1) Indonesia on Watchlist as President Prabowo’s Government Crushes Civic Freedoms

 

2) Navy officer sentenced to 20 years for murdering woman in Sorong

3) Protesters demand life for police officers on trial for killing Tobias Silak  

4) Students disrupt cultural event saying it doesn't represent Papuan voices

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Human Rights Monitor

https://humanrightsmonitor.org/news/civicus-press-release/

CIVICUS PRESS RELEASE

Human Rights News / Indonesia / 31 July 2025 

1) Indonesia on Watchlist as President Prabowo’s Government Crushes Civic Freedoms

• Violent arrests and attacks on protesters by security forces
• Journalists and human rights defenders intimidated with surveillance and threats
• Quick expansion of repressive laws sidestepping democracy

Johannesburg, 30 July 2025 – Indonesia is added to CIVICUS Monitor Watchlist amid widespread state intimidation, legal manipulation, and violent crackdowns on dissent, pushing civic space to a precarious point. Nine months into President Prabowo Subianto’s administration, dozens of activists have been attacked, intimidated or arrested. Authorities have crushed protests with violence, harassed human rights groups and journalists, and introduced restrictive legal revisions.

The CIVICUS Monitor currently rates Indonesia as “obstructed”, indicating serious challenges to the freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, and association. Indonesia joins Kenya, El Salvador, Serbia, Turkey, and the United States on the latest Watchlist of countries where there has been a notable decline in the state of civic freedoms.

“Speaking out is becoming a dangerous act in Indonesia’s tightening environment,” said Josef Benedict, CIVICUS Monitor Asia researcher. “Anyone who criticises the government is being forced into silence through fear, violence, and intimidation.”

Silencing Human Rights Defenders and Stifling Protests

In the first six months of 2025, more than 100 human rights defenders have faced arrest, criminalisation, intimidation, or physical attacks, according to civil society. This includes land and environmental activists, student organisers, academics, labour advocates, and anti-corruption campaigners.

The crackdown is particularly evident at protests. In March, police and military units violently dispersed public demonstrations opposing military law revisions, which dramatically expanded military influence over civilian life and weakened oversight. Security forces assaulted several journalists covering the protests and forced them to erase footage of police violations.

During a peaceful protest on International Labor Day, police arrested 14 people, including paramedics, and physically assaulted 13 of them, resulting in serious injuries. No one was held accountable. Security forces also deployed tear gas and water cannons on demonstrators without provocation.

In Papua, police met student-led demonstrations in April with tear gas, arrests, and assaults. In May, police violently shut down a peaceful protest at Cenderawasih University (UNCEN) over rising tuition fees.

Authorities targeted the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS), a leading human rights group, with sustained harassment and surveillance from March to May. Intimidation tactics included attempted break-ins at its Jakarta office, unknown vehicles loitering outside its premises, and calls flooding its lines including from a number allegedly linked to intelligence services.

Independent journalism faces growing hostility and intimidation too. One journalist from the critical Tempo outlet received a severed pig’s head in the mail, was doxxed, and her relatives received online harassment and threats. Parliament also introduced a new regulation in March requiring foreign journalists to obtain police clearance prior to reporting inside Indonesia.

“In Indonesia today, human rights defenders, protesters, and journalists are being treated like enemies of the state. Even paramedics at protests risk being beaten by security forces. This isn’t just a failure to protect people’s rights. It reinforces the climate of impunity in the country,” said Benedict. “This is how civic space, including press freedom and the right to protest, dies. Not in one dramatic moment, but in a hundred acts of intimidation and retaliation.”

Legal Revisions Undermine Accountability

Besides the military law revisions, legislative proposals for the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) and the National Police Law could further empower law enforcement agencies without strengthening accountability mechanisms or protecting victims’ rights.

Moreover, in June, the government entered a wiretapping agreement with four major telecommunications operators, dramatically increasing risks of mass surveillance and arbitrary data collection. Authorities also continue to wield the Electronic Information and Transactions Law to stifle online dissent.

“The pace and secrecy of these new repressive revisions show that Indonesia’s government is sidestepping democratic processes,” said Benedict. “These legal changes are designed to consolidate power, not safeguard citizens.”

The Prabowo government must stop targeting activists and hold those involved in attacks against them to account. It must ensure that legal revisions passed meet international laws and standards. The processes must be transparent and include participation of civil society.

“Adding Indonesia to the CIVICUS Monitor watchlist reflects warnings civil society groups in Indonesia have been flagging on dwindling civic freedoms since Prabowo took office. The international community must call out these blatant violations, demand progress on civic freedoms, and stand in solidarity with civil society,” said Nadine Sherani from KontraS.

The CIVICUS Monitor highlights countries with notable declines in civic freedoms, based on analysis from research partners, grassroots activists, and human rights defenders. CIVICUS Monitor currently rates Indonesia’s civic space as “obstructed”, indicating serious challenges to the freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, and association

NOTES TO THE EDITOR:

On Indonesia’s civic space rating of Obstructed:

This rating is typically given to countries where civic space is heavily contested by power holders, who impose a combination of legal and practical constraints on the full enjoyment of fundamental rights (see full description of ratings). See Frequently Asked Questions about the Watchlist here.

There are a total of 35 countries in the world with this rating (see all).

About the CIVICUS Monitor Watchlist:

The new watchlist is released by the CIVICUS Monitor, an online platform that tracks the latest developments to civic freedoms, including the freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly, across 198 countries and territories.

