2) Military police officer publicly executes Papuan youth in Entrop, Jayapura
4) Military vehicle causes deadly accident in Timika – human rights observers demand justice for violating traffic rules.
1) Ethnic horizontal tensions triggers civil unrest in Elelim Town – Four persons killed, and four injured by bullets
On the morning of 16 September 2025, a racist slur allegedly directed at an Indigenous Papuan student at SMA Negeri 1 Yalimo in the town of Elelim, Yalimo Regency, Highlands Papua Province, triggered a schoolyard altercation. Attempts at mediation reportedly failed, tensions spilled beyond the school, and groups moved towards shops believed to belong to non-Papuans linked to the alleged perpetrator. According to the information received from local sources, one indigenous Papuan was fatally shot and four others injured by bullets during the subsequent crowd control operations (see photos below, independent HRDs). Acts of horizontal ethnic violence against Non-Papuans reportedly resulted in the death of nine-year-old Arsya Dafa, 10-year-old Atifa, and Mr Nasir Daeng Mappa, 44. Incidents of this pattern have become more frequent in West Papua throughout the past years as a result of historically ingrained injustice and marginalistion of indigenous Papuans.
As the situation escalated, crowds set fire to stores and civil infrastructure near the school and other locations in Elelim. Joint security forces responded with teargas and live ammunition. From 08:00 am, witnesses reported live fire by security personnel to disperse crowds. Mr Sadrak Yohame, 30, sustained a fatal gunshot wound during the crowd control operations, while at least four other Papuan civilians, including 16-year-old Siro Wandik, sustained gunshot injuries to limbs. Several police officers were reportedly injured by stones and arrows during the unrest.
Clashes subsided in the late afternoon around 6.30 pm, but damage was extensive. Material losses reported between 16–20 September 2025 included dozens of shops and residential houses owned by non-Papuans burned to the ground. The crowd st one military vehicle, one military guard post, one police vehicle, four police barracks, and an officers’ mess on fire. Several heavy construction equipment and the Abenaho District Office were reportedly burnt on 20 September 2025.
Authorities reported the displacement of several hundred persons from Elelim, mainly consisting of non-Papuans. As of 18 September 2025, the Papua Police Public Relations Head, 684 Elelim residents had fled to Wamena for safety between 17–23 September 2025, with initial reception (food, basic health checks) facilitated at the Jayawijaya Police Headquarters and onward sheltering by families and community groups.
Human rights analysis
The right to life of Mr Sadrak Yohame, as stipulated under Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), was violated during the crowd control operation in Elelim. The reported use of live ammunition against civilians, including a 16-year-old minor during crowd control, engages the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials. Force must be lawful, necessary, and proportionate, with lethal force only as a last resort to protect against an imminent threat of death or serious injury. Authorities must employ graduated, non-lethal means and exercise caution in planning and controlling operations. Firing live rounds in a populated town, resulting in limb gunshots and one fatality, indicates a breach of the necessity and proportionality principles and inadequate precautionary measures, such as containment, de-escalation, and controlled stand-off distances.
Specific reference to the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms. Reports that security forces used live fire to disperse crowds contravene key provisions:
- Legality & necessity (Principles 4–5): Force must be strictly necessary for a legitimate law-enforcement aim. Crowd dispersal alone does not justify the use of lethal force.
- Proportionality & precaution (Principles 5, 13): Operations must minimise damage and injury, with planning and equipment (e.g., shields, barriers, loud-hailers, less-lethal options) to avoid resorting to firearms.
- Firearms (Principles 9, 10): Firearms may be used only in self-defence or defence of others against imminent threat of death or serious injury; intentional lethal use only as a last resort.
- After-action duties (Principles 6, 22): Authorities must ensure medical aid, reporting, and accountability mechanisms; all incidents of death/injury must be reported and investigated.
Under the Minnesota Protocol (2016), any potentially unlawful death involving state agents requires a prompt, effective, independent, impartial, and transparent investigation, capable of identifying individual and command responsibility. Injuries from firearms require proper medical documentation and forensic assessment consistent with international standards.
