Indonesia, West Papua – On 28 June 2025 at approximately 04:04 am, joint forces of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Police reportedly raided civilian homes in the Uam Village, Sumo District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province.
During the operation, 27-year-old Peranus Balingga, a motorcycle taxi driver, was arbitrarily arrested, accused of affiliation with the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB). The officers detained Mr Balingga despite the lack of incriminating evidence and subjected him to torture at the Yahukimo District Police Station (Polres Yahukimo).
He was detained for over 24 hours without food or water. Mr Balingga was electrocuted, beaten with gun butts, kicked with boots, and struck with rubber batons, before being released on 29 June 2025 at 07:30 am without legal procedure. He sustained bruises and abrasions on his back as a result of the torture (see photos below, source: independent HRD). Another resident, Mr Sepinus Sobolim, suffered property damage and loss of personal valuables during the raid. Further military activity was recorded on the following day near Kilo 5 Yahukimo and at the GIDI Beraza community complex, including a second arrest of Mr Peranus Balingga, which was reportedly again accompanied by acts of torture.
Human rights analysis
The joint security raids in Yahukimo represent grave violations of international human rights law, particularly the prohibition of torture and ill-treatment under the Convention against Torture (CAT), to which Indonesia is a State Party. The arbitrary arrests, lack of legal safeguards, inhumane detention conditions, and destruction of private property constitute a breach of rights enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), including Articles 7 (freedom from torture), 9 (liberty and security of person), and 17 (privacy and family life). The pattern of security operations targeting indigenous Papuans and employing excessive force exacerbates the climate of fear and insecurity in the region.