Joint members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and Dogiyai District Police (Polres Dogiyai) reportedly injured three indigenous Papuans in Moanemani town and Pogito Village, Kamu District, Dogyai Regency, Central Papua Province. The shootings followed forceful dispersal of a civil unrests using life ammunition. Tensions and security presence remained high between 3 and 7 March 2026. (see videos below, source: independent HRD) The series of incidents were triggered by a dispute between a migrant shop owner and two indigenous Papuans over a pack of cigarettes that allegedly not been paid. The violent crackdowns occurred amid escalating tensions and heavy deployment of security forces across Dogiyai Regency in the past months.
On 3 March 2026 at approximately 3:00 pm, two Indigenous Papuan youths travelled by motorbike to a shop in Moanemani town to purchase rice and cigarettes. After paying and preparing to leave, the shop owner accused them of not paying for the cigarettes, which triggered a heated argument. The dispute attracted a crowd consisting of Indigenous Papuan residents, non-Papuan civilians, and members of the TNI and Polri.
Security personnel reportedly opened fire without issuing prior warnings to disperse the crowd. Mr Yoneas Yobe, 29, who was passing the area, sustained a bullet wound to the lower jaw. The projectile entered the left side of his chin and exited on the right side, causing severe bleeding and immediate collapse. Mr Yobe was immediately admitted to Dogiyai Regional General Hospital for emergency treatment.
Later that afternoon, tensions escalated further when security forces reportedly used live ammunition to pursue civilians who were responding to the shooting by throwing stones and bringing traditional weapons, such as bows, arrows and machetes (see videos below, source: independent HRD). During this pursuit, Mr Kris Dou, 19, was reportedly shot in the left chest. He did not seek formal medical treatment following the incident. Instead, he decided to treat the wounds using traditional methods.
On 4 March 2026 at around 08:00 am, additional shooting incidents were reported in Moanemani amid continuing unrest and large-scale security deployments. Public activities across Dogiyai Regency were disrupted, with schools and offices closed and cross-regency transport halted between 3 and 6 March 2026, except for convoys escorted by security forces.
A further incident occurred in Pogito Village, Kamu District on 7 March 2026 at approximately 2:00 pm, when police officers escorting vehicles reportedly opened fire at villagers. Mr Jhon Pekei, 25, who was standing by the roadside, was struck by a bullet in the left side of his back, below the shoulder blade (see photos below, source: independent HRD).. Witnesses alleged that police personnel involved in the operation were associated with the Polres Dogiyai.
The repeated use of firearms by security forces in populated civilian areas has reportedly created widespread fear and disruption among the indigenous population in Doiyai. Residents reported the presence of security force personnel moving with full weaponry across multiple locations, contributing to heightened tensions and concerns about further civilian casualties and potential prolonged conflict.
Human rights analysis
The reported incidents raise serious concerns regarding the use of force and firearms by law enforcement officials, particularly the apparent firing of projectiles into crowds without warning and the use of live ammunition against civilians. Even though protesters reportedly threw stones and brought traditional weapons security force operations must be guided by the Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials. Such actions may violate international standards requiring that force be lawful, necessary, proportionate, and used only as a last resort.
The shootings also indicate potential violations of the right to life, and the right to security of person protected under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Particularly in the context of heavy militarisation, collective punishment-like responses affecting broader civilian populations violate fundamental human rights principles and are contrary to Indonesia's effort to promote rule of law in the country.
Detailed case data
Location: Moanemani/Ikebo, Kamu, Dogiyai Regency, Central Papua, Indonesia (-4.0034934, 136.0348675) Moanemani Town and Pogita Village, Kamu District
Region: Indonesia, Central Papua, Dogiyai, Kamu
Total number of victims: 3
1. Yoneas Yobe, male 29 Indigenous Peoples ill-treatment, right to life
2. Kris Douw, male 19 Indigenous Peoples ill-treatment, right to life
3. Jhon Pekei, male 25 Indigenous Peoples ill-treatment, right to life
Period of incident: 03/03/2026-07/03/2026
Perpetrator: Indonesian Security Forces
Issues: indigenous peoples, security force violence