1) Extrajudicial execution of deserted soldier in Keerom Regency
A fatal shooting occurred in Kalimo Village, Waris District, Keerom Regency, Papua Province, on 7 September 2025, at approximately 08:00 am. The perpetrator, identified as Captain John, Commander of the Ketapang Swasembada Task Force, unlawfully executed Private Petrus Muenda, a member of Kodim 1715/Yahukimo, who was reportedly on desertion status. The victim, aged in his late twenties, was shot three times in the head and died instantly at the scene. The incident unfolded while the victim was assisting residents in a community construction activity.
According to multiple witness accounts, the situation was calm until Captain John arrived at the site in an angry state. An argument broke out between the two soldiers, escalating rapidly into a physical confrontation. Captain John drew his Sig Sauer P224 service revolver and fired three shots, one of which struck the victim in the head, resulting in his immediate death. Nearby residents, shocked and panicked by the gunfire. Mr Muneda succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The Waris Police immediately secured the area and handed over the case to the Military Police (Pomdam XVII/Cenderawasih), who have since detained Captain John and confiscated the weapon as evidence.
Early reports present conflicting accounts regarding the motive and circumstances of the incident. Some sources claim that the shooting stemmed from a personal dispute between the two officers, while others indicate that Captain John may have acted in self-defence. The Military Police are currently conducting an internal investigation, while community members have called for accountability and transparency in the handling of the case.
Human rights analysis
From a human rights perspective, this incident constitutes a potential violation of the right to life as enshrined under Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Indonesia is a State Party. The deliberate use of lethal force by a military officer against a fellow serviceman outside an active combat situation raises serious concerns about extrajudicial execution and unlawful use of firearms. Under the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, intentional lethal use of firearms is permissible only when strictly unavoidable to protect life. The allegedly disproportionate and excessive use of force during an argument suggests that this standard was not met.
Furthermore, the involvement of the Indonesian State Intelligence Agency (BAIS) in the incident underscores the broader pattern of militarisation and impunity in West Papua, where military and intelligence personnel frequently operate without adequate civilian oversight. In this case, the military’s internal handling of the investigation raises concerns about transparency and impartiality, as military courts in Indonesia have historically failed to deliver justice in cases involving violations committed by security personnel.
Detailed Case Data
Location: Kalimo, Waris, Keerom Regency, Papua, Indonesia (-3.3114635, 140.8976772) Kalimo Village
Region: Indonesia, Papua, Keerom, Waris
Total number of victims: 1
| # | Number of Victims | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1. | 1 | Petrus Muenda | male | adult | Unknown | execution, right to life |
Perpetrator: , Indonesian Military (TNI)
Perpetrator details: Ketapang Swasembada Task Force
Issues: indigenous peoples, security force violence2) Police officers beat Indigenous Papuan at PT Inti Kebun Sejahtera plantation in Sorong Regency
On 19 September 2025, at approximately 10:00 am, an incident of physical violence occurred in the courtyard of PT Inti Kebun Sejahtera, a palm oil company located in Klasof Village, Moisegen District, Sorong Regency, Southwest Papua Province. The victim, identified as Mr Martinus Acon Masinau, 30, an Indigenous man of the Moi Segen sub-tribe, was severely beaten by three members of the Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) at the company premises. The assault took place when Mr Masinau protested against the company management after having submitted a job application one month before the incident. The beating resulted in serious injuries (see photos below, source: independent HRD). Thereupon, Mr Masinau was admitted to a local health centre (Puskesmas) before being referred to a Hospital at Kilo 22 around 4:00 pm for further medical treatment.
In response to the assault, members of the Moi Segen Indigenous community and youth students launched a blockade at the offices and factory of PT Inti Kebun Sejahtera on 20 September 2025, at 10:15 am. The action was a spontaneous protest demanding accountability from the company and justice for the assault on Mr Masinau. The demonstrators called for (1) the prosecution of the Brimob perpetrators, (2) corporate responsibility for the violence, and (3) the protection of Indigenous rights within the company’s palm oil operations. Reports indicate that the blockade followed widespread outrage in the community over the criminalisation and marginalisation of Indigenous peoples in the area.
The Aimas Police and Southwest Papua Regional Police reportedly arrested the three Brimob officers involved in the attack shortly after the incident, following public pressure and documentation by Papua Pos Sorong Legal Aid Institute, which received the initial complaint from the Moi Segen community. The case has intensified scrutiny of PT Inti Kebun Sejahtera, which has previously been accused of environmental destruction and violating Indigenous land rights through its oil palm plantation activities.
Human rights analysis
The assault on Mr Martinus Acon Masinau violates the right to physical integrity and freedom from cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, as protected under Article 2 of the International Convention Against Torture (CAT) and Article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Indonesia is a State Party. The use of violence by state security forces (Brimob) in response to a peaceful grievance represents an abuse of power and a failure to uphold the principles of proportionality and necessity in the use of force.
Furthermore, this case underscores systemic patterns of intimidation and criminalisation against Indigenous Papuans defending their rights in the context of extractive and plantation industries. The involvement of security forces in private corporate interests contradicts international human rights standards, including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, which require both state and corporate actors to prevent, mitigate, and remedy human rights abuses arising from business operations.
Moi Segen Indigenous community members block the PT Inti Kebun Sejahtera office on 20 September 2025
Mr Martinus Acon Masinau receiving medical treatment at the hospital, 19 September 2025
Detailed Case Data
Location: Klasof, Moisegen, Sorong Regency, West Papua, Indonesia (-1.311884, 131.23064)courtyard of PT Inti Kebun Sejahtera
Region: Indonesia, Southwest Papua, Sorong, Moisegen
Total number of victims: 1
| # | Number of Victims | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1. | 1 | Martinus Acon Masinau | male | 30 | Indigenous Peoples | torture |
Perpetrator: Mobile Brigades (BRIMOB)
Perpetrator details: Police Mobile Brigade, (Brimob)
Issues: business, human rights and FPIC, indigenous peoples, security force violence
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