while six others were treated privately at home. Later that evening, at approximately 8:00 pm, negotiations between community representatives and the village head resulted in the reopening of the road.
Human rights analysis
The reported use of excessive force against civilians raises serious concerns under international human rights law, particularly regarding the principles of necessity, proportionality, and legality in the use of force by law enforcement officials as stipulated in the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials. Even in the context of a roadblock, the deployment of rubber bullets must comply with strict standards, including the requirement that force be used only as a last resort and in a manner that minimises harm.
Brimob officers fired rubber bullets at villagers as tensions escalated in Kaugapu Village on 24 March 2026
Detailed Case Data
Location: Kaugapu, Mimika Timur, Mimika Regency, Central Papua, Indonesia (-4.6451342, 136.8010727)
Region: Indonesia, Central Papua, Mimika, East Mimika
Total number of victims: 7
| # | Number of Victims | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1. | 1 | Hengky Kapirapu | male | 28 | Indigenous Peoples | ill-treatment |
| 2. | 1 | Alo | male | adult | Indigenous Peoples | ill-treatment |
| 3. | 1 | Bartolomius Kapirapu | male | adult | Indigenous Peoples | ill-treatment |
| 4. | 1 | Linus Kanareyau | male | adult | Indigenous Peoples | ill-treatment |
| 5. | 1 | Samuel Yemaromo | male | adult | Indigenous Peoples | ill-treatment |
| 6. | 1 | Yosopina Mupiyu | female | adult | Indigenous Peoples | ill-treatment |
| 7. | 1 | Falen Kaorapeya | male | adult | Indigenous Peoples | ill-treatment |
Perpetrator: , Mobile Brigades (BRIMOB)
Issues: indigenous peoples, security force violence
3) Police officers arrest two Papuan gold panners without warrant in Yahukimo
Members of the “Damai Cartens” police task force arbitrarily detained Mr Yominus Sekenil, 35, and Mr Eliaton Wetapo, 31, near the Nami River gold panning site in Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Highlands Province, on 22 March 2026. Security forces reportedly apprehended the two Papuan men without a warrant. The arrests appeared to be based on outer appearance and digital content found on the victims’ mobile phones. Both individuals remain in detention at the Yahukimo District Police headquarters (Polres Yahukimo) as of 10 April 2026, without clear legal grounds and access to legal counsel.
The circumstances of the arrests raise serious concerns under international human rights law. The failure to present an arrest warrant and the absence of clearly defined legal grounds both indicate arbitrary arrest. The reliance on subjective indicators, such as personal accessories and unspecified digital content, further indicates a lack of lawful basis, raising concerns regarding discriminatory or politically motivated profiling. The authorities’ failure to immediately disclose the victims’ whereabouts or ensure access to legal representation contravenes fundamental fair trial guarantees and due process rights. The lack of transparency surrounding their detention conditions and legal status is particularly concerning given the documented patterns of abuse in similar cases in the Dekai District.
Detailed Case Data
Location: 4J38+JV, Kokamu, Dekai, Yahukimo regency, Highland Papua, Indonesia (-4.8958868, 139.6171251)Bravo 3, Nami River, Dekai DIstrict
Region: Indonesia, Highland Papua, Yahukimo, Dekai
Total number of victims: 2
| # | Number of Victims | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1. | 1 | Yominus Sekenil | male | 35 | Indigenous Peoples | arbitrary arrest |
| 2. | 1 | Eliaton Wetapo | male | 31 | Indigenous Peoples | arbitrary arrest |
Perpetrator: Indonesian Police
Perpetrator details: Damai Cartenz Police Task Force
Issues: indigenous peoplesPapuan Journalist Mr Mis Murib, affiliated with the Nadi Papua Media, was reportedly subjected to intimidation following the publication of an investigative report on illegal gold mining activities in the Siriwo upstream area, Nabire Regency. The intimidation included direct messages from individuals suspected to be police officers, culminating in a message sent by Nabire Police Chief AKBP Samuel Dominggus Tatiratu summoning the journalist to provide formal clarification. The incident constitutes a potential violation of press freedom and protection guarantees for journalists.
According to the information received, Mr Mis Murib received a series of messages exerting pressure shortly after publishing an investigative article on 16 February 2026, alleging that illegal gold mining operations at kilometre 80 of the Trans-Papua road were purportedly authorised by local police. The situation escalated on 17 February 2026, when the Nabire Police Chief addressed the journalist directly in shared WhatsApp group with other journalists, demanding accountability and instructing Mr Murib to come to the police station for questioning. This followed earlier instances of pressure linked to previous investigative reporting. On 18 February 2026, the Police Chief publicly denied any involvement of the police in issuing mining permits and characterised the request for clarification as part of lawful procedure, later issuing an apology for any misunderstanding.
