Arbitrary detention and alleged torture of minor and escaped prisoner in Yahukimo Regency
On 16 March 2026, sixteen-year-old Rio Keroman, and Mr Ferly Wesapla, 23, were arbitrarily detainted and subsequently tortured by Indonesian security personnel at the District Police station in Dekai (Polres Yahukimo). The arrest occurred at approximately 2:00 pm at Kali Biru, Kurima Road. Both individuals were detained without a warrant, subjected to coercive interrogation involving physical violence, and accused of involvement in conflict-related killings. Senior high school student Rio Keroman was released on 17 March 2026 at 7:50 Papua Time, while Mr Wesapla turned out to be a escaped prisoner and remained in detention.
On 16 March 2026 at approximately2:00 pm, Rio Keroman and Mr Ferly Wesapla were travelling by motorbike when plain cloth police officers intercepted them at Kali Biru, Kurima Road (see photo on top, source: independent HRD). The officers, arriving in two Strada vehicles, apprehended Rio and Mr Wesapla without presenting an arrest warrant or identifying themselves as law enforcement officials. Following the arrest, they were brought to Dekai Police Station in Yahukimo Regency. Upon arrival, both suspects were separated and interrogated in different rooms. During this process, military personnel, including members of the Indonesian Marine Corps, were reportedly present and directly involved in the interrogation, alongside police officers.
During interrogation, both victims were forced to confess to alleged involvement in armed conflict and killings in Yahukimo. The interrogations were reportedly conducted under physical violence and psychological pressure. Mr Ferly Wesapla was reportedly subjected to particularly severe beatings and coercion. Authorities referenced his prior detention in Wamena Prison in a case believed by sources to have been fabricated. Rio Keroman sustained multiple injuries, including bruising to the head, cheeks, and back, as a result of beatings during interrogation.
Rio was released on 17 March 2026 at 7:50 pm after authorities failed to establish evidence linking him to any criminal offense. Upon release, he was subjected to mandatory reporting obligations twice weekly without clear legal ground. Mr Wesapla remains in detention at Dekai Police Station, without access to legal counsel and under continued risk of ill-treatment.
Human rights analysis
If substantiated, the allegations of arbitrary detention and torture of Rio Keroman and Mr Ferly Wesapla constitute violations of international human rights law and Indonesian domestic law. The absence of an arrest warrant and the failure to promptly inform the victims of the reasons for their arrest indicate arbitrary deprivation of liberty as prohibited under Article 9 of the International Covenant in Civil and Political Rights (ICRC).
The arrest and detention of a minor without demonstrable evidence of criminal conduct, and without the presence of guardians or legal representatives, further violate child protection standards and triggers state responsibility under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). The apparent reliance on suspicion of affiliation with the West Papua National Libertion Army (TPNPB) in the absence of material evidence suggests discriminatory and collective punishment practices in the context of the ongoing armed political conflict in West Papua.
The reported use of physical violence and psychological coercion during interrogation amounts to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, strictly prohibited under the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT). The forced extraction of confessions further violates fundamental fair trial guarantees. In addition, the involvement of military personnel (marines) in interrogation procedures at a police facility raises serious concerns regarding jurisdictional overreach and violations of due process, as law enforcement functions should remain under civilian authority.
Detailed Case Data
Location: Dekai, Yahukimo regency, Highland Papua, Indonesia (-4.8638158, 139.4837298) Kali Biru, Kurima Road
Region: Indonesia, Highland Papua, Yahukimo, Dekai
Total number of victims: 2
| # | Number of Victims | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1. | 1 | Rio Keroman | male | 16 | Indigenous Peoples | arbitrary detention, torture |
| 2. | 1 | Ferly Wesapla | male | 23 | Indigenous Peoples | arbitrary detention, torture |
Perpetrator: , Indonesian Security Forces
Issues: indigenous peoples, security force violence
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