On 5 June 2026, a group of environmental activists in South Sorong Regency, Southwest Papua province, were allegedly subjected to intimidation, threats and one incident of physical assault following a peaceful World Environment Day protest at the South Sorong Regent's Office. According to the activists, the intimidation involved phone calls, WhatsApp messages and alleged physical violence by individuals believed to be local government officials, police officers and a government employee. The protest criticised the local government's handling of waste management by symbolically depositing rubbish outside the Regent's Office.
On 5 June 2026, environmental activists organised a peaceful demonstration to mark World Environment Day, drawing attention to poor waste management and environmental degradation in South Sorong Regency. During the protest, participants transported rubbish to the grounds of the Regent's Office (see photo on top, source: Jubi) as a symbolic act of protest intended to urge the local government to improve the waste management system in the regency.
According to the activists, intimidation began only hours after the demonstration concluded. An activist named OS reportedly received a telephone call from an individual believed to be a law enforcement officer, which the activist recorded as evidence. Later the same evening, activists identified as YK and NS allegedly received phone calls and WhatsApp messages from a person believed to be a South Sorong Regency official, questioning their motives and indicating that the protest had a hidden political agenda. One of the reported messages stated: "Those young people who brought the rubbish earlier – I've already discussed this with the police. What was their purpose in bringing rubbish to the regent's office? What was their mission?"
Another activist, identified as ME, alleged that he was confronted by a government employee, who pushed him to the ground, causing bruises to his leg. The activists considered the combination of threatening communications, psychological pressure and alleged physical violence to be a coordinated attempt to intimidate the activists and discourage further environmental advocacy.
Human rights analysis
The reported intimidation raises serious concerns regarding the protection of freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and the rights of environmental human rights defenders. If state officials or police officers participated in threatening or intimidating individuals because of their peaceful advocacy, such conduct would be incompatible with Articles 19, 21 and 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which protect freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and freedom of association. The alleged assault against activist ME may also engage the state's obligation to protect individuals from violence and intimidation. The case additionally concerns the right to participate in environmental decision-making and to advocate for a healthy environment without fear of reprisals. Indonesian law explicitly recognises these protections through Article 66 of Law No. 32 of 2009 on Environmental Protection and Management, which provides that persons defending the right to a good and healthy environment shall not be subject to criminal prosecution or civil lawsuits because of their advocacy. Allegations that government officials and police sought to intimidate environmental activists therefore warrant an independent, impartial and effective investigation capable of establishing individual responsibility and ensuring accountability
Detailed case data
Document ID: HRM-CAS-079-2026
Region: Indonesia > Southwest Papua > South Sorong
Total number of victims: 4
1. 4, male unknown Activist, Human Rights Defender (HRD) intimidation
Period of incident: 05/06/2026-05/06/2026
Perpetrators:
Republic Indonesia > Government
Republic Indonesia > Government > Public Official
Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces > Indonesian Police
Issues: human rights defenders
Sources: Jubi