The presence of injury and deaths of children engages the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) obligations (best interests, protection from violence, and special care in law-enforcement operations involving children). The racist trigger and subsequent failure to prevent discriminatory violence engage Indonesia’s obligations under ICCPR articles. 2, 20, 26, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICERD), requiring effective protection from discrimination, prompt investigation, and remedies. The widespread arson—including attacks on migrants’ property, public offices, and security facilities — constitutes a serious criminal act and violates the rights to security of person and property, which the state is obliged to prevent, investigate, and prosecute with due regard to non-discrimination and the rights of defence.
Table of victims of security force violence during civil unrest in Elelim, Yalimo Regency, on 16 September 2025
| No | Name | Age | Status | additional information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sadrak Yohame | 30 | Civilian | Fatal gunshot wound (deceased) |
| 2 | Siro Wandik | 16 | Student, Yapesli Elelim Vocational School | Gunshot wound, right hand |
| 3 | Alexs Duliahanuk | 30 | Civilian | Gunshot wound, left knee |
| 4 | Thomas Alitnoe | 40 | Civilian | Gunshot wound, left knee |
| 5 | Isai Wilil | 48 | Civilian | Gunshot wound, right thigh |
| 6 | Arsya Dafa | 9 | Civilian | Victim of horizontal violence, burned alive inside a car |
| 7 | Atifa | 10 | Civilian | Victim of horizontal violence, sustained a lethal cut on the neck |
| 8 | Nasir Daeng Mappa | 44 | Civilian | Victim of horizontal violence, burned alive inside a car |
Escalation of ethnic conflict at SMA 1 Yalimo Senior High School (top) and subsequent civil unrest in Elelim on 16 September 2025 (below)
Victims of excessive force and ammunition shells collected during crowd control operation in Elelim, Yalimo Regency, on 16 September 2025
Detailed Case Data
Location: Elelim, Yalimo Regency, Papua, Indonesia (-3.7680532, 139.3868081) Elelim Town, Yalimo regency
Region: Indonesia, Highland Papua, Yalimo
Total number of victims: 5
| # | Number of Victims | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1. | 1 | Sadrak Yohame | male | 30 | execution, right to life, unlawful killing | |
| 2. | 1 | Siro Wandik | male | 16 | ill-treatment | |
| 3. | 1 | Alexs Duliahanuk | male | 30 | ill-treatment | |
| 4. | 1 | Thomas Alitnoe | male | 40 | ill-treatment | |
| 5. | 1 | Isai Wilil | male | 45 | ill-treatment |
Perpetrator: , Indonesian Security Forces
Issues: indigenous peoples, security force violence
2) Military police officer publicly executes Papuan youth in Entrop, Jayapura
On the night of 3 September 2025, in the alley behind the Sagita Store in Entrop, Jayapura City, Papua Province, a shooting incident occurred involving Private (Pratu) Terian Barusa, 25, a member of the Military Police of Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih, and a civilian identified as Mr Obed Manaku. The altercation began over a dispute concerning illegal parking fees, which escalated into stone-throwing and culminated in the soldier firing his weapon. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to the back and died as a result of the injury. The perpetrator was arrested on 4 September and is currently detained by the Military Police at XVII/Cenderawasih headquarters.
According to reports, the confrontation began when Mr Obed Manaku, who worked informally as a parking attendant in the Entrop area, demanded a fee from Private Barusa. The soldier refused, leading to an argument. Witnesses report that the Mr Manaku attempted to punch the soldier and later threw stones at his vehicle. In response, Private Barusa pursued Mr Manaku into an alley and discharged his firearm, fatally wounding him. The soldier initially attempted to flee towards Muara Tami but was soon apprehended by the authorities. On 6 September 2025, Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih confirmed that the perpetrator had been named a suspect and charged under Article 338 of the Indonesian Criminal Code (murder) in conjunction with Article 80 of the Law on Child Protection, with a possible penalty of up to 15 years imprisonment.
Human rights analysis
This incident illustrates the unlawful use of lethal force by military personnel in a civilian context. The Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials stipulate that firearms may only be used in self-defence or defence of others against imminent threat of death or serious injury, and even then only as a last resort. In this case, the use of live ammunition in response to stone-throwing constituted a grossly disproportionate and excessive use of force, violating the victim’s right to life as guaranteed under Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Indonesia is a State Party. The fact that the soldier was acting outside of official duty, and allegedly misusing an organic weapon highlights systemic weaknesses in discipline, oversight, and accountability within the Indonesian military.