The ratings are categorised as either ‘closed,’ ‘repressed,’ ‘obstructed,’ ‘narrowed’ or ‘open,’ based on a methodology that combines several data sources on the freedoms of association, peaceful assembly and expression.

Over twenty organisations collaborate to provide an evidence base for action to improve civic space on all continents.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact: media@civicus.org

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Human Rights Monitor

https://humanrightsmonitor.org/news/navy-officer-sentenced-to-20-years-for-murder-of-woman-in-sorong/

2) Navy officer sentenced to 20 years for murdering woman in Sorong

Human Rights News / Indonesia, West Papua / 31 July 2025 

On 3 July 2025, the Military Court III-19 Jayapura found Navy Officer Agung Suyono guilty (see photo on top: source: Suara Papua) of murdering Mrs Kesya Irene Yola Lestaluhu at the Saoka Beach, Sorong, Papua Barat Daya Province on 12 January 2025. The defendant was sentenced to 20 years in prison and dismissed without honors (PTDH) from military service. The verdict was confirmed by Colonel (Navy) Ajik Sismianto, Head of the Public Relations Department of the Third Fleet Command in Sorong.

The court proceedings began with the first hearing on 23 June 2025, which included the reading of the indictment and examination of witnesses. During the trial proceedings, the defendant admitted to the crimes he committed against the victim. The Military Prosecutor’s Office also mandated that the defendant serve his entire sentence in a correctional facility, as mandated by applicable laws and regulations.

The 20-year prison sentence and dismissal without honors represent a significant step towards accountability in West Papua, where most human rights violations committed by military members have never been followed up with a legal process. The judicial process for this case continues, with the defendant still having the opportunity to appeal against the verdict.

Background

The case stems from the murder of Mrs Kesya Irene Yola Lestaluhu, a 20-year-old woman, who was found murdered on Saoka Beach, Sorong, on 12 January 2025. The victim’s body was discovered with 32 stab wounds, highlighting the extreme brutality of the crime.

According to the investigation, the perpetrator confessed to stabbing the victim multiple times after engaging in sexual intercourse. The murder occurred after the two met at a nightclub in Sorong in the early hours of 12 January 2025.

Following the arrest, Navy Officer Agung Suyono was charged under Article 340 of the Military Criminal Code for premeditated murder, which carries the possibility of life imprisonment or the death penalty. A reconstruction of the crime was conducted at the Naval Base XIV Sorong on 20 January 2025, with 22 scenes reenacted to clarify every stage of the tragic incident.

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https://www.indoleft.org/news/2025-07-29/protesters-demand-life-for-police-officers-on-trial-for-killing-tobias-silak.html

3) Protesters demand life for police officers on trial for killing Tobias Silak  

Suara Papua – July 29, 2025

Jayapura – Dozens of protester from the Justice Front for Tobias Silak, consisting of the Cipayung Youth and Social Organisation (OKP Cipayung), movement activists, community members and the victim's family, held a long-march starting at 8.40 am from the Cross Tower to the Wamena District Court building while giving speeches and shouting for justice for the late Tobias Silak.

The action was held to support the trial hearing the case of the shooting of Tobias Silak and Naro Dapla on August 20, 2024, which was held on Monday July 28 with the agenda of examining witnesses by the public prosecutor (JPU) at the Wamena District Court (PN) in Jayawijaya regency, Papua Highlands province.

At around 9.20 am, the demonstrators arrived in front of the Wamena District Court and gave speeches while waiting for the victim and defendant witnesses to arrive at the courtroom.

At 10.15 am the defendant and the victim witness arrived at the court then the demonstrators moved into the court yard to continue giving speeches and reading poetry while waiting for the examinations to be carried out.

The protesters are demanding that the four alleged perpetrators be dismissed from their unit as members of the paramilitary Mobile Police (Brimob) and sentenced to life imprisonment as stipulated under Article 340 of the Criminal Code (KUHP) on premeditated murder.

"Several witnesses and the facts on the ground prove that Tobias Silak was murdered in a structured manner, so we demand that the perpetrators be sentenced to life imprisonment", said Justice Front for Tobias Silak coordinator M.J. Ibage in Wamena.

Meanwhile, the victim's legal representative, Enius Asso, urged the state to be present and provide rehabilitation, reconciliation and compensation for the victim's family.

"We are asking the state to pay attention to the victims' families, as a form of justice for the victims' families by providing rehabilitation, reconciliation and compensation", he said.

The Tobias Silak trial will resume on August 4 at the Wamena District Court. At approximately 2:20 pm the protesters dispersed voluntarily.

The Justice Front for Tobias Silak is demanding:

1. That the trial of the four defendants in the murder of the late Tobias Silak be independent and transparent.

2. That the perpetrators of the shooting of the late Tobias Silak be given the maximum sentence and dismissed from their unit.

3. An immediate and thorough investigation into the other perpetrators, including the person in charge and commander in the shooting case of the late Tobias Silak under the articles on premeditated murder.

4. That the state be obliged to pay attention to compensation, restitution and rehabilitation for the family of the victim the late Tobias Silak.

[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Massa Aksi Mendatangi PN Wamena Menuntut Pelaku Penembakan Tobias Silak Dihukum Maksimal".]

Source: https://suarapapua.com/2025/07/29/massa-aksi-mendatangi-pn-wamena-menuntut-pelaku-penembakan-tobias-silak-dihukum-maksimal/

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https://www.indoleft.org/news/2025-07-29/students-disrupt-cultural-event-saying-it-doesnt-represent-papuan-voices.html

4) Students disrupt cultural event saying it doesn't represent Papuan voices

Source

Suara Merdeka – July 29, 2025

Arga Nur Wahid – A Papuan arts and cultural performance organised by the East Java Papua Alumni Association in the Kya-Kya area of Surabaya, East Java, on Sunday evening July 27 has ended in chaos.

