Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Military personnel allegedly torture Papuan man following armed clash in Sory Village, Maybrat Regency

https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/military-personnel-allegedly-torture-papuan-man-following-armed-clash-in-sory-village-maybrat-regency/



Military personnel allegedly torture Papuan man following armed clash in Sory Village, Maybrat Regency

24 March 2026 / 3 minutes of reading




On 23 March 2026, military personnel allegedly tortured Mr Yusup Sorry, 32, during detention following an armed clash between the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) in the Sory Village, South Aifat District, Maybrat Regency, Southwest Papua Province. Mr Sorry is a local civilian who was not participating in the hostilities. The incident caused wider attention after a recording of the detention circulated in social media. The armed clash resulted in temporary disruption of civilian life and reports of a humanitarian emergency in the village, where people were afraid to go to their gardens. Mr Sorry was reportedly released on 23 March 2026 following public pressure and advocacy.
On 22 March 2026, an armed clash took place near a military post located in Sory village, South Aifat District. Reports indicate that the confrontation resulted in the deaths of two TNI personnel and serious injuries to another. Following the clash, security forces raided the Sory Village and arbitrarily detained Mr Yusup Sorry. Witness accounts and video footage circulating on social media (see video below, source: independent HRD) suggest that he was tied to a tree with ropes and subjected to physical and psychological intimidation during interrogation by military personnel.th video shows Mr Sorry in visible distress while being tied to a tree during interrogation. A military member beats Mr Sorry’s forehead with a wooden branch causing the branch to break. Another soldier appears to check Mr Sorry’s mobile phone while holding pliers in his hands.
During the same security operations, several other civilians were reportedly detained in connection with the armed confrontation. Some were allegedly held at Tambrauw Police Station and Sorong Regional Police Headquarters, while others were later released. Community leaders and residents of Sory village reported that ongoing military presence and gunfire created a climate of fear, preventing villagers from carrying out daily activities and limiting access to food for at least 24 hours.
On 23 March 2026, Mr Yusup Sorry was released and returned to his family at approximately 5:00 pm, following advocacy by local leaders, legal aid organisations, and public attention generated by the viral video footage.

Human rights analysis

The alleged treatment of Yusup Sorry raises serious concerns regarding arbitrary detention, torture and ill-treatment, and the protection of civilians in situations of non-international armed conflict. The detention appears to have been conducted without clear evidence of direct participation in hostilities, potentially violating safeguards under Indonesian criminal procedure law and international human rights standards enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil on political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT).
Subjecting suspects to intimidation or violence during interrogation may constitute torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, which is absolutely prohibited under the CAT and Article 7 ICCPR. The reported detention of multiple civilians in connection with the armed clash also highlights broader concerns about collective punishment, and intimidation of the civilian population.
The presence of military posts within civilian settlements in Maybrat may further expose residents to heightened risks of violence, internal displacement, and deprivation of basic necessities, undermining the state’s obligation to protect civilians and ensure access to food and security.

Military personnel tied Mr Yusup Sorry to a tree and reportedly tortured him during interrogation, on 23 March 2026

Mr Sorry during detention (left) and after being released on 23 March 2026


Detailed Case Data
Location: Sory, Aifat Selatan, Maybrat Regency, Southwest Papua, Indonesia (-1.3950223, 132.4528138) 
Region: Indonesia, Southwest Papua, Maybrat, South Aifat
Total number of victims: 1
#Number of VictimsName, DetailsGenderAgeGroup AffiliationViolations
1.1 Yusup Sorry
male32 Indigenous Peoplesarbitrary detention, torture
Period of incident: 22/03/2026 – 23/03/2026
Perpetrator: Indonesian Military (TNI)
Issues: indigenous peoples

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1) Two Soldiers Killed After TNI-OPM Shootout in Maybrat, Papua


2) Highland Papua readies 42-hectare complex for state offices  

3) The TPNPB is responsible for the deaths of two Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) soldiers in Maybra

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1) Two Soldiers Killed After TNI-OPM Shootout in Maybrat, Papua  
Reporter Novali Panji Nugroho 
March 23, 2026 | 06:35 pm


TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) has claimed responsibility for a shootout with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) at a military post in Sori Village, Maybrat Regency, Southwest Papua. The exchange of fire between OPM and TNI took place on Sunday, March 22, 2026.

