On 29 April 2026, members of the Cartenz Peacekeeping Special Police Unit reportedly arrested Mr Natan Heluka, 21, at Kilo 4, Dekai, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan province. At the time of his arrest, Mr Heluka reportedly suffered from long-standing blurred vision and was receiving emergency medical treatment at the Accident and Emergency Unit of Yahukimo Regional General Hospital. According to the information received, the arrest was carried out without an arrest warrant or any clear legal justification.
The reasons for the arrest were not communicated to the victim or his family, and no arrest warrant was presented. HRM did not receive confirmed information regarding whether Mr Heluka was subjected to ill-treatment, torture, or coercive interrogation. As of 30 April 2026, Heluka had not been released, despite his poor physical condition.
Human rights analysis
The reported circumstances indicate a possible case of arbitrary deprivation of liberty in violation of domestic and international legal standards. Under Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), everyone has the right to liberty and security of person and must not be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention. The apparent failure to present an arrest warrant or provide the legal basis for the arrest also raises concerns regarding compliance with Indonesia's Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), particularly the procedural safeguards governing lawful arrest and detention. Furthermore, if the victim was removed from or prevented from accessing necessary medical treatment, this may also interfere with the right to health protected under Article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).
Detailed case data
Document ID: HRM-CAS-083-2026
Region: Indonesia > Highland Papua > Yahukimo > Dekai
Total number of victims: 1
1. Natan Heluka, male 21 Indigenous Peoples arbitrary detention
Period of incident: 29/04/2026-30/04/2026
Perpetrators:
Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces
Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces > Indonesian Police
Perpetrator details: Damai Cartenz special unit
Issues: indigenous peoples
Source: https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/arbitrary-arrest-of-hospital-patient-in-dekai-yahukimo-regency