On 3 October 2025, members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) reportedly arrested Mr Mumak Nirigi, 35, a resident of Mebarok District, near the Wisigi area, amidst intensified military operations.
According to witness accounts and family reports, the victim left home at around 07:00 am to collect food from his garden and never returned. His wife later found his clothes, hat, and dug-up sweet potatoes at the site, along with boot prints, indicating that he had been apprehended by soldiers stationed at the nearby TNI post. As of 16 October 2025, his whereabouts remained unknown.
The case of Mr Mumak Nirigi unfolds against the backdrop of continued militarisation in Nduga Regency. On 3 October, he was last seen heading to his garden in the Wisigi area. By the evening, his family began searching after he failed to return. A member of the Nduga District People's Representative Council (DPRK) publicly urged military authorities, including the Commander of Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih, to immediately hand Mr Nirigi over to the local government in Keneyam.
Human rights analysis
Enforced disappearances constitute grave violations under international human rights law, notably Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Indonesia is a State Party, prohibiting arbitrary arrest and detention. Furthermore, enforced disappearance contravenes the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, reflecting state responsibility when individuals are deprived of liberty by state agents and their fate is concealed.
The militarisation of Nduga has led to severe and ongoing violations of the rights to life, liberty, security, and adequate housing. These acts may amount to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment under Article 7 of the ICCPR, and potentially war crimes under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court if they occur as part of a widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population.
The arbitrary detention of residents reflects the persistent climate of fear and impunity in Nduga Regency, where military operations continue to violate the fundamental rights of civilians. The lack of accountability and civilian oversight underscores the urgent need for international attention, independent monitoring, and meaningful demilitarisation to restore the rule of law and protect the civilian population.
Background
This abduction follows a pattern of arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial violence in the region. Earlier in the year, on 21 March 2025, Mr Abral Wandikbo was arrested by TNI soldiers and tortured to death at the Yuguru military post. His body was dumped in the Merame River. On 9 July 2024, Indonesian military personnel reportedly opened fire at indigenous Papuan, Mr Eran Gwijangge, in Yuguru Village, Mebarok District, Nduga Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province.
Since 2018, Nduga Regency has been one of the most militarised regions in Papua, following the onset of armed conflict between the TNI and the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB). Local testimonies describe extensive destruction of civilian property, including the burning of homes, churches, schools, and health facilities, across at least 13 districts now controlled by security forces. Entire villages have been depopulated, with residents remaining internally displaced in forests or neighbouring regencies such as Lanny Jaya and Wamena.