2) Papua Resident's House Damaged in Attack Linked to Sugarcane PSN
7) Impunity concerns: Sorong Police reluctant to investigate allegations of torture and arbitrary detention
Major General Lucky Avianto, commander of Joint Task Force Habema, confirmed the death of Mayu Waliya, the operational commander of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) faction Kodap XII/Lanny Jaya.
“Mayu Waliya was killed during a firefight on Monday (Oct 6) in Unambunggu, Lanny Jaya District. His identity was confirmed on Wednesday after our team retrieved and analyzed data from a mobile phone found at the scene,” Avianto said.
The military said Waliya operated under the command of Purom Okiman Wenda, a prominent separatist figure in the region.
A day before the clash, on Sunday (Oct 5), Indonesian troops captured one of the group’s main bases in the mountainous Unambunggu area. The base was reportedly used as a coordination hub for attacks against security forces and civilians.
Following the takeover, the separatist group, which Indonesian authorities refer to as the Armed Criminal Group (KKB), is believed to have launched a counterattack, leading to the firefight with Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) personnel.
Weapons, ammunition (7.62 mm and 5.56 mm), tactical gear, communication devices, strategic documents, and separatist symbols, including the banned Morning Star flag, were seized from the base.
Avianto emphasized that the operation was carried out with precision and in accordance with international standards for the protection of civilians.
“The gunfight was a direct response to an armed attack by the group. Our forces acted professionally, maintained combat discipline, and prioritized the safety of local communities,” he said.
Armed conflict between Indonesian security forces and separatist rebels in Papua has escalated in recent years, raising growing concerns over civilian safety, as rebels frequently carry out hit-and-run attacks.
Victims of rebel violence have included construction workers, motorcycle taxi drivers, teachers, students, food vendors, and aircraft crew.
In April, an armed group was accused of killing 16 illegal gold miners in Bingki, Yahukimo District, Highland Papua.
Related news: Indonesian troops fight back three armed Papuan rebels in Intan Jaya
Related news: Armed Papuan rebels use civilians as human shields: TNI officer
Translator: Evarukdijati, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: M Razi Rahman
2) Papua Resident's House Damaged in Attack Linked to Sugarcane PSN
October 7, 2025 | 05:44 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A resident's house in Blandin Kakayo Village, Jagebob District, South Papua, was attacked by a group of people on late Monday, October 6, 2025, around 10:35 p.m. local time. The attack is suspected to be linked to the rejection of the sugarcane National Strategic Project (PSN) in the area.
Vincen Kwipalo, the homeowner, said that evidence of the attack was discovered on Tuesday morning, as the 67-year-old man and his family opted to stay inside the house during the ambush. "The front and side windows were broken, and the terrace was destroyed," he said when contacted on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.
Outside the house, a bow, an air gun, a machete, and a slingshot were found. There were also arrows stuck in trees and windows.
Vincen said he recognized the four attackers. He suspected the attack to be linked to the land dispute over the sugarcane project not far from his house. "This incident is related to previous cases," he said.
In response to this issue, Vincen, accompanied by his lawyer from the Papua Merauke Legal Aid Institute, reported the incident to the Jagebob Resort Police. According to Vincen, the police have also visited his house to inspect and collect evidence. "Arrows and other items were taken by the police this morning," said the environmental activist.
Vincen repeatedly stated that his clan, Kwipalo, from the Yei Tribe, vehemently opposed the presence of the Merauke PSN project, which aimed to take over their ancestral land in Jagebob District. His stance differs from around 10 other clans in his village who have relinquished their ancestral land to PT Murni Nusantara Mandiri (PT MNM) for the sugarcane project.
Conflicts between the company and the Kwipalo clan are inevitable and ongoing because the company, as mentioned by Vincen, continues its land grab. Workers from other clans are met with rejection froom Vincen while attempting to clear the land.
Vincen refused to give up the ancestral land of the Kwipalo clan. According to Vincen, his family has made a living from the forest. In addition to the threat of losing their livelihood, he realized that deforestation would lead to environmental damage and loss of biodiversity.
According to Vincen, representatives from PT MNM have visited his house several times to persuade him to release the ancestral land. In a letter dated July 2024, the company offered a goodwill payment of Rp420 million for 1,400 hectares of land. But that was less than the land he owned as recorded by Pusaka Bentala Rakyat Foundation, reaching 2,308 hectares.