Demands and recommendations
Human Rights Monitor calls for a transparent, independent, and impartial investigation into the killing, ensuring accountability beyond military justice mechanisms. The trial of Private Barusa must be open to public scrutiny, with guarantees of due process. Furthermore, systemic measures are required to prevent recurrence: strict regulation of soldiers’ off-duty conduct, removal of firearms from contexts not related to official duties, and stronger civilian oversight of military justice in cases involving civilian victims. The Indonesian government should reaffirm its adherence to international human rights standards, particularly the right to life and the prohibition of arbitrary deprivation of life. The state must provide reparations to the victim’s family.
Mr Obed Manaku’s body at the mortuary, Jayapura
Detailed Case Data
Location: Entrop, Jayapura Selatan, Jayapura City, Papua, Indonesia (-2.5603966, 140.6689995)Behind Sagita Store in Entriop, Jayapura City
Region: Indonesia, Papua, Jayapura, South Jayapura
Total number of victims: 1
| # | Number of Victims | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1. | 1 | Obed Manaku | male | unknown | Indigenous Peoples | execution, right to life, unlawful killing |
Perpetrator: , Indonesian Military (TNI)
Perpetrator details: Military Police of Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih
Issues: security force violence3) Traffic accident sparks unrest and excessive police force in Timika
On 18 September 2025, at approximately 01:30 am, a fatal hit-and-run occurred at the Lokpon–Poumako intersection in Timika, Mimika Regency, Central Papua Province. The victim, Mr Santo Serew, 28, of Asmat origin, was struck and killed instantly by a truck transporting timber to the port of Poumako. The driver, reportedly a Timorese migrant, initially fled to the port area but was later detained by the police. The incident immediately sparked outrage among the local community, leading to road blockades, confrontations with police, and ultimately excessive use of force against civilians by the police.
Residents began blocking roads at Lokpon and the Eles complex around 5:00 pm after learning of Mr Santo Serew’s death. The community attempted to track down the perpetrator, who had taken refuge at the KP3 Laut Police Station in the Poumako port area. Upon arrival, tensions escalated as residents demanded the release of the driver. The police responded by deploying tear gas and firing warning shots into the air.
According to the information received from local informants, police officers also fired live ammunition directly at the crowd, resulting in serious injuries. All victims are indigenous Papuans belonging to the Asmat Tribe, among them Mr Ucup Opok, 18, who sustained a gunshot wound to his hip (see photo below, source: independent HRD), and a 10-year-old child who was exposed to tear gas. At least six civilians suffered injuries due to gunfire and tear gas exposure. Many residents fled in panic as shots were fired towards them.
The situation deteriorated further when dozens of residents attacked and vandalised the Poumako Port Police Station. Windows, doors, and police property were destroyed, while the truck involved in the accident was overturned and severely damaged. The confrontation also led to road blockades on the Timika–Pomako road, halting traffic until police intervened.
Despite the escalation, the Mimika Police Chief, AKBP Billyandha Hildiario Budiman, later claimed that the situation was “under control” and that both parties had eventually reached a mediated settlement. On 24 September 2025, the family of the victim, represented by his widow Kansia Dambos, accepted Rp 25 million (about € 1,280) in compensation from the truck driver’s relatives. The settlement agreement framed the case as an accidental traffic incident without intent and stipulated that the matter would not be pursued further.
Human rights analysis
From a human rights perspective, several grave concerns emerge. Firstly, while the fatal accident itself may constitute negligence under traffic law, the subsequent use of live ammunition against civilians by the police indicates a violation of the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials. Law enforcement personnel are required to apply non-violent means before resorting to force, and lethal force may only be used when strictly unavoidable to protect life. In this case, the firing of live rounds at unarmed civilians protesting a traffic incident constitutes disproportionate and excessive use of force. Secondly, the targeting of children with tear gas and the shooting of an 18-year-old further highlight violations of the right to life under Article 6, as enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The subsequent out-of-court settlement, while a common practice in Indonesia, risks undermining accountability and contributing to a pattern of impunity in cases involving state actors. This incident is emblematic of the wider context of policing in West Papua, where ordinary civilian disputes often escalate into violent confrontations due to systemic impunity and excessive reliance on force.
