Indonesia, West Papua – On 19 June 2025, at approximately 3:45 pm, military (TNI) members were recorded beating up a 22-year-old Weneiyo Pekei in the town of Wagete, Deiyai Regency, Papua Tengah Province. The incident occurred following an altercation at a local street restaurant. Eyewitnesses report that TNI personnel responded with severe physical force, targeting several young Papuan men. The beatings were so severe that Mr Weneiyo Pekei reportedly succumbed to his injuries at the site of the crime. He was not taken to a hospital, and no legal action has been initiated against the personnel involved.

According to the information received from local informants, a group of intoxicated youths entered a street restaurant near the Yudea Church in Wagete Town. After consuming food, an argument ensued between the owner and the youths. The situation escalated when the youths began throwing stones, prompting the shopkeeper to call TNI personnel. Upon arrival, the military officers pursued and allegedly assaulted one of the youths, kicking him on the floor and striking him with a rifle butt (watch video below, source: independent HRD). Multiple youths were injured, and one was reportedly taken to the Wagete Police Station..

Conflicting narratives have since emerged. While human rights defenders and local reports allege that Weneiyo Pekei was beaten to death by TNI members, official military statements deny the abuse, claiming that the soldiers were responding to threats posed by intoxicated youths armed with sharp weapons. Colonel Inf. Candra Kurniawan of Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih stated that the military was attempting to secure individuals involved in car theft and attacks on residents. However, these claims have not been substantiated by independent verification.

Legal analysis

This incident raises serious concerns about the continued militarisation of law enforcement in West Papua and the use of excessive and potentially lethal force by state actors against civilians, particularly indigenous Papuans. The failure to provide medical treatment, coupled with the absence of legal accountability, points to possible violations of the right to life (Article 6 ICCPR) and the prohibition of torture and ill-treatment (Article 7 ICCPR). Moreover, the pattern of impunity for security personnel in West Papua further undermines the rule of law and exacerbates tensions in the region.

Source: https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/military-members-recorded-beating-papuan-man-in-deiyai