2) Military intimidation in Biak: Indigenous Papuan family faces forced eviction, intimidation and loss of access to electricity
3) Young man allegedly subjected to arbitrary detention and ill-treatment during two-day detention in Yahukimo
4) Civilians Killed in Violence Linked to the Free Papua Movement
5) Amnesty International demands an end to killings in West Papua
6) Father and 17-year-old son arrested by joint security forces in Yahukimo
7) Marines personnel arrest two civilians in Dekai, Yahukimo Regency
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From JUBI News FB page
1) 10 Civilians Shot, 6 Victims Due to Gunshots, TPNPB: All Victims Are Civilians, Gold Panners
Press Conference by the Central Command of KOMNAS TPNPB on Monday, September 21, 2026
Please follow this report!
The Central Command of KOMNAS TPNPB has received reports from PIS TPNPB from Yahukimo that the Indonesian military has carried out shootings against 10 civilians in Kampung Samboga, Seredala District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua on September 18, 2026, around 24:00 when the victims left the gold panning area towards Kampung Samboga.
PIS TPNPB also reported that all victims when leaving the gold panning area to Kampung Samboga around 24:00 at night, were already being monitored by the Indonesian military using drones, so the military immediately carried out a search on the public roads in Kampung Samboga, and all victims were immediately shot by the Indonesian military without warning shots. Six men were among the victims, namely; Yonas Aje (22), Pilatus Porpom (25), Daniel Timuka (19), Kani Borpom (20), Yanus Patika (28) and Elli Timuka (28).
He also reported that all victims who were shot by the Indonesian military since September 18, 2026, have not yet been evacuated by the church and humanitarian organizations in Yahukimo. And until now, the location of the incident is still controlled by the Indonesian military. Therefore, the Central Command of KOMNAS TPNPB requests President Prabowo Subianto, Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and TNI Agus Subyanto to immediately open access for the humanitarian team to evacuate all victims to the hospital.
PIS TPNPB further stated that many of the gunshot wounds suffered by the victims, but they could not provide photographic or video evidence because the area is still controlled by the Indonesian military. We also suspect that the victims were shot since September 18, 2026, and have not yet been evacuated, so we suspect that the Indonesian military is hiding the victims' bodies to conceal evidence. He also said that all victims suffered serious gunshot wounds.
In this regard, the Central Command Management of the TPNPB KOMNAS emphasized to the Indonesian military authorities to stop the brutal shooting of indigenous people in Tanah Papua and urged President Prabowo to immediately take responsibility for the shooting because in the incident there was no contact between the Indonesian military authorities and the TPNPB Kodap XVI Yahukimo forces. However, the military authorities carried out brutal shooting against 10 civilians, resulting in 6 casualties.
This is the Press Release from the Central Command Management of the TPNPB KOMNAS on Monday, September 21, 2026 by Sebby Sambom, OPM TPNPB Jubir.
And thank you for the good cooperation.
National Commander of the TPNPB National Command Command - OPM.
General Goliath Tabuni
High Commander of the TPNPB-OPM
Lieutenant General Melkisedek Awom
Deputy Commander of the TPNPB-OPM
Mayor General Terianus Satto
General Staff Head of the TPNPB-OPM
Mayor General Lekagak Telenggen
General Operations Commander of the TPNPB-OPM
—
10 Warga Sipil Ditembak, 6 Orang Korban Akibat Luka Tembak, TPNPB: Seluruh Korban Adalah Warga Sipil, Para Pendulangan Emas
Siaran Pers Manajemen Markas Pusat KOMNAS TPNPB Per Senin, 21 September 2026
Silahkan Ikuti Laporan Dibawa Ini.!
Manajemen Markas Pusat KOMNAS TPNPB telah menerima laporan dari PIS TPNPB dari Yahukimo bahwa aparat militer Indonesia telah melakukan penembakan terhadap 10 orang warga sipil di Kampung Samboga, Distrik Seredala, Kabupaten Yahukimo, Papua pada 18 September 2026 sekitar pukul 24.00 saat para korban keluar dari tempat pendulangan ke arah Kampung Samboga.
