3) Papuan civlian killed after being detained by Marines personnel in Seradala District, Yahukimo Regency
5) Five things Friday roundup: Rediscovering the Mennonites in Papua, East Indonesia
Jayapura, Jubi – Wialo Silak, chair of Cenderawasih University’s Student Consultative Assembly (MPM Uncen) for the 2026–2027 term, has reported several Jayapura City Police officers to Papua Police over an alleged assault at the Jayapura City Police headquarters on September 30, 2026.
Silak lodged the complaint through lawyers and legal assistants from the Papua Legal Aid Institute (LBH Papua) at the Papua Police Integrated Police Service Centre (SPKT) on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
The complaint was registered under report number LP/B/162/X/2026/SPKT/POLDA PAPUA, with the alleged perpetrators initially listed as unknown.
The legal team filed the complaint after Silak underwent a medical examination at Abepura Regional General Hospital.
LBH Papua said the fact that the alleged perpetrators had not yet been identified should not prevent the investigation from progressing. It said those involved could be identified through duty rosters, CCTV footage, and statements from the victim and witnesses.
According to LBH Papua, the alleged assault, intimidation, mobile phone searches and confiscation of students’ personal belongings occurred while Silak and about 34 other students were accompanying four fellow students, including Cenderawasih University Student Executive Board (BEM Uncen) chair Yuluku Wasiangge, who had been summoned as a witness in connection with a student protest on August 15, 2026.
“Wialo Silak was allegedly subjected to violence by several police officers. Meanwhile, about 27 mobile phones, identity cards, ATM cards and KPM cards belonging to students were allegedly taken without a clear legal basis,” LBH Papua said in a statement on Thursday, October 8, 2026.
The organisation said four witnesses were initially allowed into a room for questioning, while Silak and the other students were asked to wait in the waiting area.
Shortly afterwards, several police vehicles arrived carrying four students from the Jayapura University of Science and Technology (USTJ), who had been arrested that day.
When Silak retrieved his mobile phone from a chair, a police officer allegedly shouted at him, accusing him of taking photographs or recording footage. The officer reportedly warned him against making the material go viral or causing trouble.
LBH Papua said several police officers and intelligence personnel then approached Silak and allegedly punched and kicked him.
One officer allegedly took Silak’s phone and searched its photo gallery. No photographs or videos matching the accusation were found, and the phone was returned.
LBH Papua said an alleged intelligence officer who arrived later with the group of USTJ students then punched Silak on the right cheek with a clenched fist wearing a ring.
“As a result, the victim sustained injuries to his right cheek and temple, as well as bruising and swelling,” the statement said.
“At about 2.05pm Papua time, officers allegedly took about 27 mobile phones, identity cards, ATM cards and KPM cards belonging to students who were waiting. To date, it remains unclear whether there was a warrant, court authorisation or official seizure record for these items.”
LBH Papua said the alleged assault, reportedly witnessed by about 34 people, could constitute a criminal offence under Article 466 of Law No. 1 of 2023 on the Criminal Code, which took effect on January 2, 2026.
The provision carries a maximum penalty of two years and six months’ imprisonment or a Category III fine, with heavier penalties possible if the assault causes serious injury, according to LBH Papua.
The organisation also argued that the alleged group violence in a public place could fall under Article 262 in conjunction with Article 20 of the Criminal Code, which addresses participation in a criminal offence.
It said Article 52 could also apply if the alleged perpetrators used the authority, opportunities or resources available to them through their official positions as police officers.
LBH Papua said the allegation that Silak had been recording officers did not justify the alleged violence, particularly because his phone gallery had been searched and no photographs or videos supporting the accusation were found. It also said Silak had not attacked or resisted officers and was not under arrest.
To ensure the case is handled professionally, protect the victim and witnesses from intimidation, and prevent further violence against students accompanying their peers or documenting police conduct, LBH Papua issued seven demands.
The organisation called on the Papua Police chief to ensure the complaint was investigated professionally, transparently and independently, and not dismissed without a legal basis.
It urged investigators to identify all uniformed and plainclothes police and intelligence personnel present at the scene who may have been involved in the alleged assault, and to consider the application of Articles 262, 20 and 52 alongside Article 466.
LBH Papua also called for all CCTV footage from the Jayapura City Police headquarters on September 30 to be secured, particularly recordings from the waiting room, entrance and vehicle arrival areas used by the USTJ students.
The organisation urged the Papua Police internal affairs division (Propam) to conduct ethical and disciplinary investigations into officers allegedly involved, including examining the responsibility of superiors who knew about or were responsible for the situation.
