According to information received from local human rights observers, 22-year-old Aprianus Nabelau, was arbitrarily detained in SP2, Nabire Town, Central Papua Province, by members of the Indonesian military on 8 July 2025, without presenting any legal grounds or arrest warrant.

The arrest occurred without explanation, raising serious concerns about potential due process violations and the right to liberty. The military members reportedly brought Mr Nabelau to the Nabire Police Station, where he remained in custody with no official charges disclosed.

No public statement was issued by the authorities in response to the arrest. The absence of a warrant and the lack of clear charges suggest that the arrest did not follow Indonesia's criminal procedure safeguards.

Human rights analysis

From a human rights perspective, this case appears to constitute arbitrary arrest and detention under Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Indonesia is a State party. The alleged involvement of military personnel in the arrest of a civilian further raises concerns regarding the militarisation of law enforcement functions in West Papua, contrary to international human rights standards.

Source: https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/arbitrary-arrest-of-mr-aprianus-nabelau-in-nabire