On 28 March 2026, officers of the Nabire Police Intelligence and Criminal Investigation Units intercepted a group of activists associated with the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) following a peaceful fundraising activity at Karang Tumaritis Market in Nabire Town. The incident, which occurred at approximately 11:30 am, involved intimidation measures, including photographing participants, erecting a roadblock, and a subsequent pursuit using riot control (Dalmas) vehicle. The KNPB is a political movement organisation peacefully advocating for the right to self-determination through a referendum. They organise peaceful mass protests and political discussions.
The KNPB members began their fundraising activity at 08:11 am in the Karang Pasar area. The activity reportedly concluded without incident at 11:20 Papua Time. As members prepared to disperse, plainclothes intelligence officers photographed participants and questioned them about the purpose of the activity. Shortly thereafter, additional officers from the Intelligence and Criminal Investigation Units established a roadblock using two vehicles and one motorbike, preventing the group from leaving freely. During a tense exchange, officers demanded that the KNPB flag be removed. The group complied with the demand in order to avoid escalation.
Following the negotiations, KNPB members began to disperse. However, two Dalmas riot control trucks pursued the activists into residential areas, creating fear of arbitrary detention among participants. No arrests were reported, yet the actions of the police are emblematic for repressive policing in West Papua, given the peaceful nature of the activity.
Human rights analysis
From a human rights perspective, the incident raises serious concerns regarding violations of the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association. The use of surveillance, coercive questioning, forced removal of political symbols, and pursuit into residential areas suggest undue interference with lawful civic activity. Even in the absence of formal arrests, such conduct may constitute intimidation and harassment, which can have a chilling effect on political participation and civil society engagement in West Papua.
The absence of a clear legal basis for the intervention further raises concerns under the principle of legality and necessity. Peaceful fundraising and political expression fall within protected democratic activities. Any restrictions should be strictly justified, proportionate, and grounded in law. The reported actions of the Nabire police appear to fall short of these standards.
Detailed case data
Location: JG94+H25, Karang Tumaritis, Pertama, Nabire Regency, Central Papua 98811, Indonesia (-3.3811125, 135.5051094)Region: Indonesia, Central Papua, Nabire, Nabire
Total number of victims: 5
1. 5, male unknown Activist freedom of assembly, freedom of expression, intimidation
Period of incident: 28/03/2026-28/03/2026
Perpetrator: Indonesian Police
Perpetrator details: Intelligence and Criminal Investigation Unit officers of Polres Nabire
Issues: indigenous peoples