It also demanded that Jayapura City Police and Papua Police publicly explain the legal basis for taking the students’ phones, identity cards, ATM cards and KPM cards, including whether warrants, authorisations and official seizure records existed.
LBH Papua further called on Papua Police to ensure Silak’s medical examination results were included as evidence and that the victim and witnesses were protected against intimidation and retaliatory complaints.
Finally, it urged the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), the National Police Commission (Kompolnas), the Ombudsman of the Republic of Indonesia’s Papua representative office, the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) and other relevant oversight bodies to monitor the case and provide protection in response to the alleged violence, abuse of authority and seizure of students’ personal belongings. (*)
The Habema Joint Operations Command said troops from the 9th Marine Infantry Battalion clashed with members of OPM's Sorong Raya regional command.
The patrol came under fire in an ambush at about 9:01 a.m. local time, triggering an exchange of gunfire.
After the clash, troops reported that three OPM members had been shot. A body found at the scene was believed to be Manfred Fatem, the group's regional operations commander.
Two other men, believed to be Anton Fatem and Yesias Fatem, were swept away by the river, and a search is underway.
Troops also recovered an AK-101 rifle at the scene.
Related news: TNIcommander says Papua separatists must be defeated
Translator: Walda Marison, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
3) Papuan civlian killed after being detained by Marines personnel in Seradala District, Yahukimo Regency
Human rights analysis
Document ID: HRM-CAS-146-2026
Location: Seradala, Yahukimo regency, Highland Papua, Indonesia (-5.0222492, 139.9274723)Samboga Village, location: https://mapcarta.com/de/N5726089440
Region: Indonesia > Highland Papua > Yahukimo > Seradala
Total number of victims: 1
| # | Number of Victims | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1. | 1 | Toni Meyak | male | 36 | Indigenous Peoples | arbitrary detention, execution, right to life |
Perpetrator: Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces > Indonesian Military (TNI) > Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL)
Related Cases:
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - National flag carrier Garuda Indonesia is set to reactivate its direct Bali–Papua service from October 25, 2026, through March 2027, in response to surging travel demand ahead of the peak tourist season.
Garuda Indonesia Sorong Branch General Manager Nadia Anisa stated in Sorong, Southwest Papua, on Thursday, October 8, 2026, that the route was previously suspended in April 2026 due to seasonal drops in passenger volume.
"Tourist seasonality had declined, so there's no demand. Now that the peak tourist season has begun, we are reactivating the route," Anisa said during a press conference at the Domine Eduard Osok (DEO) Airport Office in Sorong.
Under the revised flight schedule, the service departs Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport at 8:00 a.m. Central Indonesian Time (WITA) and arrives in Sorong at approximately 12:00 p.m. WITA. The return flight is scheduled to depart Sorong for Denpasar at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Indonesian Time (WIT).
Anisa noted that the route's operation through March 2027 will be continuously reviewed and adjusted based on market demand.
Alongside the Denpasar–Sorong reactivation, Garuda Indonesia is also increasing flight frequencies on its Jakarta–Sorong route on Saturdays through March 2027.
"For the Jakarta–Sorong route, regular flights will continue to operate at 00:10 a.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB), while an additional flight will depart Jakarta at 8:55 a.m. WIB," Anisa explained.
She expressed hope that the increased frequency and route reactivation will broaden travel options for the public while strengthening air connectivity to Sorong as a key gateway to Raja Ampat.
5) Five things Friday roundup: Rediscovering the Mennonites in Papua, East Indonesia
My trip to Papua, East Indonesia, took me to congregations that kept traces of Mennonite ministry. Mountain roads, simple houses, encounters with the locals and ocean views were all part of the visit. I went home with five things that I kept thinking about: the history that needs to be cared for, the perseverance of the congregation, the widespread fellowship, the longing for identity and the hospitality that made guests feel welcome.
1. The enduring history behind the change in the church
When I traced the history of the churches I visited, I found the story of the ministry of Doopsgezinde Zendingsbereenigung (DZV), a Mennonite mission from the Netherlands. In Papua, the ministry took place through missionary Marcus Herbert in from 1950 to 1961. In 1958, the mission churches in Papua merged into one church, the Evangelical Christian Church (GKI) of Papua. Some of the congregations separated and joined the Australian Baptist Missionary Society (ABMS). The year 1995 became a new chapter: the congregation rooted in Mennonite ministry formed a synod or conference called Gereja Baptis Anugerah Indonesia (GBAI). The name and form of the fellowship did change, but the story of the beginning of the ministry is still alive. Among the congregations I met, there was a desire to rediscover where their journey began. I see that history as not just an old record; it helps them understand the relationship with the wider churches.