The chaos erupted after a group claiming to be from the Surabaya Papuan Student Alliance (AMP) arrived at the location and forcibly broke up the event, causing panic among attendees, with some even fainting.

The chairperson of the event's organising committee, Freek Christiaan, expressed regret over the incident. He emphasised that it was an arts and cultural performance that was purely intended to introduce Papuan culture to the public, without any political or other vested interests.

"We wanted to introduce Papuan dance culture, while also building fraternity between ethnic groups in Surabaya", Christian told journalists on Monday July 28.

According to Christian, initially the event ran smoothly from 6:30 pm and featured a number of Papuan figures and representatives from the Surabaya city government.

Around 200 participants attended including cross-regional communities such as the Surabaya city South Sulawesi Family Harmony (KKSS), the Maluku Brotherhood Bonds Committee and representatives from North Sulawesi. Serafi Anelies Unani, a former national athlete from Papua, also served as the keynote speaker in a talk show which was part of the series of activities.

"However, the situation became tense when a group of students claiming to be from the Surabaya AMP arrived and demanded that the event be stopped. They questioned the committee's legitimacy and claimed the organisers did not represent the voices of Papuan students", he explained.

Despite holding a dialogue, no agreement was reached. The mob, believed to be from AMP, then breached the stage area and attacked the rows of seats. Seats were destroyed, spectators scattered and the situation descended into chaos.

A joint force of officers from the Surabaya Metropolitan District Police (Polrestabes), the Indonesian Military (TNI) and Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) officials, who were present to secure the situation, immediately intervened to prevent further clashes.

Christian also said that the event had received official permission from the Surabaya city government through the Department of Culture, Youth, Sports and Tourism (Disbudporapar), including free use of the Kya-Kya area.

Unani meanwhile, who had been on a talk show before the incident, encouraged the younger generation of Papuans not to lose direction while away from Papua. She emphasised the importance of mental preparedness, discipline and consistency.

Unani also reminded young Papuans not to be ashamed to show their identity. Papua is unique. Never be ashamed of being Papuan. Because Papuans can also contribute to building the nation.

[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Pentas Seni Budaya Papua di Kya Kya Surabaya Berakhir Ricuh – Suara Merdeka Jatim".]

Source: https://jatim.suaramerdeka.com/nasional/108815625690/pentas-seni-budaya-papua-di-kya-kya-surabaya-berakhir-ricuh

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1) New interactive mapping platform exposes accelerating environmental destruction in West Papua

 

2) Villager shot down during military operation in Yuguru Village, Nduga

3) Two Papuan students arbitrarily detained at Jayapura Port, Papua Province

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Human Rights Monitor

https://humanrightsmonitor.org/news/new-interactive-mapping-platform-exposes-accelerating-environmental-destruction-in-west-papua/

1) New interactive mapping platform exposes accelerating environmental destruction in West Papua

Human Rights News / Indonesia, West Papua / 30 July 2025 

Groundbreaking satellite data analysis and interactive mapping tools have revealed the unprecedented scale of deforestation and ecosystem destruction across West Papua, with the National Strategic Projects driving 24% of the forest loss in 2024. A comprehensive new study published by Nusantara Atlas has unveiled a detailed analysis of land clearing trends across West Papua, revealing alarming acceleration in environmental destruction driven by government mega-projects and corporate expansion. The research introduces powerful new data visualization tools that allow interactive monitoring of ecological changes across one of the world’s last intact tropical wilderness areas.

The research methodology combines multiple data sources, including satellite imagery analysis, land-use planning documents obtained through information requests, and ground-based verification, to create a comprehensive picture of environmental change across West Papua. The publication’s combination of scientific analysis and accessible data visualisation tools marks a new era in environmental monitoring, providing the evidence base necessary for urgent policy intervention to protect one of Earth’s most biodiverse regions.

The Nusantara Atlas publication represents a breakthrough in environmental transparency by opening public access to civil society organisations, researchers, and policymakers with sophisticated tools previously available only to government agencies and large corporations. The interactive mapping platform allows public access to environmental monitoring data, enabling real-time tracking of ecological destruction and corporate accountability.

New data platform transforms environmental monitoring

The publication introduces “Papua Watch,” an interactive story map that provides unprecedented access to satellite-based monitoring of land clearing activities across 13 key locations in West Papua. The platform combines high-resolution satellite imagery, land-use planning data, and comparative analysis tools to track the ongoing expansion of food estates, oil palm plantations, mining operations, and infrastructure development in the region.

The mapping application’s most significant innovation lies in its ability to provide comparative satellite imagery analysis, allowing users to observe environmental changes over time with precision previously unavailable to the public. Users can visualize the exact locations where deforestation occurred, identify which ecosystems were affected, and track the companies responsible for the destruction.

Key data visualisation features include:

• Time-series satellite imagery comparison showing before-and-after environmental changes
• Detailed mapping of forest loss by driver and geographic location
• Interactive overlay of protected areas, indigenous territories, and development projects
• Real-time tracking of road construction and infrastructure expansion
• Ecosystem-specific analysis distinguishing between primary forest, swamp forest, savanna, and grassland conversion

Alarming acceleration of environmental destruction

The research reveals that primary forest loss in West Papua rose 10% from 2023 to 2024, reaching 25,300 hectares, with preliminary 2025 data indicating the pace is accelerating further. Most significantly, the Merauke National Strategic Project (PSN) emerged as the top driver of deforestation in 2024, resulting in the loss of 5,936 hectares of primary forest. This figure equals 24% of all recorded forest destruction.

