On 12 August 2025, a peaceful protest near Sentani Airport, Jayapura Regency, Papua Province, turned violent when police officers led by the Chief of the Airport Security Unit (KP3), Officer Wajedi, allegedly used excessive force against demonstrators.
The protest, organised spontaneously by supporters of political candidates Benhur Tomi Mano and Constant Karma (BTM-CK), aimed to meet the Minister of Home Affairs, Tito Karnavian, to raise concerns over alleged irregularities in the Papua Regional Election re-run (PSU). Papuan social media activist Mr Panji Agung Mangkunegoro was reportedly pushed, struck in the face and chest (see photo on top, source: independent HRD), choked by his shirt collar, and later beaten by multiple officers before being detained at the Airport Police Station. The incident occurred in a public area and was recorded by witnesses.
According to Mr Mangkunegoro, the crowd gathered at Theys Hiyo Eluay Field before moving towards the airport upon confirmation of the Minister's arrival. Upon nearing the airport area at approximately 07:30 am, they were confronted by dozens of police officers. Officer Wajedi initiated physical contact by pushing Mr Mangkunegoro, followed by further assaults from officers under Jayapura Police Chief, Commissioner Umar Nasatekay. Approximately 12 officers forcibly moved Mr Mangkunegoro to a police vehicle, damaging his glasses and continuing the assault en route to the police station. The police chief allegedly threatened him with reprisals should he participate in further protests. Other activists joining the protest confirmed that the action was unplanned but prompted by the Minister's unexpected visit to Jayapura.
Civil society actors have demanded that the National Police Commission (Kompolnas) initiate an independent and impartial investigation into the conduct of the KP3 Sentani Airport Police Chief, Jayapura Police Chief, and other involved officers. They call for public apologies, traditional compensation in line with Papuan customary law, and concrete guarantees of non-repetition.
Human rights analysis
From a human rights perspective, the incident constitutes a breach of the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, protected under Articles 19 and 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Indonesia is a State Party. The use of physical violence, arbitrary detention, and intimidation against demonstrators in the absence of evidence of a threat to public order reflects a disproportionate and repressive approach that undermines democratic space in West Papua.
Detailed case data
Location: CGM7+XQH, Sentani Kota, Sentani, Jayapura Regency, Papua 99359, Indonesia (-2.5650729, 140.5144813) Area between Theys Eluyai field and Sentani Airport
Region: Indonesia, Papua, Jayapura Regency, Sentani
Total number of victims: 1
1. Panji Agung Mangkunegoro
male adult Activist
Period of incident: 12/08/2025-12/08/2025
Perpetrator: POLSEK
Perpetrator details: Sentani Airport Police (KP3 Sentani)Issues: security force violence