TPNPB-OPM spokesperson Sebby Sambom stated that the attack resulted in casualties. He said, "Two military personnel were killed, and another person was critically injured" in a statement on Monday, March 23, 2026.


The armed criminal group also claimed to have seized weapons taken by TNI soldiers in the shootout. Sebby stated that two long-barreled firearms and various military logistics had been taken to the OPM headquarters in the Maybrat area. "The current situation following the attack on the military post has caused civilians to fear and evacuate due to the possibility of retaliatory attacks or military operations against residential areas," said Sebby.

The deaths of two TNI soldiers in the shootout with OPM in Maybrat were confirmed by the Commander of the 181/Praja Vira Tama Military Region, Brigadier General Slamet Riyadi. The two casualties were from the Navy, namely Marine Private AS and Marine Private ES.

Both casualties were evacuated to the R. Oetojo Sorong Naval Hospital. Meanwhile, one soldier who was shot, identified as Marine Corporal ES, remains in critical condition. "We express our condolences for the loss of two members of the TNI AL forces who were part of the Habema Operation Task Force while performing their duties for the country," he said in a statement quoted by Antara on Monday, March 23, 2026.

He mentioned that the TNI is now increasing security and strengthening intelligence functions following the attack on the TNI post in Maybrat. Slamet stated that TNI has mapped out areas at risk of disturbances by armed criminal groups. "The addition of troops is being planned, including strengthening intelligence. Information from the public and intelligence agencies will continue to be developed," said this one-star general.


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2) Highland Papua readies 42-hectare complex for state offices  
March 23, 2026 20:06 GMT+700

Wamena (ANTARA) - The Highland Papua provincial government reported the acquisition of 42 hectares of land in Wamena, Jayawijaya District, to build offices for essential institutions, including the regional police force.

In a statement cited here on Monday, Highland Papua Governor John Tabo confirmed that his administration had allocated a land plot for the planned police base in Wouma.

“We have prepared a site measuring about 10 hectares,” he said, noting that the government now awaits the police to commence construction.

Tabo added that his side also plans buildings for the prosecutors’ office, a court, state auditors, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), and other institutions.

The governor highlighted that the planned construction is part of efforts to strengthen governance in Highland Papua, one of four new Papuan provinces established in 2022.

Related news: Indonesia to build over 2,000 homes for tribal chief in Highland Papua

Related news: Indonesia sets 2028 deadline for Papua government centers

Related news: Papua launches Healthy Program to strengthen primary health services

Translator: Tegar Nurfitra Putra Rofian
Editor: Azis Kurmala


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A google translate
Original Bahasa link


3) The TPNPB is responsible for the deaths of two Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) soldiers in Maybrat.
March 23, 2026 in Politics, Law, and Security. Reading Time: 2 mins.
0
Author: Admin Jub - Editor: Arjuna Pademme

Jayapura, Jubi – The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) has claimed responsibility for the deaths of two Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) soldiers during a firefight in Maybrat Regency, Southwest Papua, on Sunday (March 22, 2026).
According to information gathered, the firefight occurred in Sori Village, South Aifat District, Maybrat Regency, Southwest Papua.

The incident killed Marine Private Elki Saputra, a member of Yonmar 10, Marine Private Andi Suvio, a member of Yonmar 7, and seriously injured Marine Private Eko Sutikno, a member of Yonmar 7.

The TPNPB National Commission Headquarters stated that the firefight with the TNI involved TPNPB troops from Kodap IV Sorong Raya, led by Brigadier General Denny Moos. The firefight occurred when TPNPB troops attacked a military post there.

