On 19 May 2026, joint security forces apprehended Mr Ruben Kobak alias Kone Kobak, the Head of Diplomacy for the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) Yahukimo Regional Branch, in Dekai Town, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province.
The arrest was reportedly conducted without the presenting an arrest warrant or detention order as required under the Indonesian Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP). Mr Kobak was allegedly subjected to intimidation and torture whilst in custody at Yahukimo District Police Station (Polres Dekai). He was released on 20 May 2026 due to lack of incriminating evidence.
The KNPB is a non-violent civil resistance movement in West Papua, which has been organising West Papua-wide mass protests for self-determination through a political referendum for more than ten years. Their members have committed to non-violent protest by organising peaceful demonstrations and political discussions.
According to the information received from KNPB and other local sources, TNI-AL personnel visited the KNPB Yahukimo office in Dekai Town on 19 May 2026 at approximately 09:51 am. KNPB members understood the visit as an attempt to intimidate the activists. The military personnel reportedly ordered that the office be vacated immediately because the forces would return later.
At approximately 5:30, joint security forces consisting of Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) and Marine personnel (TNI-AL) reportedly arrived at Mr Kobak's house in the Kali Merah area, Dekai Town, using four operational vehicles. Security personnel allegedly entered the residence and immediately ordered Mr Kobak to lie face down before dragging him from the house to a police vehicle that brought him to the Polres Yahukimo Police Station. Relatives confirmed that officers did not present an Arrest Warrant (Surat Perintah Penangkapan) during the operation.
During the arrest and search operation, authorities reportedly confiscated several personal belongings, including two mobile phones, two speakers and cash amounting to approximately Rp 700,000. Mr Kobak also reported damage to property inside the residence, including damage to the front door, kitchen utensils and other household items.
KNPB representatives and members of the local community later demanded clarification from the Yahukimo Police Chief regarding the victim's detention and legal status. On 20 May 2026, Mr Kobak was released from Yahukimo Police Station custody at approximately 2:30 pm. According to the Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit, the detention was related to a search operation targeting members of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB).
Following his release. Mr Kobak alleged that he was subjected to coercive interrogation and torture during police custody. Officers reportedly struck him several times on the cheek, ear and eye area, resulting in pain and bleeding from his left eye. He further alleged that his hands and legs were restrained during interrogation. Officers forced him to sign a statement pledging not to participate in activities supporting West Papuan independence or KNPB activities.
The KNPB Yahukimo Regional Executive Board condemned the arrest as an act of criminalisation against a civilian political activist. The arbitrary detention was part of a broader pattern of intimidation against Papuan civilians and pro-independence activists. Arbitrary detention of KNPB activists frequently occur without clear legal evidence or transparent judicial procedures.
Human rights and legal analysis
The reported arrest and detention of Mr Ruben Kobak raise serious concerns regarding arbitrary detention, due process violations, freedom of expression and the prohibition of torture and ill-treatment under both Indonesian law and international human rights law.
Under Articles 16, 17 and 18 of the Indonesian Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), law enforcement authorities are required to present a lawful arrest warrant except in strictly limited circumstances involving flagrante delicto offences. The reported failure to present an arrest warrant or detention order may therefore constitute a violation of domestic procedural safeguards.
The allegations of intimidation, coercion and physical violence during interrogation are inconsistent with Indonesia's obligations under the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT), to which Indonesia is a State Party. Article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) prohibits torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment under all circumstances.
Additionally, allegations that the victim was beaten and forced to sign a declaration renouncing political activities raise concerns regarding coercion and the suppression of freedom of opinion and political expression as protected under Articles 19 of the ICCPR The reported intimidation directed at KNPB members and the alleged targeting of a political activist because of his organisational role may indicate restrictions on peaceful political activity and civic participation.
Detailed case data
Document ID: HRM-CAS-070-2026
Region: Indonesia > Highland Papua > Yahukimo > Dekai
Total number of victims: 1
1. Ruben Kobak, male adult Activist, Indigenous Peoples arbitrary detention, freedom of expression, intimidation, torture
Period of incident: 19/05/2026-20/05/2026
Perpetrators:
Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces > Indonesian Military (TNI) > Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL)
Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces > Indonesian Police > Mobile Brigades (BRIMOB)
Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces > Indonesian Police > POLRES
Issues: indigenous peoples, security force violence