2) Military members again alleged of executing Papuan Civilian in Mamba Village, Intan Jaya
3) Navy member accused of murdering woman in Sorong
--------------------------------
1) Military members torture indigenous Papuan in Sorong – Victim dies later in hospital
On 14 February 2025, members of the Indonesian National Army (TNI) arbitrarily detained and tortured Mr Abner Karet, 23, in Sorong City, Papua Barat Daya Province. The incident arose from a personal dispute between a TNI member and residents but escalated as around 40 TNI personnel arrived at the scene. Mr Abner Karet, who was not involved in the initial altercation, was allegedly detained, tortured, and later succumbed to his injuries on 16 February 2025. The case raises longstanding structural concerns over impunity, excessive use of force, and accountability within the TNI.
On 14 February 2025, a dispute between a TNI member and a resident in the Aimas District, occurred at Watim Street, Aimas District. The altercation allegedly involved a TNI member’s girlfriend. Following the dispute, the TNI member reportedly contacted his comrades, causing a rapid escalation of the situation. Shortly after the call, around 40 TNI personnel from the Yonzipur 20/PPA Unit arrived at the scene on motorcycles. Amidst the tense situation, the TNI members arbitrarily detained Mr Abner Karet and later released him in a critical condition.
On 16 February 2025, in the early hours of Sunday morning, Mr Abner Karet reportedly succumbed to his injuries at the Piet Wanane General Hospital, where he was taken by his relatives for emergency treatment. In response to the incident, LBH Kaki Abu, a legal aid organization in Sorong, demanded a transparent and professional investigation to ensure accountability and determine the role of all 40 TNI members present at the scene.
On 18 February 2025, Colonel Inf Syawaludin Abuhasan, Head of Public Relations for the XVIII/Kasuari Military Command, publicly addressed the case, confirming that seven TNI personnel were under investigation by the Pomdam XVIII/Kasuari Military Police. Out of the seven, three were suspected of involvement in torture that led to Mr Abner Karet’s death. The TNI command issued a formal apology to the victim’s family, stating that there was no attempt to defend or conceal the actions of its members. Additionally, compensation of IDR 150 million was provided to the victim’s family, with IDR 10 million being a personal contribution from the Deputy Police Chief of Southwest Papua (see photo on top).
LBH Kaki Abu advocates emphasized that the payment of compensation to the victim’s relatives cannot replace the criminal legal process. Currently, the legal process against the three TNI members suspected of the abuse is ongoing, with public scrutiny remaining high. Civil society organizations continue to demand accountability, transparency, and justice in the case.
Mr Abner Karet’s body at the Piet Wanane General Hospital, 16 February 2025
———————————————
2) Military members again alleged of executing Papuan Civilian in Mamba Village, Intan Jaya
On 27 February 2025, members of the Indonesian National Army (TNI) arbitrarily arrested Mr Goliath Sani, 19, and a friend following an armed clash between the military and the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) in the Mamba Village, Sugapa District, Intan Jaya Regency, Papua Tengah Province, at around 04:30 pm. The TNI members released his friend while Mr Sani was detained at the TNI Yonif 509 military post in Mamba for one day. Relatives believe that Goliath Sani was tortured and subsequently executed.
On 28 February 2025, fully armed TNI members brought the body to the Yokatapa Regional Hospital in Sugapa, using an armoured vehicle (see video below, source: independent HRD). His remains were eventually handed over to his family in Mamba on 1 March 2025 (see video below, source: independent HRD).
Case Background
Since 18 October 2024, the Indonesian military has been engaged in a counterattack against the TPNPB Kodap VIII Intan Jaya troops in Sugapa District. While there were no reported casualties on either side during the initial clashes, the situation has escalated, leading to civilian fatalities, and internal displacement.
HRM observes that violence has escalated significantly in Mamba Village, Sugapa District, amid intensifying armed conflict. Security forces, particularly the military, have increased repression against civilians, leaving residents vulnerable to arbitrary detention, torture, and unlawful executions.
Recent reports from the conflict-ridden region of Intan Jaya in the Papua Tengah province have raised serious concerns about the safety of civilians caught in the crossfire between the TNI and the TPNPB. The TNI continues to intensify its operations in Intan Jaya, leading lately to increased displacement of indigenous communities and severe human rights abuses. Military posts have been established in and near residential areas, significantly raising the risk for human rights violations to occur.
Reports also indicate that the military seized land belonging to the Moni Tribe in Intan Jaya Regency, without the consent or agreement of the indigenous community. The land, located in Silatugapa Village, is intended for the construction of a new military battalion. This move has sparked outrage among local communities and human rights organisations. The Moni Tribe, like many other indigenous groups in West Papua, relies heavily on the forest for their livelihoods and cultural practices. The military’s presence in the area severely restricts their access to vital resources and traditional lands.
TNI members bringing Mr Sani’s body to the Yokaptapa Hospital, Sugapa District, on 28 February 2025
------------------------------------
3) Navy member accused of murdering woman in Sorong
On 12 January 2025, Mrs Kesya Irene Yola Lestaluhu, a 20-year-old woman, was found murdered in Saoka Beach, Sorong, Papua Barat Daya Province. The perpetrator, Mr Agung Suyono Ponidi, a 23-year-old member of the Indonesian Navy, confessed to stabbing the victim multiple times after engaging in sexual intercourse with him. The military police conducted a re-construction of the murder on 27 February 2025. The incident highlightsthe persistent issue of gender-based violence in West Papua.
On the night of 12 January 2025, Mrs Lestaluhu visited a nightclub with her friend where she met Navy officer Agung Suyono Ponidi for the first time. At approximately 04:30 am, Mrs Lestaluhu and Officer Agung left the nightclub in a black Toyota Innova, while her friend S went home separately. After leaving the nightclub, they continued drinking at the beach in Sorong. Following this, the two proceeded to a secluded area where they engaged in oral sex inside the vehicle.
However, Officer Agung became violent after Mrs Lestaluhu refused to have sexual intercourse, causing her to flee into the forest. He then searched for her, calling out her name, and convinced her to return. After engaging in sexual intercourse, Officer Agung admitted he feared that Mrs Lestaluhu might report him to his superiors. In a premeditated act, he retrieved a knife from his car and stabbed her 27 times on her back and chest before dragging her body to the beach, where he partially buried it in the sand and on the rocks. The body was later discovered at 09:45 am on Saoka Beach, Sorong.
The case gained significant attention, leading to further investigation by the authorities. On 15 January 2025, the Navy Criminal Investigation Unit of the 14th Naval Area Command identified Mr Agung as the prime suspect. As the investigation progressed, the Manokwari Military Prosecutor’s Office ordered a re-enactment of the crime scene on 25 February 2025 to verify the suspect’s testimony and reconstruct the events leading to the murder. The reconstruction was conducted on 27 February 2025 at Saoka Beach under tight security observation (see photo on top, source: Jubi).
--------------------------
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.