PIS TPNPB juga melaporkan bahwa seluruh korban saat keluar dari tempat pendulangan emas ke Kampung Samboga sekitar pukul 24.00 malam, mereka sudah di pantau oleh aparat militer Indonesia menggunakan drone sehingga, aparat langsung melakukan siaga di jalan umum di Kampung Samboga, sehingga seluruh korban saat memasuki kampung tersebut langsung ditembak oleh aparat militer Indonesia tanpa adanya tembakan peringatan. Atas kejadian tersebut 6 orang pria menjadi korban diantaranya; Yonas Aje (22), Pilatus Porpom (25), Daniel Timuka (19), Kani Borpom (20), Yanus Patika (28) dan Elli Timuka (28).
Ia juga melaporkan bahwa seluruh korban yang menjadi korban penembakan oleh aparat militer Indonesia sejak 18-21 September 2026 belum dievakusai keluar oleh pihak gereja dan lembaga-lembaga kemanusiaan di Yahukimo. Dan hingga sekarang lokasi kejadian masih di kuasai oleh aparat militer Indonesia. Oleh sebab itu, Manajemen Markas Pusat KOMNAS TPNPB meminta kepada Presiden Prabowo Subianto, Menteri Pertahanan Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin dan Panglima TNI Agus Subyanto agar segera membuka akses bagi tim kemanusiaan untuk menggevakuasi seluruh korban ke rumah sakit.
PIS TPNPB lebih lanjut bahwa banyak luka tembak yang dialami oleh para korban namun, tidak dapat mengambil bukti foto maupun video karena wilayah tersebut masih di kuasai oleh aparat militer Indonesia. Kami juga menduga bahwa para korban ditembak sejak 18 September 2026 dan hingga sekarang belum di evakuasi maka kami menduga aparat militer Indonesia sedang menyembunyikan jazad korban untuk menghilangkan barang bukti. Ia juga mengatakan bahwa seluruh korban mengalami luka tembak dibagian tubuh dengan serius.
Dalam hal tersebut, Manajemen Markas Pusat KOMNAS TPNPB menegaskan kepada aparat militer Indonesia untuk hentikan penembakan brutal terhadap warga pribumi di Tanah Papua dan menegaskan kepada Presiden Prabowo agar segera bertanggung jawab atas penembakan tersebut karena dalam insiden tersebut tidak adanya kontak senjata antara aparat militer Indonesia dengan pasukan TPNPB Kodap XVI Yahukimo. Namun, secara sepihak aparat melakukan penembakan brutal terhadap 10 warga sipil hingga mengakibatkan 6 orang korban.
Demikian Siaran Pers Manajemen Markas Pusat KOMNAS TPNPB Per Senin, 21 September 2026 oleh Sebby Sambom Jubir TPNPB OPM.
Dan terima kasih atas kerja sama yang baik.
Penanggungjawab Nasional Komando Markas Pusat Komando Nasional TPNPB-OPM.
Jenderal Goliath Tabuni
Panglima Tinggi TPNPB-OPM
Letnan Jenderal Melkisedek Awom
Wakil Panglima TPNPB-OPM
Mayor Jenderal Terianus Satto
Kepala Staf Umum TPNPB-OPM
Mayor Jenderal Lekagak Telenggen
Komandan Operasi Umum TPNPB-OPM
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2) Military intimidation in Biak: Indigenous Papuan family faces forced eviction, intimidation and loss of access to electricity
Air Force (TNI AU) personnel have allegedly subjected an indigenous Papuan family to repeated intimidation, forced eviction measures and interference with their customary land rights in the Sorido Village, Biak Kota District, Biak Numfor Regency, Papua Province. On 1 September 2026, Mr Manase Marandof sustained injuries during a land clearance operation near his home and was briefly detained by police. On 10 September 2026, at approximately 08:00–08:30 am, around 30 Indonesian Air Force personnel reportedly intimidated his brother, Mr Adam Marandof, after he requested that construction work on the disputed land be suspended. The indigenous Byak community of Papua Province is facing an unprecedented crisis. State agencies, particularly the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), have launched a systematic land-grabbing campaign across the regencies of Biak Numfor, Supiori, and Waropen.
By 14 September 2026, Manase Marandof’s house had reportedly been completely enclosed by fencing, its electricity supply had been cut off and part of the surrounding residential land had been cleared. The incidents form part of a longstanding dispute between the Marandof clan and the Indonesian Air Force over customary land rights and the development of military facilities in Biak. According to the Papua Coalition for Law Enforcement and Human Rights, the military’s actions have threatened the family’s rights to adequate housing, personal security and protection of their ancestral land.
