Indonesia, West Papua – The independent media outlet Suara Papua has received information about another case of torture and extrajudicial execution in the Yuguru village, Mebarok District, Nduga Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province.
This grave incident occurred amid an intensified military operation launched on 18 January 2025. Military members are alleged of torturing and subsequently executing Mr Abaral Wandikbo, an indigenous resident of Yuguru. The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) has delcared Yuguru a safe zone for internally displaced persons (IDPs), calling upon the Indonesian military to stay away from the area.
According to Suara Papua, Mr. Wandikbo was arbitrarily arrested at his home in the Mane Hamlet on 22 March 2025 while caring for his ill father. Witnesses reported that he was handcuffed, interrogated at gunpoint, and forced to provide information on supposed West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) hide-outs in the area. Mr Wandikbo was brought to Yimiri Village. Military members reportedly tortured after he refused to provide information tot he military members. His body was found three days later on 25 March 2025, dumped near a gardening area about 200 meters from a military post.
On 23 March, military members reportedly tortured an indigenous pastor named Mr Eniel Gwijangge and several villagers in the Engendumu Kuid Hamlet. The counterinsurgency operations have generated widespread fear among villagers in Yuguru. They have called for an immediate withdrawal of military personnel from the Yuguru area. The Yuguru area is extremely remote without access to internet network, hence human rights defenders were not able to verify the informationor receive photos of the victim.
Table of victims
1. Abaral Wandikbo, N/A, 22-25 March 2025 - Body was found on 25 March near the Merabut Plantation
2. Eniel Gwijangge, N/A, 23 March 2025 - Was tortured after military personnel