SUGAPA — Indonesian military personnel reportedly arrested a civilian named Erner Kobogau (24) in the center of Sugapa Town, Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua. The victim was detained after his feet and hands were bound, then brought to the Indonesian National Army (TNI) Post in Mamba Village, Sugapa District.
According to a report by the human rights advocacy organization, Human Rights Defender (HRD), the arrest occurred on May 29, 2026, when the Indonesian military conducted a security operation in the region. The victim reportedly was forced to surrender after being held at gunpoint and experiencing intimidation by security personnel in the field.
The family emphasized that Erner Kobogau is a civilian who has no connection with the armed group. "Erner Kobogau is an ordinary civilian who every day only works in the garden and always goes to Sugapa Town to buy food and other basic necessities," stated the victim's family, Sunday (31/5/2026). The family urged that the Indonesian military immediately release Erner because he is not part of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB).
Meanwhile, HRD confirmed that a similar action also befell another civilian named Nopi Bagau on May 29, 2026, at around 21.00 WIT. However, Nopi was released the following day after personnel ensured he was not involved with the TPNPB network in Intan Jaya.
Responding to the series of events, HRD urged the Indonesian military to stop arbitrary arrests against civilians. Security personnel were asked to be more selective and capable of distinguishing civilians from TPNPB members to avoid wrongful arrests that violate human rights. HRD emphasized the importance of compliance with international humanitarian law in the conflict zone.
The escalation of the armed conflict in Intan Jaya, which has continued to increase since 2019, is said to have victimized many civilians, especially children and women. Indonesian military operations around residential areas were also reported to have an impact on the destruction of residents' houses and public facilities due to the impact of bullets and bombs.
This uncertain security condition has triggered a fairly large humanitarian crisis in the Land of Papua. HRD noted at least 107,039 civilians of various ages are now in displacement camps and face the threat of starvation and disease. The displaced people are reported to urgently need logistical assistance in the form of food, medicines, and proper clothing.
This emergency situation prompts demands to the Government of Indonesia to immediately open the widest possible access for humanitarian agencies and international human rights monitors to conduct direct intervention in the Land of Papua. The step is considered urgent to prevent a greater loss of life due to the humanitarian crisis in the conflict zone. TPNPB also stated similar demands so that investigations into human rights violations in Intan Jaya can immediately proceed. (One Papua)