1) TNI personnel detain four activists without warrant in Boven Digoel Regency

 

2) Arbitrary detention, alleged torture and intimidation of KNPB activist in Dekai, Yahukimo Regency

3) Indonesia and Papua New Guinea advance cross-border frequency coordination

4) Indonesian govt revitalized 89 schools in West Papua in 2025

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https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/tni-personnel-detain-four-activists-without-warrant-in-boven-digoel-regency/

1) TNI personnel detain four activists without warrant in Boven Digoel Regency

28 May 2026 / 2 minutes of reading

On 1 May 2026, members of Kodim 1711/Boven Digoel allegedly detained four political activists in the grounds of the Catholic Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Mawan Village, Mandobo District, Boven Digoel Regency, South Papua Province (see photo on top, source: independent HRD). The victims were identified as Mr Roberts Lana, 29, Mr Julianus Kotremku, 27, Mr Stanislaus Aterop, 33, and Mr Adrianus Mahadin, 31. The arrest was reportedly carried out without an arrest warrant and without a clear legal basis.

According to the information received, TNI personnel apprehended the four men at approximately 3:45 pm inside the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church which is located near the military district command. TNI members claimed that the church remained within the territory of the military post. The four activists were taken to the Kodim 1711/Boven Digoel military headquarters, where they were detained and interrogated for approximately three hours, from around 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm. They were subsequently transferred to the Boven Digoel Police Station, where they were interrogated by members of the police intelligence unit for approximately 30 minutes. The four detainees were released at approximately 8:00 pm and brought back to the original location of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.

Human rights analysis

The incident raises serious concerns regarding arbitrary detention, intimidation of political activists and supporters, and the improper involvement of military personnel in law enforcement activities against civilians. Under Indonesian law, the arrest and questioning of civilians fall within the competence of the police and must be carried out in accordance with due process guarantees, including the requirement of a lawful basis and proper procedural safeguards. The detention of civilians by TNI personnel without a warrant or clear legal grounds may amount to an arbitrary deprivation of liberty as protected under Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

The case also reflects broader concerns regarding shrinking civic space in the Papuan provinces, particularly where indigenous Papuans, political activists, and civil society supporters are subjected to surveillance, intimidation, arrest, and interrogation by security forces. The fact that the arrest occurred on church grounds further heightens concerns about intimidation in spaces that should remain safe for civilians and community activities.

Detailed Case Data
Document ID: HRM-CAS-071-2026
Region: Indonesia > South Papua > Boven Digoel > Mandobo
Total number of victims: 4

#	Number of Victims	Name, Details	Gender	Age	Group Affiliation	Violations
1.	1	Roberts Lana	male	29	Activist, Indigenous Peoples	intimidation
2.	1	Julianus Kotremku	male	27	Activist, Indigenous Peoples	intimidation
3.	1	Stanislaus Aterop	male	33	Activist, Indigenous Peoples	intimidation
4.	1	Adrianus Mahadin	male	31	Activist, Indigenous Peoples	intimidation

Period of incident: 01/05/2026 – 01/05/2026
Perpetrator: Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces > Indonesian Military (TNI)

Perpetrator details: members of the Kodim 1711/Boven Digoel military command

Issues: indigenous peoples, security force violence

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https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/arbitrary-detention-alleged-torture-and-intimidation-of-knpb-activist-in-dekai-yahukimo-regency/

2) Arbitrary detention, alleged torture and intimidation of KNPB activist in Dekai, Yahukimo Regency

28 May 2026 / 4 minutes of reading

On 19 May 2026, joint security forces apprehended Mr Ruben Kobak alias Kone Kobak see photo on top, source: KNPB), the Head of Diplomacy for the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) Yahukimo Regional Branch, in Dekai Town, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province. The arrest was reportedly conducted without the presenting an arrest warrant or detention order as required under the Indonesian Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP). Mr Kobak was allegedly subjected to intimidation and torture whilst in custody at Yahukimo District Police Station (Polres Dekai). He was released on 20 May 2026 due to lack of incriminating evidence.

The KNPB is a non-violent civil resistance movement in West Papua, which has been organising West Papua-wide mass protests for self-determination through a political referendum for more than ten years. Their members have committed to non-violent protest by organising peaceful demonstrations and political discussions.

According to the information received from KNPB and other local sources, TNI-AL personnel visited the KNPB Yahukimo office in Dekai Town on 19 May 2026 at approximately 09:51 am. KNPB members understood the visit as an attempt to intimidate the activists. The military personnel reportedly ordered that the office be vacated immediately because the forces would return later.

