Overview

Authorities repeatedly used excessive force to break up protests, including by local communities protesting against mining operations. The crackdown on political dissent in Papua and West Papua provinces continued. Dozens of Indigenous Papuans were arrested and some faced charges carrying lengthy prison terms. Freedom of expression continued to be curtailed as human rights defenders, journalists and others were subjected to physical and online attacks, and were arrested and prosecuted under repressive laws. A new law was adopted criminalizing various crimes related to sexual violence, but rape victims were denied effective access to justice. The judicial punishment of flogging was used in Aceh province. Security forces committed unlawful killings, including in Papua and West Papua, largely with impunity.