On 13 March 2026, a civil society coalition, the Forum Solidaritas Peduli Media Nadi Papua, issued a formal statement in Nabire condemning the intimidation. The forum highlighted a broader pattern of threats and pressure against journalists in Tanah Papua, including prior incidents such as an alleged threatening message received by Mis Murib from an unidentified number in November 2025. The forum also raised concerns regarding a police summons issued to Nadi Papua on 10 March 2026, warning that such actions may amount to criminalisation of journalistic work.
Human rights and legal analysis
The reported actions raise serious concerns under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and domestic legal frameworks protecting freedom of expression and media freedom. The summoning of a journalist in response to published reporting without prior recourse to established mechanisms such as the right of reply or correction, may constitute undue interference with legitimate journalistic activity. The pattern of intimidation, including direct and indirect threats, potentially violates the obligation of state authorities to ensure a safe and enabling environment for journalists.
The case also engages protections under Indonesian law, notably Law No. 40 of 1999 on the Press, which guarantees legal protection for journalists (Article 8) and establishes corrective mechanisms (Articles 1(11–12), 5(2–3)) as the appropriate response to disputed reporting. Any attempt to bypass these mechanisms through coercion or intimidation may contravene Article 18(1) of the same law.
Detailed Case Data
Location: Nabire, Nabire Regency, Central Papua, Indonesia (-3.3722254, 135.5016253)
Region: Indonesia, Central Papua, Nabire, Nabire
Total number of victims: 1
| # | Number of Victims | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1. | 1 | Mis Murib | male | adult | Journalist | freedom of expression, intimidation |
Perpetrator: , POLRES
Perpetrator details: Polres Nabire Polcie Chief, AKBP Samuel Dominggus Tatiratu
Issues: indigenous peoples5) Police officers allegedly intimidate activists following peaceful fundraising in Nabire
On 28 March 2026, officers of the Nabire Police Intelligence and Criminal Investigation Units intercepted a group of activists associated with the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) following a peaceful fundraising activity at Karang Tumaritis Market in Nabire Town. The incident, which occurred at approximately 11:30 am, involved intimidation measures, including photographing participants, erecting a roadblock, and a subsequent pursuit using riot control (Dalmas) vehicle. The KNPB is a political movement organisation peacefully advocating for the right to self-determination through a referendum. They organise peaceful mass protests and political discussions.
The KNPB members began their fundraising activity at 08:11 am in the Karang Pasar area. The activity reportedly concluded without incident at 11:20 Papua Time. As members prepared to disperse, plainclothes intelligence officers photographed participants and questioned them about the purpose of the activity. Shortly thereafter, additional officers from the Intelligence and Criminal Investigation Units established a roadblock using two vehicles and one motorbike, preventing the group from leaving freely. During a tense exchange, officers demanded that the KNPB flag be removed. The group complied with the demand in order to avoid escalation.
Following the negotiations, KNPB members began to disperse. However, two Dalmas riot control trucks pursued the activists into residential areas, creating fear of arbitrary detention among participants. No arrests were reported, yet the actions of the police are emblematic for repressive policing in West Papua, given the peaceful nature of the activity.
Human rights analysis
From a human rights perspective, the incident raises serious concerns regarding violations of the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association. The use of surveillance, coercive questioning, forced removal of political symbols, and pursuit into residential areas suggest undue interference with lawful civic activity. Even in the absence of formal arrests, such conduct may constitute intimidation and harassment, which can have a chilling effect on political participation and civil society engagement in West Papua.
The absence of a clear legal basis for the intervention further raises concerns under the principle of legality and necessity. Peaceful fundraising and political expression fall within protected democratic activities. Any restrictions should be strictly justified, proportionate, and grounded in law. The reported actions of the Nabire police appear to fall short of these standards.
KNPB fundraising activity at Karang Tumaritis Market in Nabire Town on 28 March 2026
Detailed Case Data
Location: JG94+H25, Karang Tumaritis, Pertama, Nabire Regency, Central Papua 98811, Indonesia (-3.3811125, 135.5051094)
Region: Indonesia, Central Papua, Nabire, Nabire
Total number of victims: 5
| # | Number of Victims | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1. | 5 | male | unknown | Activist | freedom of assembly, freedom of expression, intimidation |
Perpetrator: , Indonesian Police
Perpetrator details: ntelligence and Criminal Investigation Unit officers of Polres Nabire
Issues: indigenous peoples