On 17 June 2026, 20-year-old indigenous Yosan Suhuniap was reportedly tortured and subsequently executed after being captured by joint security force personnel in Dekai, Yahukimo Regency. The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) admitted that Mr Suhuniap was affiliated with the Kodap XVI Yahukimo command, holding the position as a major. According to information obtained from the victim's relatives and witnesses, Mr Suhuniap was arrested alive whilst riding his motorcycle near Elit Road before being beaten and forced into a security force vehicle. His family subsequently lost contact with him. The following morning, the family was informed that his body had been taken to Dekai Regional General Hospital. The circumstances surrounding his death remain disputed and have not been independently investigated.
According to a witness testimony, Mr Yosan Suhuniap travelled by motorcycle to visit family members living near Dekai State Junior High School 1 at approximately 10:30 am on 17 June 20261. After leaving the family residence, he was allegedly intercepted by joint security force personnel travelling in two Dalmas vehicles. Witnesses reported that security personnel surrounded Mr Suhuniap, assaulted him physically and forcibly dragged him into one of the vehicles before leaving the scene. Following the arrest, his family received no official notification regarding his whereabouts, legal status or place of detention.
On 18 June 2026, at approximately 08:00 am, relatives were informed that Mr Suhuniap's body was at the Yahukimo Regional General Hospital. Family members reportedly encountered difficulties accessing the body due to security restrictions imposed by TNI personnel. Following communication with officers from the Yahukimo District Police, the body was eventually released to church representatives and the family for burial.
Human rights law and humanitarian law analysis
Although Mr Yosan Suhuniap was reportedly affiliated with the TPNPB, his alleged status as a member of an organised armed group did not deprive him of legal protection once he had been apprehended and was under the control of state authorities. Under Common Article 3 of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, persons who are detained or otherwise placed hors de combat during a non-international armed conflict must be treated humanely and are protected against violence to life and person, including execution, torture, cruel treatment and outrages upon personal dignity.
In addition, Indonesia remains bound by Articles 6 and 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which protect the right to life and prohibit torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. The reported circumstances therefore raise concerns regarding possible arbitrary detention, torture or ill-treatment, and an unlawful deprivation of life.
Detailed case data
Document ID: HRM-CAS-088-2026
Region: Indonesia > Highland Papua > Yahukimo > Dekai
Total number of victims: 1
1. Yosan Suhuniap, male 20 Indigenous Peoples execution, right to life, torture
Period of incident: 17/06/2026-17/06/2026
Perpetrator: Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces
Issues: Indigenous peoples, security force violence