At approximately 5:30, joint security forces consisting of Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) and Marine personnel (TNI-AL) reportedly arrived at Mr Kobak’s house in the Kali Merah area, Dekai Town, using four operational vehicles. Security personnel allegedly entered the residence and immediately ordered Mr Kobak to lie face down before dragging him from the house to a police vehicle that brought him to the Polres Yahukimo Police Station. Relatives confirmed that officers did not present an Arrest Warrant (Surat Perintah Penangkapan) during the operation.

During the arrest and search operation, authorities reportedly confiscated several personal belongings, including two mobile phones, two speakers and cash amounting to approximately Rp 700,000. Mr Kobak also reported damage to property inside the residence, including damage to the front door, kitchen utensils and other household items.

KNPB representatives and members of the local community later demanded clarification from the Yahukimo Police Chief regarding the victim’s detention and legal status. On 20 May 2026, Mr Kobak was released from Yahukimo Police Station custody at approximately 2:30 pm. According to the Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit, the detention was related to a search operation targeting members of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB).

Following his release. Mr Kobak alleged that he was subjected to coercive interrogation and torture during police custody. Officers reportedly struck him several times on the cheek, ear and eye area, resulting in pain and bleeding from his left eye. He further alleged that his hands and legs were restrained during interrogation. Officers forced him to sign a statement pledging not to participate in activities supporting West Papuan independence or KNPB activities.

The KNPB Yahukimo Regional Executive Board condemned the arrest as an act of criminalisation against a civilian political activist. The arbitrary detention was part of a broader pattern of intimidation against Papuan civilians and pro-independence activists. Arbitrary detention of KNPB activists frequently occur without clear legal evidence or transparent judicial procedures.

Human rights and legal analysis

The reported arrest and detention of Mr Ruben Kobak raise serious concerns regarding arbitrary detention, due process violations, freedom of expression and the prohibition of torture and ill-treatment under both Indonesian law and international human rights law.

Under Articles 16, 17 and 18 of the Indonesian Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), law enforcement authorities are required to present a lawful arrest warrant except in strictly limited circumstances involving flagrante delicto offences. The reported failure to present an arrest warrant or detention order may therefore constitute a violation of domestic procedural safeguards.

The allegations of intimidation, coercion and physical violence during interrogation are inconsistent with Indonesia’s obligations under the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT), to which Indonesia is a State Party. Article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) prohibits torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment under all circumstances.

Additionally, allegations that the victim was beaten and forced to sign a declaration renouncing political activities raise concerns regarding coercion and the suppression of freedom of opinion and political expression as protected under Articles 19 of the ICCPR The reported intimidation directed at KNPB members and the alleged targeting of a political activist because of his organisational role may indicate restrictions on peaceful political activity and civic participation.

Detailed Case Data
Document ID: HRM-CAS-070-2026
Region: Indonesia > Highland Papua > Yahukimo > Dekai
Total number of victims: 1

#	Number of Victims	Name, Details	Gender	Age	Group Affiliation	Violations
1.	1	Ruben Kobak	male	adult	Activist, Indigenous Peoples	arbitrary detention, freedom of expression, intimidation, torture

Period of incident: 19/05/2026 – 20/05/2026
Perpetrators:
Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces > Indonesian Military (TNI) > Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL)
Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces > Indonesian Police > Mobile Brigades (BRIMOB)
Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces > Indonesian Police > POLRES
Issues: indigenous peoples, security force violence

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https://radioinfo.asia/news/indonesia-and-papua-new-guinea-advance-cross-border-frequency-coordination/

3) Indonesia and Papua New Guinea advance cross-border frequency coordination

28 May 2026 · News

Indonesia and Papua New Guinea strengthened cooperation in cross-border radio frequency management through the 3rd Technical Coordination Meeting (TCM), held in Yogyakarta from May 19–21, 2026.

Organized by the Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Digital and Papua New Guinea’s National Information & Communications Technology Authority (NICTA), the forum has been held regularly since 2024 to prevent interference and harmonize spectrum use along the border.

A key agenda item was Digital Sound Broadcasting (DSB), with both countries discussing technical parameters to ensure compatibility. Delegations also visited Indonesia’s public broadcaster RRI Yogyakarta station on Monday, May 18, to share experiences on the deployment of DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale) and DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting) technologies.

Director of Radio Frequency Spectrum Management at the Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Digital, Adis Alifiawan, stressed the importance of coordination.

“This is not the first meeting, and it will certainly continue in the future. The goal is to harmonize frequency use between neighboring countries because signals cannot stop at borders,” he said.

“By sharing frequency plans, we know how our neighbors use the same spectrum, and this acts as a preventive step to avoid interference,” Adis added, highlighting that Indonesia and Papua New Guinea are aligned on the 2.6 GHz band, crucial for 5G deployment.

“If Indonesia rolls out 5G in border areas like Jayapura or Merauke, it will be compatible with Papua New Guinea’s 5G network. Both countries are using the same settings, ensuring seamless connectivity,” Adis explained.

