Indonesia, West Papua – On 10 December 2024, a group of students from the Walter Post School of Theology (STT) in Jayapura were arbitrarily stopped by police while they were driving to a public commemoration worship for the Human Rights Day, organised by the Papuan Council of Churches and Indigenous Pastors.
Despite their attempts to negotiate and clarify their intentions, the police prohibited them from continuing their journey, citing concerns about potential disruptions due to the public assembly. The students were transported to the Jayapura Resort Police Headquarters and detained from 8:00 am to 11:30 am before being released.
The detained group consisted of 16 students, whose identities and belongings, including mobile phones, were searched by the police. The students were released after legal aid representatives arrived at the police station. The police officers failed to provide a clear explanation for the arbitrary detention.
Jayapura Resort Police Chief, AKBP Umar Nasatekay, defended the police actions, claiming that the students were only "secured" to ensure their safety and prevent disruptions. Nasatekay emphasized his support for worship as a native Papuan but reiterated that the decision to restrict long marches was intended to avoid unforeseen issues.