2. Perseverance of faith in the midst of difficult terrain
Most of the congregation lived in the mountains and villages. Their homes were simple; many families farmed on less fertile land. Healthy sanitation was not yet within reach, education was limited and the economic life of some residents was around the poverty line. To reach to the city, people pass through mountains and valleys. Such a journey makes the distance feel longer than the numbers on the map. The road and terrain determine how long it takes for one to get to school, market or needed services. Lack of basic infrastructure and limited access to learning make the journey to the city more than a matter of distance; it also determines the opportunities of families and children. Therefore, the story of the congregation needs to be read with their real needs, not just as a testimony to endurance. I do not want this to be the only picture of Papua. Behind these limitations, I see the life of the congregation going on and the ministry that continues to be done. The experience made me appreciate their perseverance, while reminding me that support for education, health and a decent livelihood are still needed.
3. A federation that crosses islands and generations
The footprint of this ministry stretches from east to west in Papua. Today, GBAI has 65 churches in Papua, Bali and Batam. This figure gives an idea of the breadth of fellowship, but it does not replace the story of the congregation in each place. The life of the church is maintained by families, ministers and the young generation who are present in their respective neighborhoods. This made me see that the future of the church is not only about increasing the number of congregations. The future also depends on the relationships that are nurtured: greeting each other, sharing news, praying and being present when brothers and sisters are in need. The distance between Papua, Bali and Batam is indeed far. Therefore, the relationship between churches needs to be built with intentionality. It requires joint attention from many parties.
4. The longing to re-recognize Mennonite identity
The Papuan congregations are longing to rediscover the roots of Mennonites. They were excited to meet Mennonite brothers and sisters in various parts of the world. They wanted to understand Mennonite values and beliefs again, and then connect them with the church’s ministry today. That longing continues to be prayed for ahead of GBAI’s anniversary on July 20, 2027. The date gives them hope to celebrate history and connection. This desire deserves to be answered with a willingness to listen and walk together. It is not enough to rediscover identity by mentioning names or origins; it needs to grow through conversations, visits, learning and cooperation. The Papuan congregations bring their own experiences. Therefore, relationships with the Mennonite community in the world will be more meaningful if they are built as mutual learning friendships, not one-way relationships.
5. Hospitality and beauty as an identity
Closing
Merauke, Jubi – Merauke Regent Yoseph Bladib Gebze has called for Papua’s 2027 Special Autonomy (Otsus) funds to focus on three development priorities: education, health and economic productivity.
Gebze made the statement during a meeting to finalise the 2027 Special Autonomy Budget and Program Plan (RAP Otsus) at the Merauke Regional Development, Research and Innovation Planning Agency (Bapperida) office in South Papua on Thursday, October 8, 2026.
He said the proposed programs must align with the Papua Acceleration Development Action Plan (RAPPP) and Merauke Regency’s 2025–2029 Regional Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMD).
“All regional government agencies must translate these three priorities into programs according to their respective duties and functions: Smart Papua, Healthy Papua and Productive Papua,” Gebze said.
He stressed that the priorities must be backed by measurable targets and indicators, allowing the government to assess whether programs funded through Special Autonomy allocations were improving people’s lives.
Gebze said achieving the Healthy Papua goal, for example, should not be the sole responsibility of the health department. Other government agencies must also contribute to disease prevention and related initiatives within their respective areas of responsibility.
“Healthy Papua is not just the responsibility of the Health Department. Preventive, curative and rehabilitative efforts must be supported collectively,” he said.
Gebze called on all regional government agencies to coordinate their planning, warning that fragmented programs would not be enough to meet development targets.
He also urged agencies to use indicators set out in the regional development plan to measure progress, including school participation rates in the education sector.
“We need to look at the figures and see whether there has been an improvement. These indicators will also form part of evaluations by the provincial and central governments,” he said.
Gebze said tighter fiscal conditions, including efficiency measures affecting transfers to regional governments, made it increasingly important to ensure public spending was targeted and measurable.
He said Special Autonomy funds must be used effectively to address community needs, with all programs aligned with the regional development plan and the RAPPP.
Agency heads, program officials and planning staff were urged to become involved from the outset to ensure projects could be properly planned, monitored and evaluated for their impact.
Gebze said the results would need to be accounted for to the regional administration, the Merauke Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) and the central government.
Bapperida is conducting the finalisation process through separate review sessions with each regional government agency from Thursday, October 8, to Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
Merauke Bapperida head Benhur Rentandatu said the reviews were intended to ensure each agency had identified project locations, established targets and prepared supporting documentation.
He urged agencies to develop programs based on community needs and development priorities rather than their own preferences.
“The regional budget is not just about how much money we have. What matters most is what we can deliver for the community,” Rentandatu said. (*)
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