On 30 August 2026, officers from the Nabire Police allegedly beat and arbitrarily detained indigenous community leader Yulius Edowai, 50, in front of SMKN 2 Jayanti in Nabire, Central Papua Province. Mr Edowai is a member of the Papuan Traditional Council. He has been active in peaceful demonstrations and advocacy on humanitarian issues, including the situation of internally displaced Papuans (IDPs) affected by the armed conflict. Mr Edowai was taken to Nabire Police Headquarters and later released on the same day.
The arrest reportedly occurred on 30 August 2026, at 2.20 pm in front of SMKN Jayanti State Vocational School No. 2. Mr Edowai was wearing traditional Meepago attire (see photo on top, source, independent HRD) as officers approached and physically assaulted him before transporting him in a police vehicle to Nabire Police Headquarters (see video below, source: independent HRD). Police officers reportedly beat and apprehended Mr Edowai without showing a warrant. Police officers later released him at 11.00 pm that evening.
Human rights analysis
The alleged beating and arbitrary detention of Mr Yulius Edowai raise concerns under the right to liberty and security of person and the prohibition of arbitrary detention, as guaranteed by Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). An arrest must have a lawful basis, comply with established procedures and must not be arbitrary. The absence of information concerning the grounds for detention, together with the reported use of physical force, requires an effective and impartial investigation. The fact that Mr Edowai was subsequently released does not establish that the initial arrest was lawful or that any alleged ill-treatment has been adequately addressed.
If the allegations of physical assault are substantiated, the conduct may constitute a violation of the prohibition of torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment under Article 7 of the ICCPR and the Convention against Torture. Article 10(1) of the ICCPR further requires that all persons deprived of their liberty be treated with humanity and respect for their inherent dignity. Indonesian authorities must ensure that any use of force by law enforcement officers is necessary, proportionate and subject to accountability.
The victims' reported roles as indigenous community leader and peaceful activist also engage the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association under Articles 19, 21 and 22 of the ICCPR. His traditional attire and participation in indigenous advocacy are relevant to the protection of cultural identity and the rights of indigenous peoples. Articles 18B(2) and 28I(3) of the Indonesian Constitution recognise and respect indigenous communities and their cultural identities, whilst the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples affirms indigenous peoples' rights to maintain their institutions, participate in public affairs and exercise their rights without discrimination.
Detailed case data
Document ID: HRM-CAS-114-2026
Location: Jl. Poros Wadio, Distrik Nabire Barat, Kabupaten Nabire, Papua 98813, Indonesia (-3.4016274, 135.4776691) In front of SMKN 2 Vocational Highschool in Nabire
Region: Indonesia > Central Papua > Nabire > Nabire
Total number of victims: 1
1. Yulius Edowai, diverse 50 Indigenous Peoples arbitrary detention, ill-treatment
Period of incident: 30/08/2026-30/08/2026
Perpetrator: Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces > Indonesian Police > POLRES
Perpetrator details: Polres Nabire officers
Issues: indigenous peoples, security force violence