Indonesia, West Papua – Indonesia's National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) visited the Jubi Editorial Office on 15 August 2025 to inquire about developments in the ongoing investigation into a Molotov cocktail attack on the independent news agency.
The incident occurred on 16 October 2024, with the perpetrators still unidentified despite clear video evidence (see photo on top, source: Jubi). The Komnas HAM delegation met with Jubi representatives and lawyers to discuss the lack of progress in revealing those responsible. Saurlin Siagian from Komnas HAM's monitoring and education division stated that the commission had collected facts from multiple sources, including the Papua Regional Police and the XVII/Cenderawasih Military Command. Significantly, Mr Siagian stated that if the case cannot be resolved at the Papua regional level, Komnas HAM will advocate the matter to policymakers in Jakarta.
Prior to the Komnas HAM visit, the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) intervened on 1 July 2025, with Deputy Chair of Committee I Carel Simon Petrus Suebu visiting the Jubi office. Mr Suebu committed to advocating for the case at the national level, stating his committee would summon the TNI Commander and National Police Chief to conduct hearings and working meetings to discuss the attack. Jubi lawyers expressed frustration that closed-circuit television footage showing the perpetrators has not led to arrests.
Editor-in-Chief Jean Bisay outlined extensive efforts Jubi has undertaken since the attack, including legal action through formal complaints, political advocacy through meetings with Papua Parliament and national-level DPR members, and engagement with civil society solidarity groups, yet accountability remains elusive. Regarding the DPD RI intervention, Bisay expressed hope that Mr Suebu's visit would result in concrete action, given his committee's jurisdiction over National Military and Police matters.
The prolonged failure to resolve the Jubi Molotov attack case despite incriminating evidence has significant implications for press freedom and journalist safety in West Papua, where independent media face persistent intimidation and violence. Authorities have failed to make arrests or publicly identify suspects after twelve months. This raises serious questions about the political will to protect journalists and prosecute those who attack media institutions.
The case now sits at a critical juncture with national-level institutions intervening and threatening to escalate to central government policymakers if regional authorities continue failing to act. The outcome will signal whether Indonesia's commitments to press freedom and rule of law extend meaningfully to West Papua's independent media, or whether attacks on journalists will continue with impunity.