Indonesian police are facing scrutiny following reports of unlawful actions against Papuan protesters in Merauke on January 25. Human Rights Watch (HRW) condemned the dispersal, alleged physical assault, and detention of 11 individuals who were peacefully demonstrating.
Protest and Response
The protesters, members of the Voice of Catholic People of Papua, had gathered at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cathedral to call on church officials to protect Indigenous people impacted by the Merauke Integrated Food and Energy Estate (MIFEE) project. Witnesses reported that police forcibly dispersed the gathering without warning, allegedly choking and beating demonstrators and striking some on the head with batons.
Eleven protesters were detained and released without charge after midnight, according to HRW. Their lawyer, Arnold Anda of the Merauke Legal Aid Institute, stated that authorities provided no legal basis for the arrests. Police also reportedly seized a smartphone belonging to a protester, deleting photos and videos before returning it.
Concerns Over Land Rights and Project Impact
HRW warned that the MIFEE project risks the customary land rights of over 40,000 people from the Indigenous Malind, Maklew, Yei, and Khimaima communities. The Indonesian civil society organization Pusaka has documented instances of fraudulent land grabs that threaten these communities’ ancestral forests and livelihoods.
These concerns are not new. In March 2025, nine UN special rapporteurs issued a joint letter expressing grave concerns over systematic human rights and environmental violations in the region, warning that approximately 40 villages could lose their traditional rights. Further, UN experts expressed concern in November 2025 regarding the Special Autonomy Law for Papua, suggesting it centralizes authority and exacerbates issues facing Indigenous Papuans.
Constitutional Framework
The Indonesian Constitution recognizes and respects customary law communities and their traditional rights, as outlined in Article 18B (2), provided they align with national interests and legal regulations. Article 28I (3) emphasizes the protection of cultural identities and the rights of Indigenous communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Merauke Integrated Food and Energy Estate (MIFEE) project?
The MIFEE project plans to convert nearly three million hectares of forest and swampland into rice, sugarcane, and other crop plantations, framed by the Indonesian government as a path toward national food and biofuel self-sufficiency.
What did Human Rights Watch say about the police response?
Human Rights Watch condemned the Indonesian police for the unlawful dispersal, physical assault, and detention of 11 Papuan protesters in Merauke on January 25, stating that police and military personnel who commit abuses should be held accountable.
What concerns have been raised by UN experts?
UN experts have expressed concerns over systematic human rights and environmental violations in the region, the potential loss of traditional rights for approximately 40 villages, and the impact of the Special Autonomy Law for Papua on Indigenous Papuans.
Given the history of concerns and the recent reports of police actions, what steps might be taken to ensure the protection of Indigenous land rights and peaceful protest in the Merauke region?
