2) Human rights defenders in West Papua under surveillance: Security force members again intimidate activist Tineke Rumkabu
3) Excessive force in Mappi Regency results in execution of Papuan student and torture of two others
4) Komnas HAM condemns the use of public facilities by Indonesian military in West Papua
5) Police arrest two minors in Dekai without a warrant
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1) The return of militarism
We have reasons to worry about expanding the roles of the military beyond its domain as defender of the nation against external threats. Editorial board (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, February 13, 2025
Cabinet retreat cartoon (JP/T. Sutanto)
P resident Prabowo Subianto has once again displayed his penchant for military figures filling strategic posts within his government with the recent appointment of Maj. Gen. Novi Helmy Prasetya as the new president director of the State Logistics Agency (Bulog). State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Minister Erick Thohir gave no compelling reasons for the choice of an active military officer for the civilian post other than a vague reference to the “revitalization of Bulog management” and the “changing perspectives” of the agency. But further stoking confusion, the Indonesian Military (TNI) announced on Monday that Novi had been promoted on Jan. 31 to the three-star job of commanding general of the TNI Academy, in a decree that was signed over a week before he was named the new Bulog chief. TNI spokesperson Maj. Gen. Hariyanto said on Tuesday that Novi’s appointment as Bulog chief was part of a “deal for a strategic partnership in food security between the agency and the military” and because “the SOEs Ministry sees Novi as having a chain of command that can support the delivery of food security programs”. Whatever the reasons behind Novi’s assignment to Bulog, the appointment is legally flawed and sends yet another message of the return of the TNI’s dual function, just like during the New Order, at the expense of civilian supremacy. The New Order regime was marked by significant economic growth, but also widespread human rights abuses and suppression of political freedoms.
The prevailing 2004 TNI Law says that military officers may only occupy civilian positions after they have been discharged from duty. Under this law, those who remain in active service can be seconded to certain positions in seven state institutions overseeing defense, security or intelligence and to the Search and Rescue Agency, the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) or the Supreme Court, which manages military courts.
We recall during the COVID-19 pandemic the government resorted to military deployment to assist with contact tracing efforts and health protocol enforcement or to run emergency hospitals for treating COVID patients. But that was in line with the law, which outlines 14 types of operations other than war that justify TNI participation, such as disasters and humanitarian missions. Prabowo, a former Army general himself, might want Bulog to adopt military-like discipline and focus and a clear chain of command while playing a leading role in food security. Novi is not the first man in uniform to lead Bulog, anyway, as police general Budi Waseso once led the agency in 2018-2023. Indeed, Prabowo’s presidency has seen a growing presence of the military in the government. Many of his picks for ministerial, deputy ministerial and state agency head posts are people with a military background.
He even brought members of his bloated cabinet to a military-like bootcamp at the beginning of his presidency as his way of instilling discipline. Later this month the same military-style retreat will be organized for new governors, mayors, regents and their deputies. Ironically, the public has faith in the TNI, as seen in various opinion polls that consistently rank the military as the most trusted national institution. From having the military running much of his flagship free meals program for schoolchildren to ordering the TNI to form 100 special battalions that will be assigned to farming, fisheries and animal husbandry, Prabowo’s government personifies the return of the military to civilian affairs. He might see the military style of government as more helpful to cut through the sclerotic bureaucracy in order to get things done, but we have reasons to worry about expanding the roles of the military beyond its domain as defender of the nation against external threats. It is hard to hold the military accountable given its lack of transparency and its culture of impunity, particularly when it comes to violence committed by soldiers against civilians.
We cannot dismiss concerns that the TNI's increasing involvement in civilian affairs may pave the way for a potential return to authoritarian rule.
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2) Human rights defenders in West Papua under surveillance: Security force members again intimidate activist Tineke Rumkabu
On 26 January 2025, human rights activist Mrs. Tineke Rumkabu attended a worship service at the GIDI Church outpost in Biak, Papua, Indonesia. After the service, around 12:20 pm while she and other church members gathered in the compound, joint security force members arrived and began questioning Mrs Rumkabu about alleged activities related to the Free Papua movement. They presented a photo allegedly showing a meeting in support of political independence. Mrs. Rumkabu firmly denied such activities, asserting that the gathering was solely for worship and fellowship.
Later that afternoon, around 3:00 pm, the officers returned to Mrs. Rumkabu’s house in full military gear, with some in civilian clothes (see ohoto on top, source: indpendent HRD). Mrs Rumkabu perceived the unannounced visit without providing a clear reason or official warrant as an act of intimidation. The arbitrary actions of the security forces raised concerns about violations of human rights, particularly the right to safety and freedom from harassment. Their presence in both a place of worship and a private residence caused distress and disrupted the sense of security for Mrs. Tineke and her community.
This is not the first time that security force members have tried to intimidate Mrs Tineke Rumkabu. She faced intimidation and surveillance by security force members in July 2023, after speaking at the 53rd session of the Permanent People’s Tribunal (PPT) in London via Zoom. During this session, she testified about state violence in West Papua during the New Order period and the situation of internally displaced people. Following her testimony, she and her family experienced a series of acts of intimidation. Ms Rumkabu understood the repeated visits by police officers as an attempt to prevent her from advocating for justice and human rights.
