On 13 December 2025, at around 4:00 pm, Indonesian military personnel arbitrarily arrested and ill-treated 27-year-old Papuan, Mr Nomianus Nabelau, in Enarotali Town, Paniai Regency, Central Papua Province.
The soldiers accused Mr Nabealau of being affiliated with the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) without substantiated grounds. Mr Nabelau was reportedly ill-treated during arrest and questioning, resulting in facial swelling and other injuries (see photo on top, source: independent HRD). He was released the same day after authorities found no evidence to support the allegation.
According to information received, the incident began when military personnel apprehended Mr Nomianus Nabelau in the centre of Enarotali City. During the arrest, he was physically assaulted, including repeated blows and kicks. Military personnel then interrogated him under coercive conditions. After the interrogation, the authorities reportedly acknowledged the absence of proof linking him to the TPNPB and released him later that day. Following the incident, Mr Nabelau sought medical treatment in the Youtadi Village.
Human rights analysis
This incident raises serious concerns of arbitrary deprivation of liberty and ill-treatment by state agents. Under international human rights law, the State must ensure that any arrest is lawful, necessary, proportionate, and non-discriminatory, and that all detainees are protected from torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. The violent apprehension based on an unverified accusation, followed by coercive interrogation and release without charge, indicates a pattern of repressive security practices rather than lawful law enforcement. Where the use of force accompanies arrest, it must be strictly limited to what is necessary. The allegations described are incompatible with those standards.
The case also engages Indonesia's obligations to provide effective remedies. Where credible allegations of abuse by military personnel exist, the State is required to carry out a prompt, impartial, independent, and effective investigation, ensure victim protection, and pursue accountability through processes capable of identifying perpetrators and leading to appropriate sanctions. Medical documentation of injuries and timely witness protection are particularly important to prevent intimidation and to preserve evidence. Failure to investigate and prosecute such abuses entrenches impunity and increases the risk of recurrence against other civilians in the Papuan provinces.
Detailed case data
Location: Enarotali, Paniai Timur, Paniai Regency, Central Papua, Indonesia (-3.9264917, 136.3648679)Region: Indonesia, Central Papua, Paniai, East Paniai
Total number of victims: 1
1. Nomianus Nabelau, male 27 Indigenous Peoples arbitrary detention, ill-treatment
Period of incident: 13/12/2025-13/12/2025
Perpetrator: Indonesian Military (TNI)
Issues: indigenous peoples