Other topics included microwave links (6 GHz), cellular bands (2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz), and VHF frequencies used for digital broadcasting.

Director of Technology and New Media at Public Broadcasting Institution – Radio Republik Indonesia (LPP RRI), Muhamad Sujai, explained Indonesia’s dual adoption of DRM and DAB.

“Digital radio has two platforms — DAB and DRM. DRM can operate on medium wave, short wave, FM, and VHF, while DAB is limited to high frequencies,” he said.

“Indonesia adopted both to serve diverse conditions, from disaster-prone areas to remote islands. Papua New Guinea is learning from our experience and plans to implement both DRM and DAB, making them the second country after Indonesia to adopt both technologies simultaneously,” he added.

Indonesia currently operates nine DRM transmitters in disaster-prone regions and six DAB transmitters in major cities such as Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, and Yogyakarta.

“One DAB transmitter can broadcast up to 16 radio programs, and it is not subscription-based. Regulations for receivers are being drafted, and once finalized, the public will benefit from wider digital radio access,” Sujai noted the efficiency of these systems.

Meanwhile Manager of Frequency Coordination & Satellite at NICTA, Richard Nepao, praised the collaboration. “This is one step forward in our plans to deploy digital broadcasting. We have pilots planned for Port Moresby and Buka, and disaster notification through broadcast technologies is a priority,” he shared.

“RRI is working closely with our government, and we see this as a step toward adopting DRM and DAB+ standards,” he added.

Richard also mentioned future plans to introduce digital TV using UHF bands, while highlighting the potential for border-sharing agreements and MOUs between the two governments.

Engineer for Broadcast Planning at NICTA, Eugene Yerua, expressed interest in Indonesia’s pioneering work on dual-mode receivers. “Indonesia is piloting projects on receivers that can handle both DRM and DAB, something no other country is doing,” he said.

“We want to work closely with the Ministry of Communication and Digital and RRI to help standardize these receivers across the Asia-Pacific and ITU Region 3,” he added, acknowledging challenges in the mountainous border terrain but said coordination would ensure coverage up to 50 kilometers on both sides.

The meeting reinforced a framework for data sharing, interference resolution, and joint planning, ensuring that future technologies–particularly 5G and digital broadcasting–remain compatible across the border.

This cooperation positions Indonesia and Papua New Guinea as regional leaders in cross-border spectrum management, while also advancing disaster resilience and digital connectivity for communities in remote and vulnerable areas.

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https://en.antaranews.com/news/417209/indonesian-govt-revitalized-89-schools-in-west-papua-in-2025

4) Indonesian govt revitalized 89 schools in West Papua in 2025

•  May 28, 2026 19:46 GMT+700

Manokwari, W Papua (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education revitalized 89 schools across West Papua Province in 2025 with a total allocated budget of Rp114 billion (approximately US$6.3 million).

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Abdul Mu'ti said here on Thursday that the school revitalization program is part of the government's efforts to create safe and comfortable learning environments to improve the quality of Indonesian human resources.

"Last year in 2025, we completely finalized the revitalization of 89 schools scattered across West Papua," he said.

In Manokwari District, 31 schools benefited from the 2025 revitalization program with a budget allocation of approximately Rp39.9 billion, while the remaining schools are spread across the other six districts in West Papua.

The ministry is also currently verifying 2026 revitalization proposals submitted by 211 schools in West Papua, representing a 137.1 percent increase from the previous year.

"Hopefully, all proposals from West Papua will be approved. As we all know, the president has raised the 2026 revitalization target to 71,744 schools," the minister said.

According to him, the infrastructure upgrade program aims to transform educational institutions, from early childhood education to senior high school, into more than just places for teaching and learning, but shared homes for all students.

The program is a manifestation of the ministry's commitment and long-term strategy to realize quality education by involving all parties.

"The revitalization targets not only public schools but also private schools. Of the total revitalization targets in 2026, 23 percent are allocated for private schools," he remarked.

Manokwari District Head Hermus Indou noted that educational development through the school revitalization initiative is proof of the state's commitment to basic services, particularly in frontier, outermost, and disadvantaged (3T) regions.

The revitalization program not only positively impacts the quality of infrastructure and facilities but also boosts students' and teachers' enthusiasm during teaching and learning activities.

Indou acknowledged that a budget efficiency policy of approximately Rp200 billion has left the local government struggling to execute several planned social service programs, including spending in the education sector.

Therefore, the local government requires budgetary support from the central government to carry out its educational development programs.



Related news: Indonesia prioritizes construction of new schools in 3T remote regions

Related news: Indonesian minister pushes export villages to boost West Papua economy

Translator: Fransiskus Salu, Raka Adji
Editor: Arie Novarina

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