The dispute between the Marandof clan and the TNI AU has reportedly continued for more than a decade. The family claims customary rights over the Sorido. The Indonesian Air Force, meanwhile, claims rights over the land on the basis of Right of Use Certificate No. 40 of 1999. The family and its legal representatives contest the legitimacy of the acquisition process, alleging that the customary rights holders never lawfully relinquished their land. According to the coalition, the dispute has been accompanied by repeated evictions, threats and acts of violence against family members since 2014.
In May 2015, Mr Manase Marandof’s son, Mr Pernetus Marandof, reportedly disappeared and was subsequently found dead near the family home. The coalition alleges that the condition of his body suggested mutilation and that his death has never been adequately investigated. In June 2015, his younger brother, Mr Amsal Marandof, was allegedly assaulted by members of the Indonesian Air Force’s Special Forces Corps (PASKHAS) after questioning the removal of boundary markers from the family’s land. According to a field report by the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Office of the GKI Synod of Papua, dated 23 November 2015, military personnel dragged Amsal along the tarmac and repeatedly beat him in the presence of police officers. His sister, Mrs Ida Marandof, reportedly lost consciousness after being assaulted while attempting to protect him. Amsal was subsequently prosecuted for possession of a bladed weapon under Emergency Law No. 12 of 1951 and sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment. The coalition has called for renewed investigations into these incidents and the circumstances surrounding the prosecution.
The land dispute escalated again in October 2025, when evictions reportedly occurred in Snerbo Village. On 23 January 2026, the Indonesian Air Force issued a further notice requiring the clearance of the disputed land. The Marandof family and its legal representatives challenged the notice and pursued a complaint concerning alleged human rights violations with the Papua Regional Office of the Indonesian National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM). According to the coalition, the Indonesian Air Force had not provided an official response to the Commission’s request for information dated 13 March 2026.
On 1 September 2026, Indonesian Air Force personnel reportedly resumed land clearance activities using heavy machinery, removing land and vegetation to within approximately two metres of Manase Marandof’s home. According to the coalition, Manase sustained injuries while attempting to protect his property and was briefly taken into police custody. The coalition further alleges that Air Force personnel subsequently approached him and proposed relocation outside a formal process for resolving the disputed customary land rights.
On 10 September 2026, approximately 30 personnel from Manuhua Air Base returned to the disputed site to guard heavy machinery and continue constructing a fence associated with the entrance to the Indonesian Air Force’s Special Forces Corps (Kopasgat) headquarters (see photos above, source: independent HRD). Between approximately 08:00 and 08:30 am, Mr Adam Marandof approached the personnel and requested a temporary suspension of construction pending dialogue between the family, the customary rights holders and the relevant authorities. Thereupon, armed personnel reportedly surrounded Mr Marandof and filmed him while he expressed his objections.
In a press release dated 13 September 2026, the coalition reported that the construction of fencing had completely enclosed Mr Manase Marandof’s house. The electricity cables supplying the building had also reportedly been cut, leaving him and his family without electricity. Additional clearance of the surrounding land had further reduced the space available to the family.
Human rights and legal analysis
The reported incidents raise serious concerns regarding the protection of indigenous peoples’ collective land rights under Indonesian and international human rights law. Article 18B(2) of the Indonesian Constitution recognises customary law communities and their traditional rights, subject to the conditions established by law. Article 43 of Law No. 21 of 2001 on Special Autonomy for Papua, as amended, provides for the protection of customary land rights and requires consultation with the affected customary law community to reach agreement on the relinquishment of land and compensation.
Furthermore, Articles 10, 26 and 32 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) establish international standards concerning protection against forced removal, recognition of indigenous land rights and consultation to obtain free, prior and informed consent. The Indonesian Air Force’s reliance on Right of Use Certificate No. 40 of 1999 does not resolve the allegations concerning the acquisition of the land. An independent review should establish whether the certificate was lawfully issued, whether the customary rights holders were appropriately consulted, and whether the acquisition process complied with the applicable legal requirements. The authorities must also establish the identity of all legitimate customary rights holders before any agreement concerning the land can be considered valid.