The satellite data shows that from January 2024 to June 2025, the Merauke PSN cleared 22,272 hectares of natural ecosystems, including primary forest (9,835 ha), Melaleuca swamp forest, natural savanna, and grassland. This represents only a fraction of the project’s ultimate target of converting up to 3 million hectares for rice fields and sugarcane plantations.

Interactive tools reveal corporate networks behind destruction

The mapping platform’s corporate tracking capabilities expose the key players driving environmental destruction in West Papua. The analysis identifies the Jhonlin, Fangiono, and Salim groups as the three primary actors. The interactive data allows users to trace specific concessions to their corporate owners and track their clearing activities over time.

Major findings through the mapping analysis revealed that PT Global Papua Abadi (linked to the Fangiono family) cleared 11,751 hectares between January 2024 and June 2025. Land clearings associated with the oil palm expansion in the first half of 2025 are already equal to those of all of 2024, indicating an accelerating pressure on land and resources. According to the satellite imagery analysis on the infrastructure development, 40 km of a planned 135 km access road have been completed, opening new areas for exploitation that have previously been inaccessible.

Mining threats exposed through island-specific analysis

The research platform also provides a detailed analysis of mining impacts on West Papua’s ecologically sensitive small islands, particularly in Raja Ampat. The mapping reveals that PT Gag Nikel cleared 35 hectares between January 2024 and June 2025, while PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining cleared an additional 35 hectares on Kawe Island.

The platform’s ecosystem-specific analysis demonstrates why island mining poses exceptional risks. Smaller islands are home to globally significant biodiversity, which cannot regenerate once damaged by industrial operations due to their geographical limitation and their exposure to various forms of erosion.

Infrastructure development catalyses environmental destruction

The mapping shows that completion of planned infrastructure will inevitably increase accessibility to protected areas, including Danau Bian and Bupul Nature Reserves, facilitate speculative land clearing as road access increases land values, and enable expansion of transmigration sites with associated population pressure.

The platform’s road network analysis reveals the strategic nature of current development. The new PSN road, when completed, will connect to the existing Trans-Papua Highway and MIFEE road networks, creating a continuous corridor across southern Papua’s wilderness. The mapping illustrates that this corridor ends less than 1 km from the Danau Bian Nature Reserve, putting this protected ecosystem at immediate risk.

The comparative satellite imagery supports the observation that road construction acts as a catalyst for broader environmental destruction, with clearing expanding along transport corridors and facilitating industrial access to previously protected areas.

Scientific validation of environmental concerns

The research validates concerns about the environmental suitability of current projects through detailed ecosystem analysis. The mapping reveals that much of the targeted area consists of acidic peat soils and seasonally flooded wetlands, conditions that have caused similar food estate projects to fail elsewhere in Indonesia.

The platform’s soil and climate data integration shows that Merauke’s tropical wet-dry savanna climate, combined with naturally occurring annual wildfires and highly acidic soils, creates conditions “far from ideal for rice cultivation.” The research notes that while the Indonesian government claims a successful first rice harvest on a 4-hectare plot in May 2025, initial yields often succeed due to residual soil nutrients before productivity typically declines as tropical soils become increasingly acidic and nutrient-poor.

International implications and conservation priorities

The research platform positions West Papua’s environmental crisis within global conservation priorities, noting that the region represents one of the world’s last intact tropical wilderness areas. The mapping demonstrates that without urgent intervention, such as Indigenous land rights recognition, science-based land use planning, and a permanent halt to the Merauke Strategic National Project, West Papua is at high risk of losing irreplaceable ecosystems.

Interestingly, the study warns that continued destruction could jeopardize Indonesia’s 2030 net-zero emissions target, as the clearing of carbon-rich peat forests and wetlands releases significant greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Urgent call for policy response

The research concludes with specific policy recommendations based on the mapping analysis. Recommendations include implementing a moratorium on forest conversion to oil palm, banning mining on small islands, recognizing Indigenous land rights, and adopting science-based land use planning. The interactive platform provides policymakers with the precise geographic and temporal data needed to implement targeted conservation measures.

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Human Rights Monitor

https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/villager-shot-down-during-military-operation-in-yuguru-village-nduga/

2) Villager shot down during military operation in Yuguru Village, Nduga

By Documentation Centre / 30 July 2025 

On 9 July 2024, Indonesian military personnel reportedly opened fire at indigenous Papuan, Mr Eran Gwijangge, in Yuguru Village, Mebarok District, Nduga Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province. The shooting occurred during an ongoing military operation in the area. Mr Gwijangge sustained a gunshot wound to the right foot, resulting in an open fracture of the ankle (see photo on top, source: independent: HRD). He was later transported by his relatives to Wamena Regional General Hospital for medical treatment.

The Yuguru Village has been subjected to heightened military activity in recent months due to past activities of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) in the area. During the incident, no armed confrontation or resistance by the victim was reported. Eyewitnesses stated that Mr Eran Gwijangge was unarmed at the time he was shot.

Human rights analysis

The incident raises serious concerns under international human rights law, particularly regarding the right to life (Article 6 ICCPR) and the prohibition of arbitrary use of force by state agents. The use of firearms by military personnel against unarmed civilians without an immediate threat to life or serious injury constitutes a violation of the principles of necessity and proportionality under the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials. Indonesian authorities should immediately conduct an independent, impartial, and transparent investigation under civilian oversight into the incident. The protections for non-combatants must be reinforced in line with Indonesia’s international humanitarian law obligations.

