On 21 March 2024, an incident of police violence reportedly unfolded in the town of Timika, Mimika Regency, Papua Tengah Province, at approximately 2:00 pm. According to witnesses, a Papuan man, whose identity remains undisclosed, was collectively beaten by officers while purchasing cigarettes in a store near the Timika Indah field.
The victim was intercepted by a patrol car. Officers emerged from the vehicle and checked the victim's ID card. The situation escalated as one officer pointed his firearm at the victim. The man attempted to flee but was subdued by the officers.
The incident culminated in a physical assault against the victim. Officers collectively punched the victim, inflicting significant injuries on the victim's head and body. Following the beating, the officers left the victim to himself and departed from the scene.
The incident highlights a concerning pattern of arbitrary violence against indigenous Papuans, underscoring the widespread racial discrimination in the region. Such acts not only contravene international human rights standards but also undermine the rule of law and perpetuate a climate of fear and insecurity among Papuan communities.