2) Arbitrary detention of student in Nami village, Seradala District
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1) Arbitrary detention of two Papuan youth during raid in Duram District, Yahukimo Regency
On 2 March 2026 at approximately 11:00 pm, joint security force personnel conducted a search operation in the Telkomsel housing complex in Duram District, Yahukimo Regency, Highlands Papua province. During the operation, officers arbitrarily detained 15-year-old Setir Wed and Mr Dinis Wed, 21, while they were escaping from the security operation. Both youth are residents of Duram District. After several hours of detention, they were released on 3 March 2026, in the afternoon.
According to the information received, the joint security operation was triggered by a report alleging that members of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) were storing weapons and residing in a house within the Telkomsel housing complex. Security personnel reportedly arrived at the suspected location and fired three warning shots, creating panic in the surrounding residential area. Hearing the shots, Setir Wed and Mr Dinis Wed fled into nearby forested areas, reportedly out of fear. Security forces subsequently pursued and apprehended them.
The two detainees were taken into custody for questioning. Both detainees were eventually released on 3 March 2026 at 3:50 pm. No formal charges were reportedly filed, and there was no publicly disclosed evidence linking the two civilians to armed group activities or possession of weapons.
Human rights analysis
From a human rights perspective, the incident raises serious concerns regarding arbitrary detention forbidden under Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICRC) on the right to liberty and security of person, and the protection of minors during law-enforcement activities. The firing of warning shots at night in a populated settlement may constitute disproportionate use of force, particularly where no imminent threat was clearly identified. The detention of persons based solely on proximity to a suspected location, without individualized suspicion or evidence, appears inconsistent with due process guarantees under domestic and international law.
The detention of Setir Wed, a minor, also engages heightened protection standards as enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Security forces are required to treat minors in conflict-affected areas in accordance with child protection norms, including safeguards against arbitrary deprivation of liberty and exposure to violence or intimidation.
Detailed Case Data
Location: Duram, Yahukimo regency, Highland Papua, Indonesia (-4.511476, 139.5483671)
Region: Indonesia, Highland Papua, Yahukimo, Duram
Total number of victims: 2
Location: Duram, Yahukimo regency, Highland Papua, Indonesia (-4.511476, 139.5483671)
Region: Indonesia, Highland Papua, Yahukimo, Duram
Total number of victims: 2
| # | Number of Victims | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1. | 1 | Setir Wed | male | 15 | Indigenous Peoples, Student | arbitrary detention |
| 2. | 1 | Dinis Wed | male | 21 | Indigenous Peoples | arbitrary detention |
Perpetrator: Indonesian Security Forces
Issues: indigenous peoples, women and children
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2) Arbitrary detention of student in Nami village, Seradala District
On 17 March 2026 at approximately 10:00 am, joint security forces belonging to the Damai Cartenz Task Force arbitrarily detained 21-year-old Neri Balingga, a student at Cenderawasih University, on the Yahukimo–Pengunungan Bintang connecting road in the Nami village, Seradala District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Highlands Province. He was subsequently detained at the Yahukimo Police Station and released on 18 March 2026 at 10:30 am local time following pressure from family members, community leaders, and local youths.
According to information received, Mr Neri Balingga and several companions had departed on a pick-up truck intending to travel to a gold panning site in the Korowai area. During their journey, joint security personnel conducted a roadblock, stopping vehicles and inspecting passengers’ belongings. Authorities confiscated various personal items including machetes, jewellery, and all mobile phones. During the inspection of Balingga’s phone, officers reportedly discovered an image related to the TPNPB that had been saved from Facebook. Thereupon, Marines officers forcibly detained Mr Balingga for further interrogation at Yahukimo Police Station. Following the incident, community members mobilised to demand his release. He was released from custody the following morning after police officers could not find evidence for involvement with the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB).
Human rights analysis
The arbitrary detention of Mr Neri Balingga raises serious concerns regarding arbitrary deprivation of liberty and discriminatory security practices in conflict-affected areas of the Papuan provinces. The confiscation of personal belongings and detention based solely on possession of symbolic items or digital content without credible evidence of criminal conduct suggests failure to meet minimum legal standards governing arrest, search, and detention procedures. Such practices contribute to a climate of fear among indigenous communities and may further restrict freedom of movement, expression, and access to livelihood activities.
Detailed Case Data
Location: Seradala, Yahukimo regency, Highland Papua, Indonesia (-5.0222492, 139.9274723)Nami Village
Region: Indonesia, Highland Papua, Yahukimo, Seradala
Total number of victims: 1
Location: Seradala, Yahukimo regency, Highland Papua, Indonesia (-5.0222492, 139.9274723)Nami Village
Region: Indonesia, Highland Papua, Yahukimo, Seradala
Total number of victims: 1
| # | Number of Victims | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1. | 1 | Neri Balingga | diverse | 21 | Indigenous Peoples, Student | arbitrary detention |
Perpetrator: Indonesian Security Forces
Perpetrator details: Damai Cartenz Task force mambers
Issues: indigenous peoples---------------------------------------------------------
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