Detailed Case Data
Location: Yuguru Village (Exact location available at https://mapcarta.com/de/W506007682)
Region: Indonesia, Highland Papua, Nduga, Mebarok
Total number of victims: 1

#	Number of Victims	Name, Details	Gender	Age	Group Affiliation	Violations
1.	1	Eran Gwijangge	male	19	Indigenous Peoples

Period of incident: 09/07/2025 – 09/07/2025
Perpetrator: , Indonesian Military (TNI)
Issues: indigenous peoples, security force violence

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Human Rights Monitor

https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/two-papuan-students-arbitrarily-detained-at-jayapura-port-papua-province/

3) Two Papuan students arbitrarily detained at Jayapura Port, Papua Province

By Documentation Centre / 30 July 2025 

On 17 July 2025, two Papuan students, Mr Oknis Faluk and Mr Higit Pahabol, were arbitrarily arrested by plain clothes police officers upon disembarking at Jayapura Port, Papua Province. The arrest took place without prior explanation or a warrant. Both students were searched and interrogated at the port security post regarding their alleged association with a third individual arrested on the same boat for allegedly carrying ammunition. Despite no evidence connecting the students to the suspect, they were forcibly taken to the Papua Regional Police Headquarters and held in the Criminal Investigation Division. They were released on 18 July 2025 with instructions to report to police authorities periodically.

On 16 July 2025, Mr Oknis Faluk and Mr Higit Pahabol boarded a ship from Biak bound for Jayapura. Upon their arrival at Jayapura Port on the morning of 17 July 2025, at approximately 10:00 am, the students were apprehended by approximately ten individuals dressed in civilian clothing, reportedly affiliated with the Papua Provincial Police. Mr Faluk and Mr Pahabol were immediately separated and brought to the port security post, where they were subjected to physical searches and interrogated about their alleged relationship with the suspect, who was simultaneously arrested on suspicion of carrying ammunition.

Mr Faluk and Mr Pahabol explained that they had only exchanged greetings with the suspect during the boat trip and were not otherwise acquainted with him. Despite the absence of any evidence linking them to the ammunition or the suspect, the two students were transferred around 1:00 pm to the Papua Police Headquarters, where further interrogations took place. On 18 July 2025, at 1:36 PM local time, both students were released after a legal representative from the police reviewed the case and confirmed that there was no basis for prosecution. Nonetheless, they were instructed to report regularly to the Papua Police Headquarters.

The incident is emblematic of the broader trend of stigmatisation of indigenous Papuans that requires urgent attention from national oversight bodies and international human rights mechanisms.

Human rights analysis

The arbitrary arrest and short-term detention of Mr Oknis Faluk and Mr Higit Pahabol constitute a violation of their rights to liberty and security of person, enshrined in Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Indonesia is a State party. The arrest was conducted without a warrant, probable cause, or immediate legal justification, failing the standards of lawful arrest. The conditions of their detention and the lack of transparency surrounding their arrest raise serious concerns about racial profiling, the criminalisation of Papuan youth, and collective suspicion targeting indigenous Papuans under the pretext of security operations.

Detailed Case Data
Location: Jl. Dr. Sam Ratulangi No.8, Bayangkara, Kec. Jayapura Utara, Kota Jayapura, Papua 99113, Indonesia (-2.536765, 140.7064009) Papua Regional Police (Polda Papua) Headquarters
Region: Indonesia, Papua, Jayapura
Total number of victims: 2

#	Number of Victims	Name, Details	Gender	Age	Group Affiliation	Violations
1.	1	Oknis Faluk	male	0	Indigenous Peoples, Student
2.	1	Higit Pahabol	male	0	Indigenous Peoples, Student

Period of incident: 17/07/2025 – 18/07/2025

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1) Police officers arbitrarily detain eight Papuans suspected of killing a teacher in Angguruk – two remain in custody

2) Police officers arbitrarily detain three Papuans at Dekai Airport, Yahukimo

3) Indonesia’s rush to authoritarian control: Criminal Procedure Code revision threatens civil rights

4) Allegations of corruption and systemic neglect undermine healthcare in West Papua

--------------------------------

Human Rights Monitor

https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/police-officers-arbitrarily-detain-eight-papuans-suspected-of-killing-a-teacher-in-angguruk-two-remain-in-custody/

1) Police officers arbitrarily detain eight Papuans suspected of killing a teacher in Angguruk – two remain in custody

By Documentation Centre / 29 July 2025 

On 11 July 2025, at 3:00 am, police officers arbitrarily detained eight indigenous Papuans in the Yahukimo Regency at two different locations along Seredalah Road. All suspects were detained at the Yahukimo Police headquarters (see photo on top, source: Jubi). At the first location, officers arrested Mr Sepi Heluka, 22, and Mr Alfon Payage, 22, in front of a kiosk. Both suspects originate from Amoma District and study in Jayapura. They were reportedly visiting relatives during vacation. At the second location, at kilometre 2 of Seredalah Road, police officers again detained Mr Veri Pahabol, 21, Mr Tertius Kabak, 34, Mr Vael Silak, 24, Mr Nander Sobolim, 25, Mr Velis Silak, 23, and Jonatan Sobolim, a 13-year-old boy from Eriappin District, without showing a warrant.

