2) Police officers accused of applying excessive force against Papuan man in Nabire: Victim shot down for no reason
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1) Ronny Kareni: West Papuan songs of resistance, cries for freedom
STORIES FROM THE PACIFIC
3h ago
Play Duration: 29 minutes 53 seconds
Ronny Kareni was raised in Papua New Guinea, part of a generation of West Papuan families who fled across the border seeking safety. And ever since, he's used every space — on stage, in community, in policy rooms — to make sure West Papua is seen and heard.
He talks about the work, the weight, and the will it takes to carry a fight that's ultimately about sovereignty, survival and the power of music to move hearts where politics cannot.
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Ronny Kareni has been persistent in asserting West Papuan presence, despite institutional reluctance.
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Human Rights Monitor
2) Police officers accused of applying excessive force against Papuan man in Nabire: Victim shot down for no reason
On the evening of 7 June 2025, 25-year-old Maikel Edowai was reportedly shot by police officers at Taman Gizi Park in Oyehe, Nabire Town, Papua Tengah Province. Mr Edowai was reportedly purchasing alcoholic drinks as police personnel opened fire without warning, causing bullet wounds to his hand and thigh (see video below, source: independent HRD). Following the incident, police officers brought Mr Edowai to the Nabire General Hospital (RSUD) for emergency medical treatment.
According to the information received from local sources, Mr Edowai was buying local alcoholic drinks (Bobo) at the night market in Nabire as police officers approached him at approximately 09:30 pm. Without prior communication, warning, or any indication of threat, officers reportedly discharged their firearms and released shots at Mr Edowai. He reportedly sustained a bullet wound in the right hand and right thigh. Witnesses also reported the use of tear gas during the incident. The victim was subsequently taken away by police officers in a police vehicle and admitted to the hospital’s emergency room. To date, no official statement or clarification regarding the motivation behind the use of lethal force has been issued by the Nabire Police Department.
Human rights analysis
This incident constitutes a serious violation of the right to life and physical integrity, enshrined under Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Indonesia is a State Party. The arbitrary use of firearms against a civilian not posing any imminent threat clearly breaches the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, which strictly limit the use of force to situations of necessity and proportionality. The absence of legal procedures, non-lethal interventions, or verbal warnings before the shooting underscores a pattern of excessive use of force applied by state forces against indigenous Papuans.
The Indonesian government must uphold its international human rights obligations and ensure that security operations in West Papua are subject to civilian oversight and accountability. The unchecked militarisation of public life in the region perpetuates fear, marginalisation, and violence against indigenous communities.
25-year-old Maikel Edowai, shortly after being shot in Oyehe, Nabire Town, on 7 June 2025
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