JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – A coalition of civil society organizations has called on the Indonesian government to launch an immediate investigation into the alleged torture and extrajudicial killing of a civilian, Abral Wandikbo, in Yuguru Village, Nduga Regency, Highland Papua.

The incident, which reportedly took place during a military operation in late March, has sparked outrage and renewed calls for an end to impunity in Papua.

According to the Papua Justice and Human Integrity Foundation (YKKMP) and its partner organizations, Abral Wandikbo, 27, was not affiliated with any armed or separatist groups. On the contrary, he was known for supporting public infrastructure projects, including efforts to rebuild the local airstrip to improve access for residents.

Wandikbo was allegedly arrested arbitrarily by Indonesian military (TNI) personnel on March 22, 2025, during a house-to-house sweep in Yuguru. He was taken without a warrant, denied access to legal counsel, and held incommunicado at a military post near the airstrip. He never returned home.

On March 25, Wandikbo’s body was discovered in a severely mutilated condition. Reports from the coalition described his ears, nose, and mouth as missing, his legs bearing signs of burns, and his hands tied with plastic restraints. The coalition believes he was tortured before being killed. Initially, TNI personnel reportedly told his family that he would be released, but later claimed he had “escaped” – a narrative the coalition says is misleading and dishonest.

YKKMP and other members of the Civil Society Coalition for the Yuguru Human Rights Case formally submitted their complaint to the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) in Jakarta on June 13. They urged the commission to recognize the incident as a gross human rights violation under Indonesian law and international human rights standards.

In addition to Wandikbo’s death, the coalition reported earlier instances of military abuse in Yuguru. Between February 22–24, soldiers allegedly damaged civilian homes and public facilities, including the local health center and school. Witnesses claim the military dismantled homes to collect wood and other materials, and scattered educational and religious documents during school searches.

These actions, the coalition argues, constitute violations of multiple human rights — including the rights to security, education, health, and protection of children. The events also reflect a broader pattern of violence and militarization in Papua, where civilian communities often bear the brunt of armed conflict.

Komnas HAM Chair Anis Hidayah, along with Commissioner Saurlin P. Siagian, met with the coalition and expressed deep concern over the violence. “The right to life is a fundamental right. Komnas HAM condemns such acts of violence and emphasizes the need to end impunity in Papua,” Anis said during the meeting.

The coalition presented six demands to the government, including a transparent and independent investigation into the killing, legal accountability for perpetrators through civilian courts, reparations for the victim’s family, and the restoration of damaged public infrastructure. They also called for an end to militarized approaches in Papua and demanded unrestricted access for journalists and human rights monitors.

Data from Komnas HAM shows 113 human rights incidents occurred in Papua in 2024 alone, with 85 cases involving armed conflict and violence. These incidents continue to contribute to civilian casualties, displacement, and trauma among local populations.

The Civil Society Coalition includes YKKMP, Amnesty International Indonesia, KontraS, AJI Indonesia, YLBHI, PBHI, and other prominent rights organizations. They have pledged to continue monitoring the case and advocating for justice and accountability in the region. (Uki Ruknuddin)

 

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