Six of the eight arrested civilians were released on 13 July 2025, at 3:00 pm, due to a lack of evidence linking them to the 21 March 2025 attack on a teacher in the Anggruk District, Yahukimo Regency. As of that date, Mr Nander Sobolim and Mr Velis Silak remained in custody at the Yahukimo District Police Department, under continued investigation for suspected involvement in the same attack. Human rights defenders are concerned that the police will press charges against them despite a lack of incriminating evidence.

Following the arrests, Police General Faizal Rahmadani publicly stated that his men had arrested eight members of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB-OPM) suspected of being involved in the attack on teachers in Angguruk. The relatives of the detained individuals denied the police’s accusations. They stressed that all persons detained are ordinary civilians with no ties to any armed group or political movement. The families dispute the official police narrative.

Table of persons arrested in Yahukimo Regency on 11 July’25

No	Name	Age	Place of arrest	Additional information
1	Sepi Heluka	22	In front of Mama Alor’s kiosk (Seredalah Road)	Arbitrary detention
2	Alfon Payage	22	In front of Mama Alor’s kiosk (Seredalah Road)	Arbitrary detention
3	Veri Pahabol	21	Km 2, Seredalah Road	Arbitrary detention
4	Tertius Kabak	34	Km 2, Seredalah Road	Arbitrary detention
5	Vael Silak	24	Km 2, Seredalah Road	Arbitrary detention
6	Nander Sobolim	25	Km 2, Seredalah Road	Arbitrary arrest, continued detention without charge
7	Velis Silak	23	Km 2, Seredalah Road	Arbitrary arrest, continued detention without charge
8	Jonatan Sobolim	13	Km 2, Seredalah Road	Arbitrary detention (minor)

Detailed Case Data
Location: 4FMP+HHQ, Moruku, Dekai, Yahukimo regency, Papua 99571, Indonesia (-4.8660252, 139.486474) Polres Yahukimo
Region: Indonesia, Highland Papua, Yahukimo, Dekai
Total number of victims: 8

#	Number of Victims	Name, Details	Gender	Age	Group Affiliation	Violations
1.	1	Sepi Heluka	male	22	Human Rights Defender (HRD)
2.	1	Alfon Payage	male	22	Indigenous Peoples
3.	1	Veri Pahabol	male	21	Indigenous Peoples
4.	1	Tertius Kabak	male	34	Indigenous Peoples
5.	1	Vael Silak	male	24	Indigenous Peoples
6.	1	Nander Sobolim	male	25	Indigenous Peoples
7.	1	Velis Silak	male	23	Indigenous Peoples
8.	1	Jonatan Sobolim	male	13	Indigenous Peoples

Period of incident: 11/07/2025 – 11/07/2025
Perpetrator: , Indonesian National Police (POLRI), POLRES

Perpetrator details: Damai Cartenz Police task force & Reskrim Polres Yahukimo

Issues: indigenous peoples, women and children

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Human Rights Monitor

https://humanrightsmonitor.org/news/police-officers-arbitrarily-detain-three-papuans-at-dekai-airport-yahukimo/

2) Police officers arbitrarily detain three Papuans at Dekai Airport, Yahukimo

Human Rights News / Indonesia, West Papua / 29 July 2025 

On 26 July 2025, police officers arbitrarily detained Mr Stevanus Silak, Mr Eben Sobolim, and Mr Ami Sobolim at Nop Goliat Airport in Dekai, Yahukimo, Papua highland Province. The arrests occurred around 3:00 pm, while Mr Eben Sobolim and Mr Ami Sobolim were preparing to depart for Jayapura to continue their studies. The students were accompanied by Mr Silak, who works at the airport. All three were subsequently taken to Yahukimo District Police headquarters, where they remain in custody. As of 27 July 2025, no formal charges were brought against them, and the reason for their detention remains unclear.

According to reports from local sources in Dekai, the three young men were detained without being presented with a warrant or given access to legal counsel. No public statement has been issued by the Yahukimo Police explaining the grounds for the arrests, raising serious concerns about the legality of the detentions.

Relatives call for the immediate and unconditional release of Mr Stevanus Silak, Mr Eben Sobolim, and Mr Ami Sobolim, unless credible charges are brought under international fair trial standards. Authorities must provide transparent information on the reasons for the arrests and ensure that any legal procedures comply with due process.

Pattern of state violence in Yahukimo

The case adds to a growing list of arbitrary and unlawful arrests of Papuan civilians in Yahukimo, particularly in Dekai. In the weeks preceding this incident, several young Papuan men were arbitrarily detained by members of the Damai Cartenz task force. Most were later released due to a lack of evidence. Furthermore, three members of the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) were recently arrested and tortured by the Indonesian Marine Corps. The ongoing security presence and restrictions on civilian movement, particularly during evening hours, have significantly heightened fear and tension in the region.

Cases of arbitrary detention, accompanied by torture, have significantly increased in the Yahukimo Regency over the past months. On 28 June 2025, joint forces of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Police reportedly raided civilian homes in the Uam Village, Yahukimo Regency. During the operation, 27-year-old Peranus Balingga, a motorcycle taxi driver, was arbitrarily arrested, accused of affiliation with the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB).

The growing security force violence in Yahukimo has also affected human rights activists working in the regency. Human rights defender, Mr Marcho Pahabol, a member of the Justice Front for Tobias Silak (FJFTS) solidarity group, has been subjected to a series of intimidation and violent attacks in the town of Dekai.

Given the recurrence of violent incidents involving state agents, an independent investigation into patterns of arbitrary detention and excessive use of force in Yahukimo is urgently needed. National institutions such as Komnas HAM should prioritise monitoring the situation in Dekai and engage with Indonesian authorities to prevent further violations.

