On 1 May 2026, members of Kodim 1711/Boven Digoel allegedly detained four political activists in the grounds of the Catholic Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Mawan Village, Mandobo District, Boven Digoel Regency, South Papua Province (see photo on top, source: independent HRD). The victims were identified as Mr Roberts Lana, 29, Mr Julianus Kotremku, 27, Mr Stanislaus Aterop, 33, and Mr Adrianus Mahadin, 31. The arrest was reportedly carried out without an arrest warrant and without a clear legal basis.
According to the information received, TNI personnel apprehended the four men at approximately 3:45 pm inside the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church which is located near the military district command. TNI members claimed that the church remained within the territory of the military post. The four activists were taken to the Kodim 1711/Boven Digoel military headquarters, where they were detained and interrogated for approximately three hours, from around 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm. They were subsequently transferred to the Boven Digoel Police Station, where they were interrogated by members of the police intelligence unit for approximately 30 minutes. The four detainees were released at approximately 8:00 pm and brought back to the original location of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.
Human rights analysis
The incident raises serious concerns regarding arbitrary detention, intimidation of political activists and supporters, and the improper involvement of military personnel in law enforcement activities against civilians. Under Indonesian law, the arrest and questioning of civilians fall within the competence of the police and must be carried out in accordance with due process guarantees, including the requirement of a lawful basis and proper procedural safeguards. The detention of civilians by TNI personnel without a warrant or clear legal grounds may amount to an arbitrary deprivation of liberty as protected under Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
The case also reflects broader concerns regarding shrinking civic space in the Papuan provinces, particularly where indigenous Papuans, political activists, and civil society supporters are subjected to surveillance, intimidation, arrest, and interrogation by security forces. The fact that the arrest occurred on church grounds further heightens concerns about intimidation in spaces that should remain safe for civilians and community activities.
Detailed case data
Document ID: HRM-CAS-071-2026
Region: Indonesia > South Papua > Boven Digoel > Mandobo
Total number of victims: 4
1. Roberts Lana, male 29 Activist, Indigenous Peoples intimidation
2. Julianus Kotremku, male 27 Activist, Indigenous Peoples intimidation
3. Stanislaus Aterop, male 33 Activist, Indigenous Peoples intimidation
4. Adrianus Mahadin, male 31 Activist, Indigenous Peoples intimidation
Period of incident: 01/05/2026-01/05/2026
Perpetrator: Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces > Indonesian Military (TNI)
Perpetrator details: members of the Kodim 1711/Boven Digoel military command
Issues: indigenous peoples, security force violence