On 24 March 2026, Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob), members reportedly used excessive force against civilians during a community protest in Kaugapu Village, East Mimika District, Mimika Regency, Central Papua Province, resulting in seven residents sustaining gunshot wounds from rubber bullets. The incident occurred following tensions related to the poisoning of dogs belonging to the village head and longstanding grievances over unresolved customary land compensation.
On 23 March 2026, three dogs belonging to the Head of Kaugapu Village, Mr Xaverius Kapirapu, were allegedly poisoned, triggering anger among residents. In response, at approximately 07:00 am the following morning, members of the community erected a roadblock by felling a large tree across the Timika – Paomako main road, rendering it impassable until approximately 3:00 pm
The protest was not solely directed at the poisoning incident but was also driven by longstanding frustration regarding unresolved customary land disputes. Community members claim that land was appropriated during the tenure of former Mimika Regent Eltinus Omaleng without subsequent compensation to customary rights holders.
At approximately 5:15 pm, a large contingent of Brimob personnel arrived at the location. According to eyewitness accounts, security forces responded with the use of rubber bullets against the assembled villagers as tensions between the villagers and the police unfolded (see videos below, source: independent HRD). This action triggered a confrontation between the authorities and residents.
As a result, seven individuals sustained gunshot wounds. One victim required hospital treatment, while six others were treated privately at home. Later that evening, at approximately 8:00 pm, negotiations between community representatives and the village head resulted in the reopening of the road.
Human rights analysis
The reported use of excessive force against civilians raises serious concerns under international human rights law, particularly regarding the principles of necessity, proportionality, and legality in the use of force by law enforcement officials as stipulated in the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials. Even in the context of a roadblock, the deployment of rubber bullets must comply with strict standards, including the requirement that force be used only as a last resort and in a manner that minimises harm.
Detailed case data
Location: Kaugapu, Mimika Timur, Mimika Regency, Central Papua, Indonesia (-4.6451342, 136.8010727)Region: Indonesia, Central Papua, Mimika, East Mimika
Total number of victims: 7
1. Hengky Kapirapu, male 28 Indigenous Peoples ill-treatment
2. Alo, male adult Indigenous Peoples ill-treatment
3. Bartolomius Kapirapu, male adult Indigenous Peoples ill-treatment
4. Linus Kanareyau, male adult Indigenous Peoples ill-treatment
5. Samuel Yemaromo, male adult Indigenous Peoples ill-treatment
6. Yosopina Mupiyu, female adult Indigenous Peoples ill-treatment
7. Falen Kaorapeya, male adult Indigenous Peoples ill-treatment
Period of incident: 24/02/2026-25/02/2026
Perpetrator: Mobile Brigades (BRIMOB)
Issues: indigenous peoples, security force violence