The reported fencing of Manase Marandof’s house, disconnection of electricity and clearance of the surrounding residential land raise concerns under Article 11(1) of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), which guarantees the right to an adequate standard of living, including adequate housing. The right to adequate housing encompasses security of tenure, access to essential services and protection against forced eviction and harassment. The UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights has emphasised that forced evictions are prima facie incompatible with the Covenant and may be justified only in exceptional circumstances. These safeguards include genuine consultation, adequate notice, access to legal remedies and protection against homelessness.
The deployment of armed military personnel during a civilian land dispute, the reported confrontation with Mr Adam Marandof and temporary detention of Mr Manase Marandof raise additional concerns regarding the family’s personal security and protection against arbitrary interference with their home. Article 28G(1) of the Indonesian Constitution guarantees protection of the person, family, dignity and security, while Article 17 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)prohibits arbitrary or unlawful interference with the home, privacy and family life. The reported death of Mr Pernetus Marandof in May 2015 and the subsequent allegations of physical violence against Mr Amsal Marandof and Mrs Ida Marandof require independent and effective investigation. Where a death may have resulted from unlawful violence, the authorities must establish its circumstances, identify those responsible and ensure appropriate accountability. The allegations concerning the assault of Amsal and Ida should likewise be investigated, including the conduct of any military or police personnel involved and whether officials failed to intervene to prevent further violence. The conviction of Amsal Marandof does not extinguish the state’s obligation to investigate the alleged violence against him
Dispute between military personnel and members of the Marandof clan in Sorido, Biak, on 1 September 2026
Detailed Case Data
Document ID: HRM-CAS-124-2026
Location: Sorido, Biak Kota, Biak Numfor Regency, Papua, Indonesia (-1.1616001, 136.06109)
Region: Indonesia > Papua > Biak Numfor > Biak Kota
Total number of victims: dozens
Document ID: HRM-CAS-124-2026
Location: Sorido, Biak Kota, Biak Numfor Regency, Papua, Indonesia (-1.1616001, 136.06109)
Region: Indonesia > Papua > Biak Numfor > Biak Kota
Total number of victims: dozens
| # | Number of Victims | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1. | 1 | Manase Marandof | male | unknown | Indigenous Peoples | arbitrary detention, ill-treatment |
| 2. | 1 | Adam MArandof | male | unknown | Indigenous Peoples | intimidation |
| 3. | dozens | mixed | unknown | Indigenous Peoples | intimidation |
Perpetrator: Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces > Indonesian Military (TNI) > Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU)
Issues: indigenous peoples, security force violence
Related Cases:
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3) Young man allegedly subjected to arbitrary detention and ill-treatment during two-day detention in Yahukimo
On 18 August 2026, plain cloth police officers reportedly apprehended Mr Enes Magayang, 25, at Dekai Old Market, Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency, Highlands Papua Province. The officers arrived in a black Toyota Avanza, forced Mr Magayang into the vehicle and subsequently took him to the Yahukimo District Police Station, where he was detained until 20 August 2026. Mr Magayang reported being struck on the back with an object described as a weapon and with a boot during his arrest or detention.
On the morning of 18 August 2026, Mr Magayang left his home and travelled to Dekai Old Market, where he met his parents. At approximately 10.00 am, while he was standing beside his motorbike and speaking with them, a black Toyota Avanza reportedly approached the scene. Several plain cloth officers police approached Mr Magayang and forced him to enter the vehicle. He was subsequently taken to the Yahukimo District Police Station and held in custody. Mr Magayang was released on 20 August 2026, following approximately two days of detention. He reported being struck on the back with a wooden stick and kicked with heavy boots.
Human rights analysis
The circumstances of Magayang’s apprehension raise concerns regarding the legality and procedural safeguards of his arrest and detention. Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention and requires that individuals be informed of the reasons for their arrest and promptly notified of any criminal charges.
The alleged physical violence against Mr Magayang raises additional concerns under Article 7 of the ICCPR, which prohibits torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, and Article 10(1), which guarantees humane treatment of persons deprived of their liberty. The reported blows to his back with a weapon-like object and boots warrant an independent assessment of the nature, severity and circumstances of the alleged injuries. The allegations require investigation as potential acts of ill-treatment. Under Articles 12, 13 and 16 of the Convention against Torture (CAT),Indonesian authorities are required to ensure prompt and impartial investigations where there are reasonable grounds to believe that torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment has occurred.