Victims of police violence in Timika on 18 September 2025
| Name | Age | Ethnic Group | Additional information |
| Ucup Opok | 18 | Asmat | Gunshot wound to the hip |
| Child (unnamed) | 10 | Asmat | Tear gas exposure |
Mr Ucup Opok receiving medical treatment after being shot at Poumako Port on 18 September 2025
Detailed Case Data
Location: Pomako, Mimika Timur, Mimika Regency, Papua, Indonesia (-4.755778, 136.7671967)KP3 Laut Police Station in the Poumako port area
Region: Indonesia, Central Papua, Mimika, East Mimika
Total number of victims: 2
| # | Number of Victims | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1. | 1 | Ucup Opok | female | 0 | Indigenous Peoples | ill-treatment |
| 2. | 1 | male | 0 | Indigenous Peoples | ill-treatment |
Perpetrator: Indonesian Police
Perpetrator details: Pomako KP3 Laut Police
Issues: indigenous peoples4) Military vehicle causes deadly accident in Timika – human rights observers demand justice for violating traffic rules.
On 30 August 2025, at approximately 11:07 am, a serious incident occurred on Jalan Mayon in front of the TNI 754/ENK Kuala Kencana headquarters in the Mimika Regency, Central Papua Province. Indonesian military personnel driving a Yonif 754 vehicle were driving in the opposite direction, hitting a civilian motorcycle driven by Mr Paulinus Tabuni. Mr Tabuni was driving along the road in accordance with traffic regulations. The accident was recorded by a CCTV camera. While the entrance gate to the military compound was located to the left, the driver turned right and collided with Mr Tabuni’s motorcycle. Following the accident, military members carried Mr Tabuni’s unconscious body to the pavement on the opposite side of the road without following medical emergency procedures or conducting 1st aid treatment (see video below, source: independent HRD).
The chronology of events indicates that Mr Tabuni was lawfully crossing the road when the military vehicle approached. Witnesses confirm that the vehicle did not signal before turning. Rather than entering the headquarters through its gate on the left, the vehicle manoeuvred to the right, crashing directly into Mr Tabuni. The video has been widely shared on social media, with many Papuan groups interpreting the ramming as deliberate. As of now, HRM was not able to verify whether Mr Tabuni passed away as a result of the accident.
Given the structural impunity for perpetrators of criminal acts and human rights violations affiliated with the military in West Papua, human rights organisations are concerned that the military officer responsible for the accident will not be held accountable for the traffic accident, with possibly lethal consequences.
Human rights analysis
From a human rights perspective, the Indonesian state is obliged to protect the right to life and the right to physical integrity, as enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Accordingly, the incident must be followed by a prompt, independent, and impartial investigation, and the perpetrator must be held accountable in a public and fair trial. The investigation shall be conducted by a civilian body rather than military authorities, to ensure credibility and avoid conflicts of interest.
The ramming of a civilian by a military vehicle, if intentional, falls well outside these standards and constitutes an unlawful use of force. It further highlights the ongoing problem of military forces exercising powers over civilians without proper accountability. In criminal law terms, the conduct could amount to intentional assault, grievous bodily harm, or attempted murder under Indonesian law. The principle of command responsibility requires military superiors to prevent, investigate, and punish such acts. Evidence, including video footage and medical reports, must be preserved and subjected to forensic analysis.
Reparations, including compensation and rehabilitation for the victim and his family, must be guaranteed. Structural reforms to ensure transparency, civilian oversight, and accountability of military forces in West Papua are urgently necessary.
CCTV recording of the accident in front of the TNI 754/ENK Kuala Kencana headquarters on 30 August 2025
Detailed Case Data
Location: Jl. Mayon, Utikini Baru, Kec. Kuala Kencana, Kabupaten Mimika, Papua 99910, Indonesia (-4.4496604, 136.8382753) Jalan Mayon, in front of the TNI 754/ENK Kuala Kencana headquarters
Region: Indonesia, Central Papua, Mimika, Kuala Kencana
Total number of victims: 1
| # | Number of Victims | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1. | 1 | Paulinus Tabuni | male | unknown | Indigenous Peoples | right to life, unlawful killing |
Perpetrator: Indonesian Military (TNI)
Perpetrator details: Members of the TNI 754/ENK Kuala Kencana Military Unit
Issues: indigenous peoples