Human rights analysis

The arbitrary arrest and detention of Mr Stevanus Silak, Mr Eben Sobolim, and Mr Ami Sobolim violate fundamental human rights protected under international law. These include the right to liberty and security of person, guaranteed under Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which Indonesia ratified in 2006. Detaining individuals without a clear legal justification, access to legal representation, or judicial oversight constitutes arbitrary detention under international human rights standards.

This incident also reflects a broader trend of criminalisation of young Papuans, students, and civilians in conflict-affected areas such as Yahukimo. Such practices breach human rights and contribute to an environment of intimidation, impunity, and fear among local communities. The government of Indonesia must uphold its constitutional and international obligations to protect the rights of all its citizens, including indigenous Papuans. Ongoing military-police operations must be reviewed and brought under strict oversight to ensure accountability and the protection of human rights.

Photos of Mr Eben Sobolim, Mr Ami Sobolim, and Mr Stevanus Silak

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Human Rights Monitor

https://humanrightsmonitor.org/news/indonesias-rush-to-authoritarian-control-criminal-procedure-code-revision-threatens-civil-rights/

3) Indonesia’s rush to authoritarian control: Criminal Procedure Code revision threatens civil rights

Human Rights News / Indonesia / 29 July 2025 

Indonesia’s parliament is fast-tracking controversial revisions to the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) that civil society groups warn will strengthen state repression, legitimize arbitrary detention, and fundamentally undermine citizens’ rights in the criminal justice system. On 9 -10 July 2025, the Indonesian House of Representatives’ Commission III completed discussions on 1,676 problematic provisions of the Draft Criminal Procedure Code (RUU KUHAP) in just two days, drawing fierce criticism from legal experts, human rights organizations, and student groups who denounce the rushed process as reckless and anti-democratic.

Pattern of authoritarian consolidation

The Criminal Procedure Code revision is part of a broader legislative assault on civil liberties under President Prabowo Subianto’s administration. Coming alongside controversial revisions to the Military Law and Police Law, these measures collectively represent what some legal scholars describe as a systematic effort to strengthen the government apparatus while weakening civil society.

The rushed legislative process reflects the government’s overwhelming parliamentary dominance, with the Indonesia Maju Coalition (KIM) Plus holding approximately 80% of seats, enabling near-effortless passage of controversial regulations despite widespread public opposition.

With parliamentary passage virtually guaranteed due to the government’s overwhelming majority, international pressure may be the only remaining check on Indonesia’s authoritarian drift. The KUHP revision represents a fundamental assault on the rule of law that will have lasting consequences for Indonesian democracy and human rights.

It seems that only diplomatic efforts by the international community may still halt this legislation before the parliament adopts it on 2 January 2026, alongside the new Criminal Code. Once enacted, these provisions will institutionalise arbitrary detention, torture, and the systematic suppression of civil society for years to come.

Dangerous expansion of state powers

Indefinite detention wthout oversight

The most alarming provision allows law enforcement to arrest individuals for unlimited periods under certain circumstances. Article 90 states that arrests may be made for an unlimited period of time under certain circumstances. It does not elaborate on the requirements for prolonged detention. The Civil Society Coalition for the Reform of the Criminal Procedure Code stated that this article has the potential to create violence because the longer the period of arrest, “the greater the room for abuse.”

Civil society’s concerns are grounded in Indonesia’s documented history of police violence and misconduct. The Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) recorded 154 cases of criminalization involving 1,097 victims between 2019 and 2025. More disturbingly, between 2011 and 2019, nearly 700 people were victims of torture in police custody, with 63 deaths resulting from brutal interrogation methods including beatings, electrocution, burning, and shooting.

The article also contravenes international human rights standards, which typically allow maximum detention periods of 48 hours. The lack of mandatory judicial oversight compounds the danger, as there is no oversight or control over arrests, such as an obligation to present a judge in person immediately after arrest.

Searches without warrants

Article 106(4) permits investigators to conduct searches without court warrants in broadly defined “urgent circumstances.” This subjective criterion essentially allows law enforcement to bypass judicial oversight at will, as investigators can simply claim urgency to justify warrantless searches.

Criminalizing non-cooperation

Perhaps most troubling, Article 93(5)(b) and (d) enable arrests for “obstructing the investigation process” and “providing information that is not in accordance with the facts.” The interpretation of these two points is considered overly broad and subjective. This effectively criminalizes the exercise of fundamental rights, including the right to remain silent. It is unclear what the meaning of ‘cooperate’ is.

International standards violated

The proposed revisions violate fundamental international human rights principles through multiple mechanisms. Unlimited arrest periods directly contravene the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, while the removal of judicial oversight undermines fair trial guarantees essential to due process. The criminalisation of non-cooperation effectively forces self-incrimination, violating the presumption of innocence. In addition, weakening advocate protections violates citizens’ fundamental right to legal representation and access to justice.

Civil society excluded

Government officials claim extensive public participation, but civil society groups document systematic exclusion from meaningful consultation. The Civil Society Coalition submitted a public information request for the draft law in February 2025 but received no response. When invited to a closed-door meeting in April 2025, the coalition stated that the meeting focused on the drafting process without delving into substantive issues, as no draft had been published by the House of Representatives. The coalition’s substantive input submitted in May 2025 was ignored, with no follow-up or accommodation of their recommendations.

Despite intimidation risks, student groups and civil society organisations continue protesting the authoritarian legislation. On 22 July 2025, University of Indonesia students and Civil Society Coalition activists demonstrated at parliament, rejecting the rushed process and revisions proposed by the parliament.

