Indonesian military personnel (TNI) allegedly entered the private residence (pastoran) of the Three Kings Cathedral (Katedral Tiga Raja) in Timika without authorisation during security operations surrounding the visit of the Vice President of Indonesia, Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
According to public statements by Rev. Amandus Rahadat and Rev. Benyamin Sugiya Tanggu Magay, soldiers entered the cathedral compound and private areas of the priests' residence, including bedrooms, without permission. Rev. Amandus also alleged that unidentified individuals had repeatedly attended Mass whilst secretly photographing and recording clergy and worshippers. Following public criticism by the Church, representatives of Kodim 1710/Mimika met the priests on 28 April 2026, apologised for the conduct of their personnel, and acknowledged that soldiers should not have entered the residence without an official assignment order.
According to Rev. Amandus, the incidents culminated during the Vice President's visit to Timika, when uniformed TNI personnel allegedly entered the cathedral compound and the priests' residence without authorisation. During a public announcement after Mass on 26 April 2026, he condemned the intrusion into private areas of the residence and questioned whether the Church was being treated as though it were harbouring terrorists. He also reported repeated surveillance during religious services and announced that the cathedral would strengthen security measures to protect clergy and worshippers.
On 28 April 2026, representatives of Kodim 1710/Mimika, led by the Deputy District Military Commander, met Rev. Amandus and Rev. Benyamin at the cathedral (see group photo above). Rev. Amandus later clarified that the meeting had been intended to seek clarification rather than to interrogate the priests, contrary to reports circulating on social media. During the meeting, the military reportedly acknowledged that soldiers should not enter a private residence without an official assignment order and apologised on behalf of the District Military Commander and Regional Military Commander. The priests accepted the apology but stressed that such incidents must not be repeated.
The reported intrusion and surveillance raise concerns regarding the rights to privacy, freedom of religion and the independence of religious institutions. Entering a private residence without legal authority may constitute an arbitrary interference with privacy under Article 17 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), while surveillance of clergy and worshippers may have a chilling effect on the exercise of freedom of religion and expression. Although the military apologised and acknowledged procedural shortcomings, there should be an impartial investigation, accountability for any misconduct, and guarantees that similar incidents will not recur.
Detailed case data
Document ID: HRM-CAS-086-2026
Region: Indonesia > Central Papua > Mimika
Total number of victims: 2
1. Amandus Rehadat, male adult Religious Group
2. Benyamin Sugiya Tanggu Magay, adult Religious Group
Perpetrator: Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces > Indonesian Military (TNI)
Perpetrator details: Kodim 1710/Mimika
Issues: Other