Tempo has sent a letter for confirmation addressed to the Director of PT Murni Nusantara Mandiri, Joko Herma Pramulyo, on Thursday, September 25, 2025. Joko is also listed as the director of PT Global Papua Abadi, which both work on the sugarcane PSN project in Merauke. The letter remains unanswered.
Meanwhile, Vincen asserted that selling his ancestral land would not bring long-term benefits. "On the contrary, people think the benefit is receiving an initial sum of money or goodwill payment," he said on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
On Tuesday afternoon, September 16, 2025, Vincen and four of his relatives went to the Agodai forest to drive out workers who were clearing the land to build access roads for the company. One of them did so by hitting one of the workers, which led to them being reported to the Jagebob police.
The next day, Vincen and his family returned to Agodai to erect customary barriers as a symbol of the territorial boundary. There were two warning signs on trees that read, "Entry into the Kwipalo indigenous area is prohibited."
Subsequently, on October 2, Vincen and several of his friends went to the Jagebob police station to provide clarification regarding the incident on September 16. Police are still investigating the case.
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto officially inaugurated the Special Autonomy Development Acceleration Executive Committee for Papua at the State Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday afternoon, October 8, 2025.
The formation of the committee is based on Presidential Decree No. 110/P of 2025 concerning the Appointment of the Special Autonomy Development Acceleration Executive Committee for Papua.
Before taking office, the committee members took their oath of service, which was dictated by President Prabowo.
“By Allah, I swear, by God, I promise that I will be loyal to the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia, and will uphold all laws and regulations with the utmost sincerity for the sake of my devotion to the nation and the state. That in carrying out my duties, I will uphold the ethics of the position, work to the best of my ability, and with full responsibility,” they recited.
The committee comprises nine members, including retired TNI and Polri officials, former government officials, and former special staff of the 7th President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, from Papua.
The committee is chaired by Velix Wanggai, and its members include John Wempi Wetipo, Ignatius Yoko Triyono, Juharson Estrella Sihasale (also known as Ari Sihasale), Paulus Waterpauw, Ribka Haluk, Ali Hamdan Bogra, Gracia Josaphat Jobel Mambrasar (Billy Mambrasar), and John Gluba Gepze.
Velix Wanggai previously served as Acting Governor of the Papua Mountains Province. Lieutenant General (Ret.) Ignatius Yoko Triyono is a former Commander of the Cenderawasih Military Command, while Commissioner General (Ret.) Paulus Waterpauw has held positions as Papua Police Chief and Acting Governor.
Ribka Haluk is a former Deputy Minister of Home Affairs in the Red and White Cabinet, and John Wempi Wetipo previously served as Deputy Minister of Public Works and Deputy Minister of Home Affairs. Lieutenant General (Ret.) Ali Hamdan Bogra is a former Commander of the Kasuari Military Command, and John Gluba Gepze was the former Regent of Merauke.
Billy Mambrasar previously served as a millennial special staff under President Joko Widodo, while Ari Sihasale is widely known as an actor and film producer.
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4) West Papua authorities seize eight black-capped lories on cargo ship
October 9, 2025 18:00 GMT+700
Sorong, SW Papua (ANTARA) - Authorities in West Papua thwarted the smuggling of eight black-capped lories (Lorius lory) aboard the cargo ship KM Dobonsolo at Sorong General Port on Wednesday night.
Genman Suhefti Hasibuan, head of the West Papua BBKSDA (Natural Resources Conservation Agency), said the discovery happened during a routine inspection on the ship’s third deck around 7 p.m. local time.
“During the check, our team found one black-capped lory,” Genman told Anadolu Agency by phone on Thursday.
A follow-up search uncovered seven more birds, one of which was already dead.
All eight birds were secured and taken to the BBKSDA office in West Papua for documentation and care.
The black-capped lory is a protected species endemic to Papua, widely found across the region. Genman warned that the birds were likely intended for illegal smuggling out of Papua to be kept as pets.
“The lories are believed to be smuggled outside Papua for private ownership,” he said.
KM Dobonsolo was scheduled to continue its voyage from Sorong to Bau-Bau, Makassar, Surabaya, and finally Jakarta’s Tanjung Priok port.
