On 10 May 2026, security forces allegedly shot dead Mr Nopison Tebai, a 21-year-old high school student, during a joint security operation in Dogimani and Idadagi villages, Dogiyai District, Dogyai Regency, Central Papua Province. The shooting occurred near a football pitch beside the Dogiyai District Office whilst local residents were attending Sunday church service. Witnesses stated that security forces entered the area using multiple vehicles, and discharged live ammunition and tear gas towards youths near a community sports field. During the incident, a security force member fatally shot Mr Tebai in the chest (see photo on top and video below, source: SRP).
According to testimonies compiled by the Papuan People's Solidarity (SRP) Dogiyai, members of the Damai Cartenz Police Task Force conducted preliminary surveillance in the area on 9 May 2026 using several police vehicles. The following morning, at approximately 09.00 am, joint security personnel returned to Dogimani and Idadagi villages in seven vehicles whilst most residents were attending church services.
Witnesses reported that officers began firing live rounds and tear gas towards the sports field and surrounding tents, which had been set-up by youths participating in a local football and volleyball fundraising tournament. Other youths reportedly fled in panic after hearing gunfire. Mr Nopison Tebai reportedly attempted to escape before being shot in the chest. The bullet exited through his back, killing him instantly at the scene. Security personnel later withdrew to the Dogiyai Police Headquarters at around 10.00 am. After the situation had calmed down, community members and youths searched the area and discovered Mr Nipson Tebai's body near the edge of the football pitch.
Following the shooting, tensions escalated in Dogiyai District. Witnesses stated that security forces resumed patrols along the Trans-Papua road, triggering clashes between local youths and security personnel. Reports indicated that at least one vehicle belonging to the state electricity company PLN and another civilian passenger vehicle sustained damage during the civil unrest.
Local residents and SRP Dogiyai disputed official police claims that the victim was affiliated with the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB). Community representatives, teachers, and school records confirmed that Nopison Tebai was an active Year 11 Social Sciences student at SMAN 2 Dogiyai. A preliminary SRP investigation into the incident documented several pieces of evidence allegedly recovered from the scene, including photographs of the victim's body, spent 5.56 mm ammunition casings, tear gas canisters marked "37/38mm 3 Cluster CS", and a knife reportedly left behind near the Dogiyai District Office.
Meanwhile, Indonesian police authorities publicly stated that joint security forces had "neutralised" a TPNPB member following reports of attacks against vehicles passing the Dogiyai – Paniai connecting road. Police claimed officers encountered armed resistance during operations and subsequently returned fire. Witnesses consistently rejected these allegations. The conflicting narratives regarding the incident remain unresolved.
The incident demonstrates broader concerns regarding the militarisation of civilian spaces in the Central Papua Province and recurring allegations of excessive use of force during security operations in indigenous Papuan communities. On 31 March and 1 April 2026, joint security forces allegedly carried out indiscriminate shootings against civilians in the Kamu District of Dogiyai Regency, Central Papua Province.
Human rights analysis
The reported conduct of the security forces raises serious concerns under international human rights law, particularly regarding the right to life protected under Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Indonesia is a State Party. The use of lethal force against an apparently unarmed civilian in a non-combat setting may constitute an arbitrary deprivation of life if the force used was neither strictly necessary nor proportionate. The reported use of live ammunition and tear gas in a civilian residential and recreational area further raises concerns regarding compliance with the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials.
Source: https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/security-forces-shoot-high-school-student-in-dogiyai-regency