Detailed Case Data
Document ID: HRM-CAS-126-2026
Location: Dekai, Yahukimo regency, Highland Papua, Indonesia (-4.8638158, 139.4837298) Old Market
Region: Indonesia > Highland Papua > Yahukimo > Dekai
Total number of victims: 1
Document ID: HRM-CAS-126-2026
Location: Dekai, Yahukimo regency, Highland Papua, Indonesia (-4.8638158, 139.4837298) Old Market
Region: Indonesia > Highland Papua > Yahukimo > Dekai
Total number of victims: 1
| # | Number of Victims | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1. | 1 | Enes Magayang | male | 25 | Indigenous Peoples | arbitrary detention, ill-treatment |
Perpetrator: Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces > Indonesian Police
Issues: indigenous peoples, security force violence
Related Cases:
---------------------------------------------
SBS Indonesia
4) Civilians Killed in Violence Linked to the Free Papua Movement
AUDIO
A driver who provides transportation services in the mountainous region of Papua was the victim of violence perpetrated by the Free Papua Movement.
This is just one of many examples of civilians who were arrested and then executed by the military wing of the OPM, simply because they were not indigenous Papuans. This driver happened to be from Tanah Toraja. Prior to this, there had been other victims, particularly from the lower socioeconomic classes providing services in the interior, such as vendors or motorcycle taxi drivers. Incident after incident continues to occur, and everyone fears that the hoped-for peace in Papua will not materialize.
Ismail Assow is a prominent figure in the Papua Pegunungan community. He noted that violence is indeed widespread in the Papua Pegunungan region and in Central Papua areas where the indigenous Papuan population is concentrated.
Ismail noted that in cities, people vent their protests through demonstrations. In the Papua Highlands, acts of violence and killings may serve as a similar form of expression. Moreover, from the very beginning, this group has had only one aspiration: separation or disintegration.
Unfortunately, a peaceful dialogue process has never taken place. Instead, the central government’s repressive actions have intensified, particularly through a military approach. Violence begetting violence is a manifestation of this situation.
Ismail acknowledged that there is indeed a very high level of hostility in areas of concentration, where the indigenous Papuans currently survive in the mountainous regions. Ismail likened this to a situation in which indigenous Papuans are oppressed and hunted down, and in turn, they defend themselves, leading to violence targeting ethnic groups outside Papua.
“The city of Wamena, the capital of Papua Pegunungan Province, is completely surrounded and controlled down to every inch of land by Agianus Kogoya’s group,” added Ismail.
In such a violent situation, anyone whether a Papuan or a non Papuan can be viewed as an informant for the security forces. The OPM has already designated the mountainous region as a war zone, and as a result, they are operating as if in a state of war.
Ismail acknowledged that the indigenous Papuans need everyone anyone, regardless of ethnicity to sustain their way of life. They need doctors, nurses, teachers, service providers such as drivers, and various other professions provided by non-Papuans. But in a situation fraught with pressure and threats, Papuans in the mountains tend to defend themselves, fighting to survive and stay safe. In such a situation, Ismail said, the process of dialogue is actually even more necessary. But to date, no efforts have been made, so what emerges is violence after violence.
The political situation in Papua is generally not conducive. Many regents, mayors, and politicians are not Papuans. The political aspirations of local residents are also not adequately addressed. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (KKR) a process similar to the one in South Africa initiated by Nelson Mandela has also failed to be established in Papua.
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"We need them. We are also brothers and sisters. And the Papuan people also need the Chinese, Arabs, Butonese, and Ambonese they were already there decades before the Indonesian state existed. And we, as Papuans, are one united people. Why has this issue arisen? Because there is structural state violence against the Papuan people".Ismail Assow
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Poverty also plagues Papua. Ismail gave the example of a small territory in the Pacific called Caledonia, which actually wants to remain part of France because its people feel they are treated fairly there. Meanwhile, ever since it became part of Indonesia, Papua has consistently been the poorest province, even though it is recognized as possessing extraordinary natural resources.
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5) Amnesty International demands an end to killings in West Papua
Andrew Mathieson
Published September 21, 2026 at 8.30am (AWST)
Amnesty International is appealing tor all armed organisations to lay down their guns and stop the killing of West Papuan civilians in the occupied Indigenous territory.
The human rights organisation's call for a ceasefire across the six sovereign Papuan provinces of Indonesiasi aimed at the West Papua National Liberation Army, its Kodap III Ndugama-Derakma regional command wing, the West Papua Revolutionary Army, the military arm of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, an armed guerilla insurgency of the Free West Papua movement, as well as the Indonesian military and police forces.
