On 29 March 2026, plain-cloth-police officers arbitrarily detained 14-year-old Yerikson Nabyal, an indigenous Papuan belonging to the Una Ukam ethnic group, in the town of Dekai, Yahukimo Regency, Highlands Papua Province. According to the information received from a local source, Yerikson was using Wi-Fi in front of a small shop (Khanza Jalur Satu kiosk) at approximately 5:00 pm. Thereafter, he walked towards his home. Upon reaching the entrance at approximately 05:20 pm, a group of armed individuals in plain clothes arrived in a black minivan (Toyota Avanza) and apprehended Yerikson. The officers forcibly dragged him inside the vehicle despite his cries for help and left the scene without identifying themselves or presenting any legal grounds for the arrest.
Following the incident, Yerikson's family made repeated attempts to locate him. They visited the Yahukimo District Police Headquarters (Polres Yahukimo) twice but were informed that officers had no knowledge of his whereabouts. The family then proceeded to the Brimob (Mobile Brigade) headquarters on Jalan Kurima, where they received similar responses and were redirected to the local police station. Officials at the local station also denied knowledge but accompanied the family back to the police headquarters, where it was eventually confirmed that Yerikson was being detained. Authorities failed to provide any legal justification for his detention.
Human rights analysis
The case raises serious concerns regarding arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance-like practices, and violations of child protection standards under international human rights law. The incident constitutes a prima facie case of arbitrary arrest and detention, in violation of Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which guarantees the right to liberty and security of person and prohibits arrest without lawful basis or due process. The involvement of plain-clothes officers who failed to identify themselves or present a warrant further violates basic safeguards against enforced disappearance, as outlined in international standards.
Given the victim's age, the arrest also contravenes the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), particularly Articles 37(b) and 40, which stipulate that the detention of a minor must be used only as a measure of last resort and in accordance with legal procedures..
The pattern described by local sources indicates systematic mass arrests without due process in the Yahukimo Regency, contributing to widespread fear and trauma among the indigenous population.
Detailed case data
Location: 4FMP+HHQ, Moruku, Dekai, Yahukimo regency, Highland Papua 99571, Indonesia (-4.8660252, 139.486474)Region: Indonesia, Highland Papua, Yahukimo, Dekai
Total number of victims: 1
1. Yerikson Nabyal, male 13 Indigenous Peoples arbitrary detention
Period of incident: 29/03/2026-29/03/2026
Perpetrator: Indonesian Police
Perpetrator details: Polres Yahukimo
Issues: indigenous peoples, women and children