On 8 December 2025, police officers carried out acts of intimidation and physical violence against students during a peaceful free speech rally at the P3 Uncen Atas bus stop, Jayapura City, in the Papua province. The incident resulted in physical assault and an attempted arbitrary detention of 17-year-old Yeheskiel Walela, a student of SMA YPPK Taruna Dharma, who suffered injuries to his right shoulder and chest after being struck by police officers (see photos and video below, independent HRDs).
The incident occurred when students affiliated with West Papua Student Solidarity (SPWP) held a public free speech rally at around 2:30 pm as part of their Christmas activities and to express opposition to the government's Free Nutritious Food (MBG) programme. The students argued that, in the context of the Papuan provinces, priority should be given to free education and adequate health services rather than symbolic food programmes. Shortly after the rally began, police officers arrived at the location and immediately engaged in repressive actions, including intimidation, confiscation of pamphlets and rally equipment, and the forcible dispersal of participants without prior dialogue.
According to witness statements, police officers struck Yeheskiel Walela with their hands on his chest and right shoulder, causing him pain and distress. The officers then attempted to detain and take him away from the scene. A video recorded by a bystander confirms these allegations (see photos and video below, independent HRDs). Only after intervention and negotiations by fellow students was Yeheskiel released. Other participants reported being verbally intimidated and forced to disperse under threat of arrest.
Human rights analysis
From a human rights perspective, this incident constitutes a serious violation of the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, as guaranteed under Article 19 and Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Indonesia is a State Party. The use of physical force against peaceful demonstrators, particularly minors, also raises concerns under Article 7 ICCPR and the Convention against Torture (CAT), which prohibit torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. The attempted arrest without lawful grounds further indicates arbitrary deprivation of liberty, contrary to Article 9 ICCPR.
Under Indonesian law, the police interventions are inconsistent with the Indonesian Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), which requires clear legal grounds, proportionality, and due process in any arrest or use of force by law enforcement officials. The confiscation of pamphlets and rally materials and the forced dispersal of a peaceful assembly also undermine constitutional guarantees of civil liberties.
Ahead of World Human Rights Day on 10 December 2025, this case reflects a broader pattern of shrinking civic space and repression of student activism by Papuans in Indonesia. Authorities should cease repressive practices, ensure accountability for police officers involved in acts of violence, and guarantee that students and citizens can safely exercise their fundamental freedoms without fear of intimidation, assault, or arbitrary arrest.
Detailed case data
Location: Jl. Kambolker Perumnas III, Yabansai, Kec. Heram, Kota Jayapura, Papua 99224, Indonesia (-2.5820888, 140.645763) UNCEN Bus Station at Perumnas III, Jayapura
Region: Indonesia, Papua, Jayapura, Heram
Total number of victims: 1
1. Yeheskiel Walela, male 17 Indigenous Peoples, Student arbitrary detention, freedom of assembly, freedom of expression, ill-treatment
Period of incident: 08/12/2025-08/12/2025
Perpetrator: POLRES
Perpetrator details: Polresta Jayapura Officers
Issues: indigenous peoples, security force violence
Source: https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/police-violence-against-a-student-free-speech-rally-in-jayapura