Key problematic provisions

• Article 90: Unlimited detention periods
• Article 93(5): Criminalization of non-cooperation
• Article 106(4): Warrantless searches in “urgent” circumstances
• Article 16: Expanded surveillance powers, including undercover operations

Timeline

• February 2025: Draft law appears “suddenly”
• March 2025: Parliament publishes the official draft
• 9-10 July 2025: 1,676 provisions discussed in two days
• Target: The Law will become effective on 2 January 2026

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Human Rights Monitor

https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/allegations-of-corruption-and-systemic-neglect-undermine-healthcare-in-west-papua/

4) Allegations of corruption and systemic neglect undermine healthcare in West Papua

By Documentation Centre / 28 July 2025 

Healthcare in West Papua remains in a state of structural emergency, marked by institutional decay, corruption, and impunity. The aggravating healthcare crisis in West Papua has come under scrutiny following revelations of alleged corruption amounting to IDR 10 billion at the Nabire Regional General Hospital (RSUD Nabire) and a series of deaths reportedly caused by medical malpractice and neglect at the Yowari Hospital in Sentani, the General Hospital in Serui, and Maybrat hospitals. The developments raise human rights concerns relating to the right to health, accountability, and equal access to public services in Indonesia’s easternmost provinces.

On 26 July 2025, the Nabire District Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that an investigation had been launched into suspected corruption at the RSUD Nabire Public Service Agency (BLUD) between 2024 and May 2025. According to the head of the Special Crimes Unit, Officer Chrispo Simanjuntak, the case involves the misuse of at least IDR 10 billion (about € 524,000), with expenditures of IDR 6 billion ( about € 315,000) unsupported by valid documentation and an additional IDR 4 billion (about € 109,000) spent outside the official budget. Crucially, incentive payments of IDR 1.9 billion ( about € 100,000) meant for health workers from the national health insurance programme (BPJS Kesehatan) were never disbursed to the intended recipients. Officer Simanjuntak indicated further investigations are underway, including scrutiny of tax deductions not remitted to the state treasury.

These financial irregularities coincide with public outrage over two recent cases of alleged malpractice, which reached media attention. One of the cases involved Mrs Apolonia Nia Mimin, a pregnant woman suffering from Malaria who died with her unborn child at the Yowari Regional General Hospital in Sentani on 4 June 2025. The other case occurred at 2025 at Serui Regional Hospital following two emergency surgeries that eventually resulted in the death of Mrs Adriana Wayoi, 30, on 4 June 2025. Both cases reveal disturbing patterns of delayed or denied treatment, lack of specialist care, absent transparency, and possible malpractice. In a separate case on 15 July 2025, complaints about the complete absence of medical staff and ongoing power outages at Maybrat District Hospital further underscored the systemic neglect of health services in the region.

Human rights perspective

These incidents represent serious violations of Article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), to which Indonesia is a party. The article enshrines the right of every individual to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, including timely and appropriate healthcare services, adequate medical infrastructure, and professional conduct of medical personnel.

 In both cases, the absence of timely intervention, the lack of transparency in treatment decisions, and the failure to obtain informed consent or communicate with families indicate gross negligence and systemic malpractice. The government bears responsibility for ensuring that hospitals are not only available but also accessible, acceptable, and of good quality as per the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights’ General Comment No. 14.

Moreover, the alleged corruption at RSUD Nabire raises serious accountability concerns under Article 2(1) ICESCR, which obliges the state to use its maximum available resources to fulfil socio-economic rights. Embezzlement of public health funds directly undermines this obligation and contributes to the under-resourcing of hospitals, the non-payment of health workers, and the degradation of services.

The cases also illustrate de facto discrimination against poor and marginalised groups in West Papua, particularly those relying on BPJS health insurance, mainly indigenous Papuans. Papuan public policy experts noted unequal treatment and slower service for BPJS Class 3 patients, who mostly come from low-income communities. This constitutes a breach of the principle of non-discrimination enshrined in Article 2(2) ICESCR and other international human rights instruments.

Urgent reform needed

In light of these findings, urgent steps must be taken to prevent the further spread of corruption in healthcare institutions across West Papua. Institutional reform of hospital governance structures is urgently needed, including the reactivation of dormant Medical and Quality Committees, regular evaluations, and enforcement of standard operating procedures and minimum service standards. Oversight mechanisms such as the Health Ombudsman must be strengthened to ensure accountability and rights-based healthcare provision.

Finally, the state must invest in medical personnel and infrastructure in West Papua. Health workers should receive adequate incentives, guarantees for family welfare, and decentralised medical education to address the chronic healthcare deficiencies in West Papua. Without systemic reform and robust accountability measures, further violations of the right to health are inevitable. The Indonesian government must treat these cases as a national human rights priority and ensure justice for the victims and their families.

Detailed Case Data
Location: FF88+PHG, Doyo Baru, Waibu, Jayapura Regency, Papua 99352, Indonesia (-2.5331829, 140.4664519) Yowari Hospital
Region: Indonesia, Papua, Yapen Islands, South Yapen
Region: Indonesia, Papua, Jayapura, South Jayapura
Total number of victims: 2

#	Number of Victims	Name, Details	Gender	Age	Group Affiliation	Violations
1.	1	Apolonia Nia Mimin	female	adult	Indigenous Peoples
2.	1	Adriana Wayoi	female	0	Indigenous Peoples

Period of incident: 04/06/2025 – 04/06/2025
Perpetrator: Other
Issues: indigenous peoples, women and children
Sources:
BBC Indonesia

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