Despite the seizure, no suspects have been detained as no passengers claimed ownership of the birds.
“We urge an end to such smuggling. If it continues, endemic species like the black-capped lory face extinction,” Genman added.
The Papua region remains vulnerable to smuggling and illegal trade of wildlife.
On February 28, 2022, for instance, a joint team of personnel from the BKSDA and Agricultural Quarantine-West Papua Offices foiled an attempt to smuggle 59 endemic birds and reptiles.
Among the protected animals that could have been saved were 15 green tree pythons (Morelia viridis), nine green tree monitors (Varanus prasinus), and 14 monitor lizards (Varanus indicus).
Meanwhile, several endemic birds rescued from the smuggling attempt included a hooded butcherbird (Cracticus cassicus) and a green-naped lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus).
Those animals that are native to Papua and other Indonesian islands would be smuggled through MV Gunung Dempo, which was anchored at the port of Sorong City on Feb 28, 2022.
The BKSDA-Papua and West Papua Offices continue to protect the provinces' endemic species from the practices of illegal trade and smuggling.
On December 18, 2021, the Papua BKSDA released three lesser birds of paradise (Paradisaea minor) and one magnificent riflebird (Ptiloris magnificus) into the Nyei Toro forest of Ravenirara Subdistrict in the province.
Related news: Papua authorities stop illegal transport of endemic bird of paradise
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Translator: Yuvensius LB, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Azis Kurmala
5) Resident dies following tear gas incident in Manokwari under investigation
A 52-year-old man, Septinus Andreas Sesa, died after reportedly inhaling tear gas fired by police during a spontaneous protest in Manokwari. The incident occurred on 28 August 2025, near Yossudarso Road, West Manokwari District. The victim’s family reported that tear gas entered their home, causing Mr Sesa to experience acute breathing difficulties before being rushed to the Manokwari Navy Hospital, where he was declared dead at 6:05 am the following morning. The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) has deployed a team to investigate the circumstances of his death, while the West Papua Regional Police continues to examine the case.
According to the victim’s wife, tear gas reportedly entered their home. As his breathing worsened, the family sought help from neighbours to transport him to the hospital. Upon arrival, medical staff found no pulse or reflexes and declared him deceased. Komnas HAM’s regional head, Mr Frits Ramandey, confirmed that investigators are verifying witness testimonies, inspecting the scene, and coordinating with the National Police Supervisory Inspectorate (Itwasum) to ensure the facts are established transparently.
The West Papua Regional Police (Polda Papua Barat) stated that Septinus Sesa’ s death was being examined “professionally and thoroughly,” although the family’s refusal to permit an autopsy has delayed conclusive forensic findings. According to police, Mr Sesa had a prior medical history of Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) and non-haemorrhagic stroke in March 2025. The authorities maintain that he was not involved in the protest but was at home when the tear gas was deployed to disperse demonstrators protesting (see photo on top, source: independent HRD) the transfer of four political prisoners from Sorong to Makassar, South Sulawesi.
The Polda Papua Barat Public Relations Chief, Senior Commissioner Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo, said that the investigation is being carried out with the National Human Rights Commission and the Indonesian Ombudsman to ensure accountability and transparency. He urged the public “to remain patient” and avoid speculation until the full investigative findings are released. Komnas HAM, meanwhile, continues to verify whether the tear gas deployment adhered to lawful standards under the Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, which require that law enforcement operations respect the principles of necessity, proportionality, and precaution.
Human rights analysis
Mr Septinus Sesa’s death raises human rights concerns, particularly regarding the use of tear gas in residential areas and the state’s obligation to protect the right to life and health under Articles 6 and 12 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), both of which Indonesia has ratified. The deployment of tear gas should be restricted to open spaces and used only when strictly unavoidable to disperse violent assemblies. The use of such chemical agents near civilian homes may amount to arbitrary and excessive use of force, potentially violating the right to security of person and the prohibition of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
The death of Septinus Sesa underscores persistent concerns about disproportionate police tacticsand the lack of accountability in crowd control operations in West Papua, reflecting a broader pattern of excessive use of force against civilians in politically sensitive contexts. The investigation into the case should be independent, impartial, and timely, ensuring that all relevant evidence, including medical and environmental data, is preserved. Cooperation between the West Papua Police, Komnas HAM, and the Ombudsman should lead to a transparent and credible outcome that upholds both domestic and international human rights standards.
