On 27 April 2026, joint security forces violently dispersed a peaceful student demonstration organised by the Papuan Student Solidarity (SOMAP) in Waena and Abepura, Jayapura City, Papua province. Officers used tear gas, warning shots, and physical force, including in densely populated residential areas such as in Jalan Sosiri, Abepura, exposing residents to harmful effects. At least one student was arbitrarily arrested, while three others were reportedly injured.
The protest was part of coordinated demonstrations across West Papua and other parts in Indonesia demanding accountability for recent civilian killings. Other demonstrations reportedly took place in Manokwari, Wamena, Sorong, Nabire, Gorontalo (North Sulawesi), and Manado (North Sulawesi). The protesters condemned recent civilian killings, internal displacement, and ongoing military operations. While Indonesian authorities claim the situation remains "relatively safe and conducive," the events in Jayapura highlight a significant discrepancy between official narratives and reports from affected communities and human rights defenders.
In the early morning, around at approximately 07:30 am, protestors gathered at Expo Waena and student dormitories in the Heram district, before beginning a planned long march to Abepura. Initially, police allowed the protesters at Expo Waena to proceed. However, upon reaching the area near the DenZipur military post in Waena, security forces blocked the route using Brimob and Dalmas units, backed by armed TNI personnel (see photos below, source: independent HRD).
Negotiations between protest coordinators and security forces failed. Between 08:30 and 9.00 am, security forces forcibly dispersed the crowd using tear gas and water cannons. Some officers reportedly fired warning shots. Parallel dispersal operations occurred at Universitas Cenderawasih (Uncen) campuses and Perumnas III, where students were holding speeches. Protesters responded by throwing stones at the security force personnel (see videos below, source: independent HRD)..
Tear gas was fired directly into residential compounds, including along Sosiri Road in Abepura, affecting the residents (see video below, source: independent HRD). Witnesses report that children, elderly residents, and female students in nearby dormitories experienced exposure to tear gas, causing respiratory distress and panic. One student was reportedly detained without warrant at the Uncen campus area. Three persons were reportedly injured during the crowd control operations.
Human rights analysis
The dispersal of a peaceful assembly through the use of tear gas and force in residential areas, raises serious concerns under international human rights law. Under the right to peaceful assembly (Article 21, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights ICCPR), restrictions must be lawful, necessary, and proportionate. The available information indicates that the protest was initially peaceful and that forceful dispersal may not have met the strict necessity threshold.
The use of tear gas in densely populated civilian areas, affecting children and elderly persons, appears indiscriminate and disproportionate, potentially violating the right to health (Article 12, International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights ICESCR) and freedom from inhuman or degrading treatment (Article 7 ICCPR). The UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms require that law enforcement minimise harm and avoid indiscriminate use of force, particularly in situations involving non-violent assemblies.
The broader pattern of peaceful protests against alleged human rights violations being met with repression indicates shrinking civic space and growing suppression of dissent in West Papua.
Detailed case data
Document ID: HRM-CAS-061-2026
Region: Indonesia, Papua, Jayapura, Abepura
Total number of victims: dozens
1. unknown unknown Indigenous Peoples arbitrary detention
2. unknown unknown Indigenous Peoples ill-treatment
3. dozens Student, Unknown right to health
Period of incident: 27/04/2026-27/04/2026
Perpetrator: Republic Indonesia, Indonesian Security Forces
Issues: indigenous peoples, security force violence, women and children