Amnesty's Indonesian chapter urged Jakarta to utilise its authority to end all forms of violence in the West Papua territory through conflict-resolution efforts.
The call came in response to the rising number of recent cases involving abductions that led to a series of deaths, including reprisals from the West Papua National Liberation Army against Papuans who have allegedly sided with Indonesian forces.
Amnesty International Indonesia executive director Usman Hamid called the growing number of killings serious crimes under international humanitarian law.
"We call on the state to investigate the killings and prosecute those responsible," he said.
Mr Hamid said all parties involved in the armed conflict including the Indonesian military/police and pro-independence armed groups must comply with international law.
"The killing of civilians violates the humanitarian principles of international humanitarian law - there is no justification for such crimes," he said.
"The right to life is an absolute right that must be protected. We oppose killings in any form."
Amnesty International Indonesia shone the spotlight on a particular case less than a month ago, condemning the abduction of nine women who were taken as hostages.
Two of the nine women reportedly escaped from the clutches of the National Liberation Army's Kodap regional command, but residents of a Central Papua province village reportedly later found one of them killed.
Mr Hamid said proper investigations and fair trials were necessary to ease the casualties while saying that armed conflicts were also subject to minimum standards for humane treatment, including prohibitions on torture, politically-motivated killings and the taking of hostages.
"Whatever the reason, including political motives, such acts are unacceptable and are not justified under international law," he said.
Mr Hamid added that the survivors and the families of victims have the right to know what happened, who was responsible and what steps Indonesia would take to deliver justice.
Amnesty International Indonesia cited the Papua Road Map study from 2008, which described Indonesia's longest-running ethnic conflict being behind the endless West Papuan deaths, as a way to better understand the causes and the possible ways of addressing an issue that dates back more than six decades.
"We urge the Indonesian government and the House of Representatives to immediately open peace negotiations or humanitarian dialogue to resolve the armed conflict in (West) Papua," Mr Hamid said.
"Peace dialogue must involve all stakeholders in (West) Papua to ensure a dignified solution to this prolonged conflict."
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6) Father and 17-year-old son arrested by joint security forces in Yahukimo
On 18 August 2026, Indonesian Marine Corps personnel and the Police reportedly arrested Mr Dan Menegiy, 50, the village head of Walehikma, and his 17-year-old son, Ordi Menegiy, outside Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) branch in Yahukimo Regency, Papua Highlands Province. Both were taken into custody at the Yahukimo District Police Station. Mr Dan Menegiy was released on 21 August 2026, while his son reportedly remained in police custody when the incident was documented on 22 August 2026.
At approximately 3.20 pm, Mr Dan Menegiy and his son, Ordi Menegiy, visited a BRI bank branch in Yahukimo Regency on 18 August 2026 to withdraw money. As they left the bank, they were reportedly intercepted by Indonesian Marine Corps personnel and members of the police. The security personnel brought them to the Yahukimo District Police Station, where they were detained.
On 21 August 2026, Mr Dan Menegiy was released after spending approximately three days in police custody. His 17-year-old son was not released alongside him. According to the information available on 22 August 2026, Ordi Menegiy remained detained at the Yahukimo District Police Station.
Human rights analysis
The reported circumstances of the arrests raise concerns under Article 9(1)–(4) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention and guarantees the right to be informed of the reasons for arrest, to challenge the lawfulness of detention and to obtain judicial review. Although the available information does not establish whether the authorities had reasonable grounds to suspect either individual of a criminal offence, the reported arrest of a father and his minor son warrants an independent examination of the legal basis, necessity and proportionality of the deprivation of liberty. In the absence of lawful grounds and compliance with applicable procedural safeguards, their arrest and detention may constitute violations of Article 9 of the ICCPR.
The prolonged detention of Ordi Menegiy raises additional concerns under Article 37(b)–(d) of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). The Convention requires that the detention of a child be lawful, used only as a measure of last resort and limited to the shortest appropriate period. Children deprived of their liberty must receive treatment appropriate to their age, be separated from adult detainees unless contrary to their best interests, maintain contact with their families and have prompt access to legal assistance and independent review of their detention. The reported continuation of Ordi Menegiy’s detention after his father’s release requires particular scrutiny.
