On 22 October 2025, a peaceful protest in the town of Tanahmerah, Boven Digoel Regency, South Papua Province, ended violently following repressive intervention by Indonesian police forces. The demonstration was held in front of the Boven Digoel Regional Representative Council (DPRD) office and aimed to condemn the burning of customary headgear decorated with paradise beard feathers in Jayapura. The headgear is commonly worn by indigenous leaders and constitutes a symbol of Papuan identity and dignity.
At approximately 09:30 am, hundreds of residents from various districts gathered peacefully, carrying banners and moral appeals for justice and respect for Papuan culture. The demonstrators demanded that the authorities take strict measures against those responsible for the desecration of the paradise bird heads. By 11:00, police officers blocked the demonstrators from approaching the DPRD building, citing security concerns.
Tensions rose rapidly, leading to verbal confrontation. Police forces responded with disproportionate measures, firing tear gas, discharging warning shots, and using physical violence against protesters. The situation deteriorated into chaos, resulting in injuries on both sides and damage to public and private property. Seven protesters, namely Mr Marius Len, Mr Anton Bainggatun, Mr Usin Banop, Mr Minggus Aumanop, Mr Alfons Aumanop, Mr Yu Sumabu, and one unidentified man, as well as three police officers, were reportedly injured during the crackdown. Several community vehicles were destroyed, and the total material loss remains undetermined.
The incident in Boven Digoel adds to the growing list of violent state responses to peaceful demonstrations in West Papua. Without meaningful reform and accountability, such actions will continue to undermine trust, peace, and respect for human rights in the region.
Human rights analysis
The excessive use of force by the Indonesian National Police constitutes a serious breach of international human rights standards, particularly Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly. The obstruction of a lawful and non-violent protest without prior dialogue demonstrates a failure by law enforcement to employ proportionate and preventive measures. Moreover, the use of tear gas and physical assault against unarmed civilians reflects a pattern of intimidation aimed at suppressing Papuan civic expression.
The incident underscores the deep cultural and emotional significance of the bird of paradise (Cenderawasih) as a symbol of Papuan identity and collective pride. The violent dispersal of those peacefully defending their cultural heritage exacerbates longstanding tensions and mistrust between the Papuan population and state authorities.