Amnesty International Urges Release of Four Papua Activists Jailed for Treason

The organization called on authorities to release all four activists unconditionally. Criminalizing peaceful expression, it warned, only deepens distrust between Papuans and the state and further distances prospects for a peaceful resolution to long-standing tensions in the region.

The four activists—Abraham Goram Gaman, Piter Robaha, Nikson Mai, and Maksi Sangkek—were sentenced to seven months in prison. Prosecutors had previously sought eight months, accusing them of “committing or participating in treason” by attempting to separate part of Indonesia’s territory, as stipulated under Articles 106 and 55 of the Indonesian Criminal Code.

Their arrest followed a series of visits on 14 April 2025 to multiple government offices in Sorong, where they delivered letters from Forkorus Yaboisembut, President of the self-proclaimed West Papua Federal Republic (NFRPB). Authorities later seized organizational documents and uniforms resembling security force attire. Although the case originated in Sorong, the activists were transferred to Makassar for trial without clear justification—prompting protests from relatives and community members. Amnesty reiterated that it takes no position on the political status of any Indonesian province but firmly defends the right to peacefully express political views. (Uki)