The incident highlights the ongoing human rights challenges in West Papua, where activists continue to face intimidation and physical assault. The arbitrary actions of state forces underscore the need for legal protection for human rights defenders in Indonesia.
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3) Excessive force in Mappi Regency results in execution of Papuan student and torture of two others
On 29 January 2025, a student named Herlis Pakaimu died after reportedly being tortured and shot by military members in the town of Kepi, Mappi Regency, Papua Selatan Province. Two other Papuans, Mr Steven Agawemu and Mr Santos Agawemu, were allegedly tortured by the same military personnel. The Indonesian military (TNI) has denied these allegations, claiming instead that the victims were accidentally shot after attempting to snatch the weapons from the TNI soldiers.
The extra-judicial execution occurred at the Kepi Port, from where Herlis Pakaimu wanted to go to the Muin Village with a small speed boat. As he left the port, the engine failed, forcing him to drag the boat to the side of the river and fix the engine. Around 3:30 pm, a speed boat carrying five uniformed TNI soldiers reportedly approached the boat. Without issuing any warnings or inquiries, one of the soldiers struck Herlis Pakaimu with a wooden beam, causing him to fall into the water. An eyewitness recounted that the soldiers retrieved Herlis from the river while one soldier shot him at close range with a firearm.After loading the Herlis Pakaimu onto the boat, the soldiers reportedly continued to beat and kick him before bringing him to Kepi Town. The witness later informed Herlis Pkaaimu’s family, who retrieved the body the following morning for burial.
Related Events at Kepi Port
Before the unlawful execution of Herlis Pakaimu, an altercation occurred at Kepi Port around 3:00 pm. A resident was reportedly beaten by a TNI soldier while drinking alcohol with friends at the harbor. The confrontation escalated when the group retaliated, leading to shots being fired by the soldier. Following this incident, a group of suspected soldiers returned to the port, searching for those involved in the brawl. The military members subsequently arrested Mr Steven Agawemu and Mr Santos Agawemu despite their lack of involvement in the altercation. Witnesses reported that military members collectively bet both men at the port before taking them to a military post, where their family members later secured their release and sought medical assistance.
Victim Demands and Military Response
The victims’ relatives and residents demand accountability for the killing and the abuse of Steven and Santos Agawemu. They have called for an independent investigation into this matter. Community members in Mappi remain concerned as the incident occurred in the context of the ongoing militarization of the region and the reoccurrence of cases involving excessive force against civilians.
In response, Lieutenant Colonel Ahmad Ali Akbar, Military District Commander of 1704/Mappi, denied any wrongdoing by TNI personnel, asserting that the incident stemmed from an attempt to control a security disturbance caused by intoxicated youths. He claimed that soldiers were attacked with machetes and other weapons, leading to defensive measures, including the use of firearms. According to Lieutenant Akbar, the shooting was accidental and occurred while victims attempted to seize weapons from soldiers. The TNI also stated that they assisted with the funeral arrangements and that the situation in the community has since returned to normal.
Victim of extra-judicial execution, Herlis Pakaimu……..
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4) Komnas HAM condemns the use of public facilities by Indonesian military in West Papua
Komnas HAM has condemned the use of public facilities such as schools, district offices, and churches as security posts by the Indonesian military (TNI) and police in West Papua, stating that it constitutes a human rights violation. In the Maybrat Regency in the Papua Barat Daya Province, and the Pegunungan Bintang Regency of Papua Pegunungan Province, security forces continue to occupy public facilities. Reports indicate that in Maybrat, eleven security posts have been established since 2021, including two inside elementary school buildings, while in Pegunungan Bintang, the military has taken over a district office and a church in the Oksop District, leading to fear and displacement among residents.
The use of these public facilities disrupts essential services, particularly education. Schools occupied by security forces prevent children from accessing their right to education, a clear violation of human rights. Komnas HAM commissioner, Mrs Anis Hidayah, emphasized that such actions hinder public access to basic services and create an environment of fear. Despite recommendations made in 2023 urging the government to remove security forces from public buildings, the occupation of schools in Maybrat continues (see photo on top: source: independent HRD), depriving students of their learning spaces.
Member of the Komnas HAM Papua representative Office, Mr Melky Weruin, stressed that public facilities should never be repurposed for military or security use, as they serve specific civilian needs. He criticized the prolonged occupation of schools, stating that it neglects children’s right to education and damages public trust in security forces. Komnas HAM continues to call for the immediate withdrawal of security forces from these facilities to restore their intended use.
Military members occupy a district office and the YPPK Faan Kahrio Christian Elementary School, Maybrat Regency……...
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5) Police arrest two minors in Dekai without a warrant
Members of the Police Mobile Brigade Special Unit (Brimob) reportedly arrested Yakonge Mirin, 14, and Ham Salla, 17, at the Kali Bonto Sosial Street in the town of Dekai, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province, during a police patrol on 3 January 2025. The two minors were arbitrarily detained at the Yahukimo district police station (Polres Yahukimo) without clear reason. Police intensified patrols in the Dekai area following a shooting in Dekai on 1 January 2025.
Yakonge Mirin, 14 years……...
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