"In addition to killing TNI soldiers, the TPNPB also seized two weapons and military supplies," said TPNPB spokesperson Sebby Sambom in a written press release on Monday (March 23, 2026).

The TPNPB National Commission Headquarters management appealed to President Prabowo Subianto and his staff, as well as the Indonesian military, to refrain from conducting military operations and to cease arbitrary arrests and shootings of civilians due to this incident.

"We are ready to take responsibility, and we appeal to the International Red Cross and international human rights organizations to assist civilians affected by the armed conflict throughout Papua," he said.

Quoted from various sources, the Commander of the 181st/Praja Vira Tama (PVT) Military Command (Korem), Brigadier General Slamet Riyadi, stated that his team already suspected the perpetrators of the attack.

"We will announce it once the information [about the perpetrators of the attack] is truly valid. We express our deepest condolences for the loss of our soldiers in the line of duty," said Slamet Riyadi, Sunday (March 22, 2026).

The Governor of Southwest Papua, Elisa Kambu, also expressed her condolences for the deaths of the two Indonesian Navy soldiers.

"On behalf of the Southwest Papua Provincial Government, I express my deepest condolences," said Elisa Kambu, Sunday (March 22, 2026).

She said this incident serves as a reminder to maintain increased vigilance and prevent similar incidents from occurring again.

"We must not allow an opportunity for an incident like this to happen again. We hope that in the future, no such actions will occur under any pretext," she said.

To date, a joint Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) team is reportedly still pursuing the attackers. The operation is focused on the Maybrat area and the route suspected to be the perpetrators' escape route. (*)

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Sunday, March 22, 2026

1) Suspected Papuan Separatist Attack Kills Two Indonesian Soldiers



2) Wenda condemns ‘cruel’ arbitrary arrests of West Papuans in Tambrauw 
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1) Suspected Papuan Separatist Attack Kills Two Indonesian Soldiers 

Rabin Marselino Yarangga   March 22, 2026 | 11:09 pm


Kumurkek, Southwest Papua. A suspected attack by the Free Papua Movement (OPM) killed two Indonesian soldiers in South Aifat district, Maybrat regency, on Sunday, a military official said.

The incident underscores ongoing security tensions in the restive region, where clashes between Indonesian forces and separatist groups have persisted for decades.

Following the incident, security forces have heightened vigilance and are planning to deploy additional troops to the area, according to Brig. Gen. Slamet Riyadi, commander of Military Command 181 in Southwest Papua.


“After this incident, we have increased alert levels, mapped vulnerable areas, and tightened field surveillance,” Slamet said. “Additional troop deployments are being planned, along with strengthened intelligence operations.”

Identities of the slain soldiers were not disclosed.

In a separate statement, OPM spokesperson Sebby Sambom claimed responsibility for the attack.

“We also seized two firearms and military logistics,” Sebby said.

According to the group, the attack was carried out by armed fighters led by Denny Moos while Indonesian troops were conducting a routine patrol. The spokesperson also called on security forces to halt military operations in Papua and urged them not to intimidate civilians.


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2) Wenda condemns ‘cruel’ arbitrary arrests of West Papuans in Tambrauw 
By APR editor - March 21, 2026

Asia Pacific Report

An exiled leader of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) has condemned Indonesia’s “cruel and humiliating” arbitrary arrest of 12 West Papuan local farmers in Tambrauw Regency this week and has demanded their release.

According to Human Rights Monitor, the arrests took place on March 18, after Indonesia conducted military operations in the Fef and Bamus Bama districts.

People were dragged out of their homes, tortured, and detained without any warrants or explanation.

“This is how Indonesia treats West Papuans, as less than human,” said ULMWP interim president Benny Wenda in a statement.

“The 12 men arrested in Tambrauw have been labelled TPNPB [West Papua National Liberation Army] and stigmatised as terrorists and criminals by the Indonesian colonisers.

“But who is the real terrorist? These men are the customary landowners, simply defending their forest, their homes, from the military who come to destroy everything.”