Detailed Case Data
Document ID: HRM-CAS-127-2026
Location: Dekai, Yahukimo regency, Highland Papua, Indonesia (-4.8638158, 139.4837298) In front of BRI Bank Branch in Dekai
Region: Indonesia > Highland Papua > Yahukimo > Dekai
Total number of victims: 2
Document ID: HRM-CAS-127-2026
Location: Dekai, Yahukimo regency, Highland Papua, Indonesia (-4.8638158, 139.4837298) In front of BRI Bank Branch in Dekai
Region: Indonesia > Highland Papua > Yahukimo > Dekai
Total number of victims: 2
| # | Number of Victims | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1. | 1 | Dan Menegiy | male | 50 | Indigenous Peoples | arbitrary detention |
| 2. | 1 | Ordi Menegiy | male | 17 | Indigenous Peoples | arbitrary detention |
Perpetrator: Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces
Issues: indigenous peoples
Related Cases:
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7) Marines personnel arrest two civilians in Dekai, Yahukimo Regency
On 18 August 2026, personnel of the Marine Corps reportedly arrested Mr Kelgi Bayage and Mr Dais Sikap in Yahukimo Regency, Papua Highlands Province. According to information provided by relatives, Mr Bayage and Mr Sikap, a student at Cenderawasih University (Uncen), were appreheded on Paradiso Road in Dekai, the capital of Yahukimo Regency. The families allege that the arrests were arbitrary and have called for the immediate intervention of the authorities and human rights organisations.
Marine personnel apprehended Mr Kelgi Bayage and Mr Dais Sikap on Paradiso Road at approximately 4:30 pm. Both men were described by their families as ordinary civilian residents who lived in the regency capital and were not involved in activities that would justify their arrest. Following the arrests, relatives publicly appealed to the Chief of Yahukimo District Police and Marine personnel stationed in Yahukimo Regency to end the recurring arbitrary arrest of civilians in Dekai.
Human rights analysis
The reported detention raise concerns regarding the right to liberty and security of person under Article 9(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Indonesia is a State Party. Article 9 prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention and requires every deprivation of liberty to have a lawful basis and comply with prescribed legal procedures. Under Article 9(2), arrested persons must be informed of the reasons for their arrest and promptly notified of any criminal charges against them. The absence of information concerning the alleged offences, the legal grounds for the arrests and the subsequent whereabouts of Mr Bayage and Sikap warrants further investigation. An arrest conducted without a lawful basis, or detention that is unnecessary, unreasonable or disproportionate, may constitute an arbitrary deprivation of liberty.
The involvement of Marine personnel in the reported apprehension of two civilians raises additional questions concerning the legal authority under which the operation was conducted. Military involvement in civilian law enforcement does not remove the obligation to respect fundamental procedural safeguards. Where individuals are detained on suspicion of criminal activity, Article 9(3) of the ICCPR requires prompt judicial oversight. Article 9(4) further guarantees the right to challenge the lawfulness of detention before a court and to obtain release if the detention is unlawful. The authorities must also ensure that both detainees are protected against incommunicado detention, intimidation, torture and other forms of ill-treatment. Article 10(1) of the ICCPR requires all persons deprived of their liberty to be treated with humanity and respect for their inherent dignity. Their relatives should be informed of their whereabouts and permitted to establish contact with them, while both men should have access to independent legal assistance and any necessary medical care. These safeguards are particularly important where individuals are held by military personnel outside ordinary civilian detention arrangements.
Detailed Case Data
Document ID: HRM-CAS-125-2026
Location: Jl. Paradiso, Massi, Kec. Dekai, Kabupaten Yahukimo, Papua Pegunungan 99571, Indonesia (-4.8647987, 139.478889)
Region: Indonesia > Highland Papua > Yahukimo > Dekai
Total number of victims: 2
Document ID: HRM-CAS-125-2026
Location: Jl. Paradiso, Massi, Kec. Dekai, Kabupaten Yahukimo, Papua Pegunungan 99571, Indonesia (-4.8647987, 139.478889)
Region: Indonesia > Highland Papua > Yahukimo > Dekai
Total number of victims: 2
| # | Number of Victims | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1. | 1 | male | adult | Indigenous Peoples | arbitrary detention | |
| 2. | 1 | male | adult | Indigenous Peoples | arbitrary detention |
Perpetrator: Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces > Indonesian Military (TNI) > Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL)
Issues: indigenous peoples
Related Cases:
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