An Indigenous Papuan woman was reportedly subjected to conflict-related sexual violence by members of the Indonesian security forces in the Kali Biru area of Dekai Town, Yahukimo Regency, on 19 June 2026.
According to information received from local sources, the woman was allegedly threatened with a firearm before being raped whilst travelling alone to her garden. The information and allegations have not yet been independently verified. At the time of writing, no official statement from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), or other state authorities regarding the alleged incident had been identified.
Chronology of events
According to information received by Human Rights Monitor, the alleged incident occurred on Friday, 19 June 2026, between approximately 08:00 am and 12:00 pm, in the Kali Biru area of Dekai Town, Yahukimo Regency.
The victim, described as a housewife, was reportedly walking to her garden when she was intercepted by individuals alleged to have been members of the Indonesian security forces. According to the information received, the perpetrators threatened the woman with a firearm before allegedly raping her. No further information regarding the victim's identity, medical condition or subsequent treatment was available at the time of writing.
Public responses
On the same day, the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) Numbay Asya Sector issued a press statement condemning the alleged rape and calling for an independent, transparent and accountable investigation (see video below). The organisation also reiterated its opposition to the planned construction of additional security posts in Yahukimo Regency, arguing that local communities should be consulted before further militarisation of the area.
On 21 June 2026, the Association of Children of Christian Pastors and Ministers throughout Tanah Papua, together with the Justice and Peace Department (DKP) of KINGMI throughout Tanah Papua, published a moral appeal expressing deep concern over the reported incident. The organisations described sexual violence against women as a grave violation of human dignity and urged the Indonesian authorities, the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM), churches and legal aid organisations to conduct an independent investigation, ensure the victim's safety, and provide comprehensive medical, psychological and legal assistance.
At the time of writing, Human Rights Monitor had not identified any official statement from the Indonesian security forces or other government authorities responding to the allegation.
Human rights analysis
If substantiated, the reported rape would constitute a serious violation of Indonesia's obligations under international human rights law. Sexual violence by state officials may amount to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, prohibited under Article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention against Torture (CAT). It would also violate the victim's rights to bodily integrity, dignity and security of person.
The allegations further engage Indonesia's obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) to prevent, investigate and punish gender-based violence, protect survivors, and provide access to effective remedies. The authorities are therefore obliged to conduct a prompt, impartial and effective investigation, ensure the victim's safety, provide appropriate medical, psychological and legal support, and hold those responsible accountable in accordance with international standards.
Detailed case data
Document ID: HRM-CAS-090-2026
Region: Indonesia > Highland Papua > Yahukimo > Dekai
Total number of victims: 1
1. Female adult Indigenous Peoples sexual assault
Period of incident: 19/06/2026-19/06/2026
Perpetrator: Republic Indonesia > Indonesian Security Forces > Indonesian Military (TNI)
Issues: Indigenous peoples, security force violence