A fatal shooting occurred in Kalimo Village, Waris District, Keerom Regency, Papua Province, on 7 September 2025, at approximately 08:00 am. The perpetrator, identified as Captain John, Commander of the Ketapang Swasembada Task Force, unlawfully executed Private Petrus Muenda, a member of Kodim 1715/Yahukimo, who was reportedly on desertion status. The victim, aged in his late twenties, was shot three times in the head and died instantly at the scene. The incident unfolded while the victim was assisting residents in a community construction activity.
According to multiple witness accounts, the situation was calm until Captain John arrived at the site in an angry state. An argument broke out between the two soldiers, escalating rapidly into a physical confrontation. Captain John drew his Sig Sauer P224 service revolver and fired three shots, one of which struck the victim in the head, resulting in his immediate death. Nearby residents, shocked and panicked by the gunfire. Mr Muneda succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The Waris Police immediately secured the area and handed over the case to the Military Police (Pomdam XVII/Cenderawasih), who have since detained Captain John and confiscated the weapon as evidence.
Early reports present conflicting accounts regarding the motive and circumstances of the incident. Some sources claim that the shooting stemmed from a personal dispute between the two officers, while others indicate that Captain John may have acted in self-defence. The Military Police are currently conducting an internal investigation, while community members have called for accountability and transparency in the handling of the case.
Human rights analysis
From a human rights perspective, this incident constitutes a potential violation of the right to life as enshrined under Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Indonesia is a State Party. The deliberate use of lethal force by a military officer against a fellow serviceman outside an active combat situation raises serious concerns about extrajudicial execution and unlawful use of firearms. Under the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, intentional lethal use of firearms is permissible only when strictly unavoidable to protect life. The allegedly disproportionate and excessive use of force during an argument suggests that this standard was not met.
Furthermore, the involvement of the Indonesian State Intelligence Agency (BAIS) in the incident underscores the broader pattern of militarisation and impunity in West Papua, where military and intelligence personnel frequently operate without adequate civilian oversight. In this case, the military's internal handling of the investigation raises concerns about transparency and impartiality, as military courts in Indonesia have historically failed to deliver justice in cases involving violations committed by security personnel.
Source: https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/extrajudicial-execution-of-deserted-soldier-in-keerom-regency