Detailed Case Data
Location: Jl. Yos Sudarso Manokwari No.8, Manokwari Bar., Kec. Manokwari Bar., Kabupaten Manokwari, Papua Bar. 98312, Indonesia (-0.8572937, 134.0672125) Manokwari City
Region: Indonesia, West Papua, Manokwari, West Manokwari
Total number of victims: 1
| # | Number of Victims | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1. | 1 | Septinus Andreas Sesa | male | 52 | Unknown | ill-treatment, right to health, right to life |
Perpetrator: , Provincial Police (POLDA)
Perpetrator details: Polda Papua Barat
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6) Arbitrary arrests and repressive policing against political activists in Sorong
Between 27 and 30 August 2025, security forces carried out a series of arbitrary arrests and home searches linked to protests against the transfer of four Papuan political prisoners in Sorong City, South West Papua Province, Indonesia. Key arrests occurred on 27 August 2025 at around 4:30 pm and on 29 August 2025 at approximately 4:30 pm. Detainees and victims include activists from Solidaritas Rakyat Papua / Sorong Raya Pro-Democracy Solidarity. Among the victims are Mr Dominggus Wafom, Mr Musa Susim, Mr Elisa Bisulu, Mr Dedi Goram, and Mr Yance Manggaprouw, as well as seventeen others detained on 27 August, including the minors Yeheskiel Korwa, 15, and Riknal Drimlol, 17. Reported violations comprise arbitrary arrest and detention, unlawful searches without presenting warrants, excessive and indiscriminate use of force and firearms, ill-treatment, intimidation of children, and criminalisation of peaceful dissent.
According to various sources, heavily armed police surrounded and forced entry into the home of activist Sayang Mandabayang (Jalan Kelapa Dua) on 27 August 2025, arresting her husband Yan (Yance) Manggaprouw without presenting a warrant (see video below, source: independent HRD). He was transported to Sorong City Police Headquarters, allegedly beaten with a firearm butt, strangled, and his telephone seized. An interrogation followed at around 5:30 pm. He was subsequently notified of charges under Article 170 of the Indonesian Criminal Code on Assault.
Throughout 27 August, police reportedly dispersed protests against the prisoner transfer using tear gas and live ammunition, and pursued residents into homes. By approximately 8:00 pm, 17 people had reportedly been detained, including two minors (see photos below, source: independent HRDs). On 28 August 2025, 100 Mobile Brigade (Brimob) officers were flown in on “BKO/operational assistance” to “secure” demonstrations.
On 29 August 2025 at 4:30 pm, Brimob officers allegedly conducted a forced raid on the home of Abraham Goram Gaman, arresting Aves Susim, Dedy Goram, Maikel Wafom, and Elisa Bisulu, whose whereabouts were initially unknown. Around 5:00 pm, officers reportedly entered and arrested the wife of political prisoner Bram (Abraham) Goram at the Kld III/Worcit complex, triggering further protests. The same day, TNI personnel were observed moving to raid the home of activist Sayang Mandabayan. On 30 August 2025, civil society coalitions reported that several activists remained detained at Sorong City Police Headquarters.
Human rights analysis
From a human rights and rule-of-law perspective, the policing of these protests contravenes Indonesia’s obligations under domestic and international law. Warrantless entries and searches of private homes, as reported, are inconsistent with Articles 18 and 33 of Law No. 8/1981 (KUHAP/Criminal Procedure Code). The use of tear gas and live fire to disperse protests and the pursuit of residents into homes are incompatible with the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, which require legality, necessity, precaution, and strict proportionality; firearms may only be used against an imminent threat of death or serious injury, and never as a means of routine crowd control.
The involvement of TNI (armed forces) in search and investigative functions raises serious legality concerns, given the separation of military and civilian law-enforcement roles under Indonesian law (including Law No. 3/2025 amending Law No. 34/2004 on the TNI) and international standards limiting military engagement in domestic policing.
