On 17 March 2026 at approximately 10:00 am, joint security forces belonging to the Damai Cartenz Task Force arbitrarily detained 21-year-old Neri Balingga, a student at Cenderawasih University, on the Yahukimo – Pengunungan Bintang connecting road in the Nami village, Seradala District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Highlands Province. He was subsequently detained at the Yahukimo Police Station and released on 18 March 2026 at 10:30 am local time following pressure from family members, community leaders, and local youths.
According to information received, Mr Neri Balingga and several companions had departed on a pick-up truck intending to travel to a gold panning site in the Korowai area. During their journey, joint security personnel conducted a roadblock, stopping vehicles and inspecting passengers' belongings. Authorities confiscated various personal items including machetes, jewellery, and all mobile phones. During the inspection of Balingga's phone, officers reportedly discovered an image related to the TPNPB that had been saved from Facebook. Thereupon, Marines officers forcibly detained Mr Balingga for further interrogation at Yahukimo Police Station. Following the incident, community members mobilised to demand his release. He was released from custody the following morning after police officers could not find evidence for involvement with the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB).
Human rights analysis
The arbitrary detention of Mr Neri Balingga raises serious concerns regarding arbitrary deprivation of liberty and discriminatory security practices in conflict-affected areas of the Papuan provinces. The confiscation of personal belongings and detention based solely on possession of symbolic items or digital content without credible evidence of criminal conduct suggests failure to meet minimum legal standards governing arrest, search, and detention procedures. Such practices contribute to a climate of fear among indigenous communities and may further restrict freedom of movement, expression, and access to livelihood activities.
Detailed case data
Location: Seradala, Yahukimo regency, Highland Papua, Indonesia (-5.0222492, 139.9274723) Nami Village
Region: Indonesia, Highland Papua, Yahukimo, Seradala
Total number of victims: 1
1. Neri Balingga, diverse 21 Indigenous Peoples, Student arbitrary detention
Period of incident: 17/03/2026-17/03/2026
Perpetrator: Indonesian Security Forces
Perpetrator details: Damai Cartenz Task force mambers
Issues: indigenous peoples
Source: https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/arbitrary-detention-of-student-in-nami-village-seradala-district