Wenda said the Indigenous people had been living there for thousands of years — “long before Indonesia invaded and stole our sovereignty.”

He added: “They didn’t go to Jakarta; Indonesia came to them with bombs and guns.”

Indonesia ‘stolen our resources’
Wenda asked who was the real criminal.

“The people of Tambrauw have been tending their gardens in peace for generations. It is Indonesia who has come and stolen our resources, torn down our forest to plant rice and sugar so people in Jakarta can eat.

“There is no real development in West Papua, only business for Indonesia.”

Wenda said that when he looked at the pictures of the arrested Papuans with their hands tied, forced face down on a police station floor, he saw his own people.

“They represent all West Papuans — humiliated and degraded in their own land.”

Wenda said Indonesia could never defeat the Papuan spirit.

“You can arrest us, torture us, kill us, but the spirit of freedom lives on in every West Papuan,” he said.

Experienced trauma
“Whether they are in the bush, the city, in exile, or even working in the Indonesian government, every West Papuan has experienced trauma at the hands of the Indonesian military and police.

“Every single one of us has an uncle who has been killed, a mother who has been raped, or a brother who has been tortured in police custody.

“We all long for merdeka [freedom]. That is why Indonesia has deployed over 80,000 security forces to terrorise our land — because they are terrified of our desire for freedom.”

As well as demanding that the 12 Papuans be released, Wenda said Indonesia must also finally allow foreign journalists to report on West Papua and immediately facilitate a visit to West Papua by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Such a visit has been promised since 2018, and demanded by 113 countries, including all member states of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), and the European Commission.


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Friday, March 20, 2026

1) Arbitrary detention of two Papuan youth during raid in Duram District, Yahukimo Regency

 


2) Arbitrary detention of student in Nami village, Seradala District




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1) Arbitrary detention of two Papuan youth during raid in Duram District, Yahukimo Regency

20 March 2026 / 2 minutes of reading
On 2 March 2026 at approximately 11:00 pm, joint security force personnel conducted a search operation in the Telkomsel housing complex in Duram District, Yahukimo Regency, Highlands Papua province. During the operation, officers arbitrarily detained 15-year-old Setir Wed and Mr Dinis Wed, 21, while they were escaping from the security operation. Both youth are residents of Duram District. After several hours of detention, they were released on 3 March 2026, in the afternoon.
According to the information received, the joint security operation was triggered by a report alleging that members of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) were storing weapons and residing in a house within the Telkomsel housing complex. Security personnel reportedly arrived at the suspected location and fired three warning shots, creating panic in the surrounding residential area. Hearing the shots, Setir Wed and Mr Dinis Wed fled into nearby forested areas, reportedly out of fear. Security forces subsequently pursued and apprehended them.
The two detainees were taken into custody for questioning. Both detainees were eventually released on 3 March 2026 at 3:50 pm. No formal charges were reportedly filed, and there was no publicly disclosed evidence linking the two civilians to armed group activities or possession of weapons.

Human rights analysis

From a human rights perspective, the incident raises serious concerns regarding arbitrary detention forbidden under Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICRC) on the right to liberty and security of person, and the protection of minors during law-enforcement activities. The firing of warning shots at night in a populated settlement may constitute disproportionate use of force, particularly where no imminent threat was clearly identified. The detention of persons based solely on proximity to a suspected location, without individualized suspicion or evidence, appears inconsistent with due process guarantees under domestic and international law.
The detention of Setir Wed, a minor, also engages heightened protection standards as enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Security forces are required to treat minors in conflict-affected areas in accordance with child protection norms, including safeguards against arbitrary deprivation of liberty and exposure to violence or intimidation.
Detailed Case Data
Location: Duram, Yahukimo regency, Highland Papua, Indonesia (-4.511476, 139.5483671) 
Region: Indonesia, Highland Papua, Yahukimo, Duram
Total number of victims: 2
#Number of VictimsName, DetailsGenderAgeGroup AffiliationViolations
1.1 Setir Wed
male15 Indigenous Peoples, Studentarbitrary detention
2.1 Dinis Wed
male21 Indigenous Peoplesarbitrary detention
Period of incident: 02/03/2026 – 02/03/2026
Perpetrator: Indonesian Security Forces
Issues: indigenous peoples, women and children
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https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/arbitrary-detention-of-student-in-nami-village-seradala-district/


