On 18 August 2026, plain cloth police officers reportedly apprehended Mr Enes Magayang, 25, at Dekai Old Market, Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency, Highlands Papua Province. The officers arrived in a black Toyota Avanza, forced Mr Magayang into the vehicle and subsequently took him to the Yahukimo District Police Station, where he was detained until 20 August 2026. Mr Magayang reported being struck on the back with an object described as a weapon and with a boot during his arrest or detention.
On the morning of 18 August 2026, Mr Magayang left his home and travelled to Dekai Old Market, where he met his parents. At approximately 10.00 am, while he was standing beside his motorbike and speaking with them, a black Toyota Avanza reportedly approached the scene. Several plain cloth officers police approached Mr Magayang and forced him to enter the vehicle. He was subsequently taken to the Yahukimo District Police Station and held in custody. Mr Magayang was released on 20 August 2026, following approximately two days of detention. He reported being struck on the back with a wooden stick and kicked with heavy boots.
Human rights analysis
The circumstances of Magayang's apprehension raise concerns regarding the legality and procedural safeguards of his arrest and detention. Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention and requires that individuals be informed of the reasons for their arrest and promptly notified of any criminal charges.
The alleged physical violence against Mr Magayang raises additional concerns under Article 7 of the ICCPR, which prohibits torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, and Article 10(1), which guarantees humane treatment of persons deprived of their liberty. The reported blows to his back with a weapon-like object and boots warrant an independent assessment of the nature, severity and circumstances of the alleged injuries. The allegations require investigation as potential acts of ill-treatment. Under Articles 12, 13 and 16 of the Convention against Torture (CAT), Indonesian authorities are required to ensure prompt and impartial investigations where there are reasonable grounds to believe that torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment has occurred.
Detailed case data
Document ID: HRM-CAS-126-2026
Location: Dekai, Yahukimo regency, Highland Papua, Indonesia (-4.8638158, 139.4837298) Old Market
Region: Indonesia > Highland Papua > Yahukimo > Dekai
Total number of victims: 1
1. Enes Magayang, male 25 Indigenous Peoples arbitrary detention, ill-treatment
Period of incident: 18/08/2026-20/08/2026
Perpetrator: Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces > Indonesian Police
Issues: indigenous peoples, security force violence