A woman sustained critical injuries after allegedly being struck by a motorcycle ridden by two members of the Yahukimo District Police in Dekai, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province, on 3 May 2026. The victim, Mrs Nelly Wenda (see photo on top, source: independent HRD), was reportedly hit while walking along Route 1. Witnesses accused that the officers intoxicated as the accident occurred. Following the collision, tensions escalated when local residents protested the incident, Thereupon, police officers allegedly discharged their firearms indiscriminately towards by-standers. Mrs Wenda was admitted to Dekai Regional General Hospital in critical condition, where she received medical treatment.
According to information received, Mrs Nelly Wenda was walking from a residential area on Route 1 when two officers from the Yahukimo District Police, travelling on a motorcycle, allegedly struck her in front of a roadside kiosk at approximately 04:40 pm. Witnesses alleged that the officers appeared to be intoxicated at the time of the incident. The collision caused the victim to suffer severe injuries requiring emergency medical treatment.
The incident immediately drew the attention of nearby residents. Some residents reportedly reacted by throwing stones at the officers. In response, the officers fired their weapons indiscriminately in the direction of by-standers. No information had been received indicating that anyone had been struck by the gunfire. Police officers detained the perpetrators and promised that both officers would be held accountable for the accident. However, there has been no information about disciplinary sanctions against the officers at the time of writing.
Human rights analysis
If confirmed, the incident raises serious concerns regarding the use of force by law enforcement officials and the protection of civilians. The alleged operation of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol by police officers would constitute a grave breach of professional standards and potentially criminal conduct. Furthermore, the reported indiscriminate discharge of firearms in response to stone-throwing appears inconsistent with the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality and precaution governing the use of force under international human rights law, including the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials. The authorities are obliged to conduct a prompt, impartial and effective investigation into both the collision and the subsequent use of firearms, to preserve evidence, identify those responsible, and ensure accountability where violations are established.
Detailed case data
Document ID: HRM-CAS-084-2026
Region: Indonesia > Highland Papua > Yahukimo > Dekai
Total number of victims: 1
1. Nelly Wenda, female adult Indigenous Peoples ill-treatment
Period of incident: 03/05/2026-03/05/2026
Perpetrator: Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces > Indonesian Police > POLRES
Perpetrator details: 2 members of the Yahukimo District Police
Issues: indigenous peoples, security force violence, women and children