2) Arbitrary detention of student in Nami village, Seradala District

20 March 2026 / 2 minutes of reading
On 17 March 2026 at approximately 10:00 am, joint security forces belonging to the Damai Cartenz Task Force arbitrarily detained 21-year-old Neri Balingga, a student at Cenderawasih University, on the Yahukimo–Pengunungan Bintang connecting road in the Nami village, Seradala District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Highlands Province. He was subsequently detained at the Yahukimo Police Station and released on 18 March 2026 at 10:30 am local time following pressure from family members, community leaders, and local youths.
According to information received, Mr Neri Balingga and several companions had departed on a pick-up truck intending to travel to a gold panning site in the Korowai area. During their journey, joint security personnel conducted a roadblock, stopping vehicles and inspecting passengers’ belongings. Authorities confiscated various personal items including machetes, jewellery, and all mobile phones. During the inspection of Balingga’s phone, officers reportedly discovered an image related to the TPNPB that had been saved from Facebook. Thereupon, Marines officers forcibly detained Mr Balingga for further interrogation at Yahukimo Police Station. Following the incident, community members mobilised to demand his release. He was released from custody the following morning after police officers could not find evidence for involvement with the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB).

Human rights analysis

The arbitrary detention of Mr Neri Balingga raises serious concerns regarding arbitrary deprivation of liberty and discriminatory security practices in conflict-affected areas of the Papuan provinces. The confiscation of personal belongings and detention based solely on possession of symbolic items or digital content without credible evidence of criminal conduct suggests failure to meet minimum legal standards governing arrest, search, and detention procedures. Such practices contribute to a climate of fear among indigenous communities and may further restrict freedom of movement, expression, and access to livelihood activities.
Detailed Case Data
Location: Seradala, Yahukimo regency, Highland Papua, Indonesia (-5.0222492, 139.9274723)Nami Village
Region: Indonesia, Highland Papua, Yahukimo, Seradala
Total number of victims: 1
#Number of VictimsName, DetailsGenderAgeGroup AffiliationViolations
1.1 Neri Balingga
diverse21 Indigenous Peoples, Studentarbitrary detention
Period of incident: 17/03/2026 – 17/03/2026
Perpetrator: Indonesian Security Forces
Perpetrator details: Damai Cartenz Task force mambers
Issues: indigenous peoples

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Thursday, March 19, 2026

1) Arbitrary detention, ill-treatment and internal displacement during security force operation in Tambrauw Regency

 


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

19 March 2026 / 3 minutes of reading
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
#Number of VictimsName, DetailsGenderAgeGroup AffiliationViolations
1.1 Tadius Yesyan
maleadult arbitrary detention, torture
2.1 Lukas Yekwam
maleadult arbitrary detention, torture
3.1 Paulus Yesyan
maleadult arbitrary detention, torture
4.1 Wempi Yeblo
maleadult arbitrary detention, torture
5.1 Dominggus Yekwam
maleadult arbitrary detention, torture
6.5 
maleadult Indigenous Peoplesarbitrary detention, torture
7.1 Ayub Yekwam
maleadult Indigenous Peoplesarbitrary detention, torture
8.1 Manfred Yekwam
maleadult Indigenous Peoplesarbitrary detention, torture
Period of incident: 18/03/2026 – 18/03/2026
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

19 March 2026 / 5 minutes of reading
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
#Number of VictimsName, DetailsGenderAgeGroup AffiliationViolations
1.1 Victor Kobak
maleadult Indigenous Peoplescriminalisation, intimidation
Period of incident: 12/12/2025 – 11/03/2026
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.
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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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