Papuan Journalist Mr Mis Murib, affiliated with the Nadi Papua Media, was reportedly subjected to intimidation following the publication of an investigative report on illegal gold mining activities in the Siriwo upstream area, Nabire Regency. The intimidation included direct messages from individuals suspected to be police officers, culminating in a message sent by Nabire Police Chief AKBP Samuel Dominggus Tatiratu summoning the journalist to provide formal clarification. The incident constitutes a potential violation of press freedom and protection guarantees for journalists.
According to the information received, Mr Mis Murib received a series of messages exerting pressure shortly after publishing an investigative article on 16 February 2026, alleging that illegal gold mining operations at kilometre 80 of the Trans-Papua road were purportedly authorised by local police. The situation escalated on 17 February 2026, when the Nabire Police Chief addressed the journalist directly in shared WhatsApp group with other journalists, demanding accountability and instructing Mr Murib to come to the police station for questioning. This followed earlier instances of pressure linked to previous investigative reporting. On 18 February 2026, the Police Chief publicly denied any involvement of the police in issuing mining permits and characterised the request for clarification as part of lawful procedure, later issuing an apology for any misunderstanding.
On 13 March 2026, a civil society coalition, the Forum Solidaritas Peduli Media Nadi Papua, issued a formal statement in Nabire condemning the intimidation. The forum highlighted a broader pattern of threats and pressure against journalists in Tanah Papua, including prior incidents such as an alleged threatening message received by Mis Murib from an unidentified number in November 2025. The forum also raised concerns regarding a police summons issued to Nadi Papua on 10 March 2026, warning that such actions may amount to criminalisation of journalistic work.
Human rights and legal analysis
The reported actions raise serious concerns under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and domestic legal frameworks protecting freedom of expression and media freedom. The summoning of a journalist in response to published reporting without prior recourse to established mechanisms such as the right of reply or correction, may constitute undue interference with legitimate journalistic activity. The pattern of intimidation, including direct and indirect threats, potentially violates the obligation of state authorities to ensure a safe and enabling environment for journalists.
The case also engages protections under Indonesian law, notably Law No. 40 of 1999 on the Press, which guarantees legal protection for journalists (Article 8) and establishes corrective mechanisms (Articles 1 (11-12), 5 (2-3)) as the appropriate response to disputed reporting. Any attempt to bypass these mechanisms through coercion or intimidation may contravene Article 18(1) of the same law.
Detailed case data
Location: Nabire, Nabire Regency, Central Papua, Indonesia (-3.3722254, 135.5016253)Region: Indonesia, Central Papua, Nabire, Nabire
Total number of victims: 1
1. Mis Murib, male adult Journalist freedom of expression, intimidation
Period of incident: 17/02/2026-17/02/2026
Perpetrator: Polres
Perpetrator details: Polres Nabire Polcie Chief, AKBP Samuel Dominggus Tatiratu
Issues: indigenous peoples