On 13 March 2025, a 30 Indonesian Air Force (TNI AURI) personnel collectively tortured Mr Bernadus Eusebius Ndawe, a member of the Kimam indigenous tribe, near the Indonesian Air Force barracks complex (Rajawali/AURI complex) in Merauke Regency, South Papua Province. He was reportedly subjected to severe physical violence, humiliation, and degrading treatment after falling asleep in the barracks area.
In the early hours of 12 March 2025, around mid-night, Mr Bernadus Eusebius Ndawe purchased traditional alcoholic drink (tapong) in Ampera. After making the purchase, he was approached by two unidentified men on a motorbike who invited him to drink together. The group proceeded to an area near the AURI dormitory complex. After finishing the drink at 5:00 am, the group began to disperse. Feeling exhausted and intoxicated, Mr Ndawe lay down and fell asleep on a veranda in front of a house within or adjacent to the barracks area.
At approximately 06:00 am, the victim was forcibly awakened by an estimated 30 TNI AURI members. They interrogated Mr Ndawe regarding his ethnic identity. Upon stating that he was Kimam, Mr Ndawe was immediately attacked. The perpetrators allegedly beat him on the head, face, and body, causing visible injuries including a cut on the lip. His hands and feet were bound, his clothing was removed, and he was subjected to prolonged torture.
According to the victim's testimony, the abuse included repeated beatings with cables, kicks, and strikes across his entire body. One of the perpetrators threatened the victim by placing a weapon against his head and forcing him to speak. He was restrained, denied water despite being in a critical condition, and left in severe pain without assistance. The victim suffered severe physical and psychological distress as a result of the torture he experienced (see video below, source: independent HRD).
Relatives added that the crowd at the AURI complex accused Mr Ndawe of theft without evidence. They expressed concern that, given his intoxicated condition, the victim should have been taken into lawful custody rather than subjected to extrajudicial punishment. According to the information received, the victim intends to file a formal complaint with the AURI Internal Affairs Unit following receipt of medical or forensic documentation.
Legal and human rights analysis
The physical violence against Mr Bernadus Eusebius Ndawe raises critical concerns regarding torture under international law, particularly as defined in Article 1 of the United Nations Convention against Torture (CAT). The binding, beating, denial of water, and degrading treatment further constitute cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. The intentional infliction of severe physical and mental pain by state officials is absolutely forbidden under international and national law.
The involvement of approximately 30 state agents indicates collective and coordinated abuse, engaging state responsibility. The interrogation focused on the victim's ethnic identity suggests racial or ethnic discrimination, prohibited under international human rights law, including the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
Under domestic law, the actions may violate provisions of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP) relating to assault and abuse of authority, as well as procedural safeguards under the Indonesian Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), which prohibit arbitrary detention and ill-treatment. The failure to provide medical assistance and the use of excessive force against a non-threatening civilian further violate basic policing and military conduct standards.
Detailed case data
Location: GC24+2PP, Kelapa Lima, Merauke, Merauke Regency, South Papua 99616, Indonesia (-8.4999538, 140.4068808) AURI Complex in Merauke
Region: Indonesia, South Papua, Merauke, Merauke
Total number of victims: 1
1. Bernadus Eusebius Ndawe, diverse adult Indigenous Peoples torture
Period of incident: 13/03/2026-13/03/2026
Perpetrator: Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU)
Issues: indigenous peoples, security force violence