On 19 December 2025, Papuan students in Makassar City, South Sulawesi province, carried out a peaceful demonstration in commemoration of the TRIKORA Military Operation, which took place on 19 December 1961.
The protesters dispersed after being attacked by nationalist mass organisations and facing repressive police response, including the firing of tear gas in front of and into the Papuan student dormitory where protesters had sought safety. The incident allegedly resulted in respiratory distress for several participants and head lacerations for two others, raising serious concerns of ill-treatment and the broader suppression of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
According to information received, participants first consolidated at designated meeting points, including the Yalimo Dormitory, Timika Dormitory, and Intan Jaya Dormitory, before walking towards the Mandala Monument of West Irian Liberation at around 09:00 am. Protesters reportedly arrived at 09:49 am and commenced the commemoration peacefully at 10:00 am. Approximately thirty minutes later, a group described as a reactionary mass organisation allegedly approached the demonstration, forcibly pulled the command rope until it broke, attempted to seize banners, and confiscated items including megaphones. An altercation reportedly followed, involving shoving between protesters and members of the mass organisation.
At approximately 10:42 am, protesters were reportedly compelled to retreat from the protest site together with police officers and return to the Kamasan IV Makassar Papua Men's Dormitory area. The police reportedly prepared a police truck and transported protesters at 11:02 am, arriving at the dormitory at 11:09 am. Upon arrival, protesters demanded that police secure the return of protest equipment allegedly confiscated by the mass organisation, stating they would continue protesting outside the dormitory if the items were not returned.
Tensions escalated at approximately 1:00 pm, amid allegations that police were not taking adequate steps to fulfil their protective duties. Protesters allege that police officers acted as bystanders without protecting the crowd. It is reported that stone-throwing escalated between protesters and members of the mass organisation. Police subsequently fired tear gas at protesters both in front of and inside the dormitory area.
Several protesters reportedly experienced respiratory problems after exposure to tear gas, and at least two sustained head lacerations during the violence. Shortly after the incident, protesters retreated into the dormitory. Further negotiations reportedly resumed at 3:00 pm, during which police stated they would guarantee the safety of individuals leaving to return home or shop and would retreat a few steps away from the dormitory area.
Human rights analysis
This incident raises serious concerns under international human rights law and Indonesia's obligations to respect, protect, and fulfil fundamental freedoms. The commemoration of TRIKORA constitutes a form of political expression and assembly protected by the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly under Articles 19 and 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Any restriction must be lawful, necessary, and proportionate. Reports that the assembly began peacefully, followed by interference and confiscation by a non-state group, indicate that the authorities had a duty to protect participants from violence by third parties, prevent escalation, and ensure that individuals could exercise their rights without intimidation. The reported failure to prevent or respond effectively to the seizure of protest equipment and physical intimidation by the mass organisation suggests a potential breach of the State's positive obligations to protect demonstrators.
The subsequent police response, including the deployment of tear gas into the dormitory area where protesters were concentrated, raises substantial concerns regarding necessity, proportionality, and precaution. The use of tear gas in or near enclosed residential spaces foreseeably increases the risk of serious health impacts, particularly for individuals with respiratory vulnerabilities. The reported injuries and respiratory distress may amount to ill-treatment, depending on severity, intent, purpose, and the manner of deployment.
Authorities should provide clear guarantees of non-repetition, including operational measures that prioritise facilitation of peaceful assemblies, timely intervention against violence by non-state actors, and strict limitations on tear gas use consistent with human rights standards. Protective measures should also be adopted to ensure Papuan students in Makassar can exercise their rights without intimidation, harassment, or reprisals.
Detailed case data
Location: Makassar, Makassar City, South Sulawesi, Indonesia (-5.1615828, 119.4359281) Mandala Monument for Papuan Liberation
Region: Indonesia, South Sulawesi, Makassar
Total number of victims: 6
1. Novita Telenggen, female adult Student
2. Anteks tekege, male adult Student
3. Rotalina Gwijangge, female adult Student
4. Dasman Wenda, male adult Student
5. Kolepian Numan, male adult Student
6. Narelak Lilbib, male adult Student
Period of incident: 19/12/2025-19/12/2025
Perpetrator: POLRES
Perpetrator details: Polres Makassar members
Issues: indigenous peoples