The arrest and ill-treatment of a child (15-year-old Yeheskiel Korwa) breaches Indonesia’s obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child and Law No. 35/2014 on child protection, including the child’s right to liberty, protection from violence, and best-interests considerations. More broadly, the measures described undermine rights protected by the International Covenant on Civil on Political Rights (ICCPR), including freedom of expression and peaceful assembly (Articles 19, 21) and liberty and security of person, and protection against arbitrary arrest and detention (Article 9), as well as the right “to feel secure and be protected from fear” reflected in Article 30 of Law No. 39/1999 on Human Rights.
The criminalisation of peaceful dissent, coupled with reports of ill-treatment (beatings with a rifle butt, strangulation) and coercive interrogation, raises concerns of arbitrary detention and ill-treatment contrary to ICCPR Articles 9 and 7 and CAT standards. The cumulative pattern of massive force deployment, home invasions, child trauma, and ongoing detention of activists indicates disproportionate and punitive policing incompatible with necessity and proportionality principles under both domestic law and international human rights law.
Activists were arbitrarily detained and some ill-treated in Sorong between 27 and 30 August
7) Impunity concerns: Sorong Police reluctant to investigate allegations of torture and arbitrary detention
On 7 October 2025, the Papua Legal Aid Institute (LBH Papua) branch office in Sorong urged the Southwest Papua People’s Assembly (MRP PBD) to take an active role in monitoring and supporting the legal process into allegations of arbitrary detention and torture committed by officers of the Sorong City Police against Papuan civilian, Mr Ortizan F. Tarage on 15 May 2025. Despite being reported in May 2025 under Police Report Number LP/B/341/V/2025/SPKT/POLRESTA SORONG KOTA/POLDA PAPUA BARAT DAYA, the case remains stagnant, with no suspects named and no transparent investigative progress.
Following the victim’s complaint, LBH Kaki Abu Sorong and later LBH Papua Pos Sorong filed reports demanding accountability. However, correspondence from the Sorong City Police in July and September 2025 indicates that no meaningful investigation has been undertaken. Instead, the police reportedly attempted to resolve the case through customary or “amicable” settlement efforts, without the consent or involvement of the victim’s legal representatives. The victim understands these attempts as an act deemed to obstruct justice and perpetuate impunity.
In October 2025, LBH Papua Pos Sorong confirmed that a member of the MRP PBD of West Papua contacted their office to coordinate on the case. LBH Sorong welcomed this move, stating it would formally submit a petition and evidence dossier to the MRP PBD demanding oversight. Advocacy staff member Ambrosius Klagilit, S.H., stressed that the MRP PBD must “remain consistent in defending the rights of Indigenous Papuans, especially the right to security and freedom from all forms of violence and torture.”
LBH Papua reiterated that the rule of law applies to all, including law enforcement officials, citing Article 1(3) of the 1945 Constitution, Articles 28D(1) and 28G(2) of the Constitution, Law No. 39/1999 on Human Rights, and Law No. 5/1998 on the Convention Against Torture, which Indonesia has ratified. The lawyers emphasised that no institution enjoys immunity under the rule of law and that torture by state officials constitutes a serious violation of human rights under both national and international law.
Background
The incident occurred on Jalan Pendidikan Km. 8, Sorong City, on 15 May 2025. Mr Ortizan Tarage and his wife were fishing when several unidentified men, later confirmed as members of the Sorong City Police, arrived without showing arrest warrants or assignment letters. They forcibly arrested Mr Tarage and took him into custody, where he was subjected to severe beatings with wood, bamboo, iron, padlocks, and hoses, to coerce a confession to a motorcycle theft. The victim sustained serious injuries (see photo on top, source: Jubi) and was hospitalised at Sele Be Solu Regional Hospital. He was later threatened not to pursue legal action.
Legal and human rights perspective
The case illustrates a systemic failure of accountability and the persistence of undue delay in investigations involving members of the Indonesian National Police (POLRI). Despite the existence of clear legal provisions prohibiting torture, including Article 33(1) and Article 34 of the Human Rights Law, there has been no legal progress in five months. This violates the victim’s right to an effective remedy under Article 7(1) of Law No. 39/1999 and international human rights standards such as Article 12 of the Convention Against Torture.
Moreover, attempts by the police to settle the case through non-judicial means contradict both Article 17 of the Human Rights Law and National Police Regulation No. 8 of 2009, which obligates police to uphold human rights principles in the performance of their duties. Such acts risk perpetuating a culture of impunity, eroding public trust in state institutions, and undermining the rule of law.
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