Indonesia, West Papua – On 09 October 2024, members of the Yonif Maleo 509/BY command arbitrarily arrested and tortured, Mr Alex Sondegau, 30, inside the military post in the Mamba Village, Intan Jaya Regency, Indonesia. According to human rights defenders from Intan Jaya, Mr Sondegau suffered from a mental disorder.
It is believed that he succumbed to the injuries which he sustained as a result of the torture. Soldiers are alleged to have dumped the body in an undisclosed location. Statements by Yonif 509 members indicated that Mr Sondegau was allegedly affiliated with the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), without providing evidence to support the accusations. TPNPB spokesperson, Mr Sebby Sumbom, denied the allegations.
As of 18 October 2024, relatives tried in vain to find the whereabouts of Mr Sondegau's remains.
On 12 October 2024, soldiers arbitrarily arrested the junior high school student, Wenes Tipagau, along with his friend (identity yet to be verified) and reportedly tortured them inside the Yonif Maleo 509/BY military post in Mamba. Relatives alleged that the soldiers poured kerosene on their bodies and threatened to burn them alive if they refused to provide information about the TPNPB operations in the Intan Jaya Regency. The torture became known after the military members released the boys. However, only Wenes Tipagau returned home from detention, while his friend has been reported missing since the incident.
Extrajudicial execution of Mr Pianus Sani and torture of Sepe Bagubau
On 13 October 2024, around 11:00 am, Yonif 509 Balawara Yudha military members attempted to stop Mr Pianus Sani, 18, and Sepe Bagubau, 15, as the youth drove their motorcycle back home. Fearful of the military members, Mr Pianus Sani did not stop the motorcycle but continued driving. He dropped Sepe Bagubau on the roadside and continued his way home. Shortly after the incident, members of the Yonif Raider 509 TNI Balawara Yudha reportedly detained Sepe Bagau and tortured him inside the military post.
News of the arrest quickly circulated in the community. At 3:15 pm, Father Yance Yogi Pastor Dean went to the Yonif Raider 509 TNI Balawara Yudha Kostrad military post in Mamba along with relatives calling for Sepe Bagubau's immediate release. Yonif Raider 509 TNI Balawara Yudha Kostrad Task Force stated that they would not release Sepe before Pianus Sani would surrender himself to the military post.
Community members found Mr Sani at his house. He agreed to come to the Yonif Raider 509 TNI Balawara Yudha Kostrad military post to clarify the situation. After surrendering himself, Sepe Bagubau was released. He sustained bruises all over his body as a result of the collective beatings inside the military post.
After the relatives had left the post, military members began torturing Mr Pianus Sani inside the post. Mr Sani died inside the military post as a result of the injuries he sustained during the torture. Villagers found the body on the side of the Bilogai Village road on 14 October 2024, at 07.00 am, from where the body was taken to the general hospital. Relatives picked up the body without forensic examination and cremated the body.
Response of relatives
Following these events, residents, led by church leaders, organised protests demanding accountability for the actions of the TNI and calling for the return of Alex's body. The families of the victims, alongside the affected community, are demanding justice and accountability. They call for an independent investigation into the actions of the TNI Yonif 509, the return of Alex Sondegau's remains, and the immediate release of all detained civilians.
Additionally, they seek a cessation of military operations in Intan Jaya, advocating for the protection of civilians amidst ongoing armed clashes between the TPNPB and security forces in Intan Jaya. Their demands reflect a desperate plea for justice and an end to the cycle of violence.