Indonesian authorities continue to intimidate and suppress human rights of indigenous people of West Papua.

One such instance is the arrest of a strong leader of West Papua Independence movement today at his residence in Kamwolker, Waena — Jayapura.

According to witness accounts, Buchtar Tabuni was assaulted whilst having made the arrest.

They (witnesses) said he was taken to the police station, adding his arrest has not been justified by police as yet.

Kabuni is the chairman of the West Papua Council. He also chairs Legislative arm of the ULMWP Provisional Government.

“The Indonesian police arrived at Buchtar Tabuni’s residence using one dalmas car containing police personnel, two patrol cars and four Avanza cars containing intelligence personnel led by the Jayapura City Police Intelligence Chief,” witnesses said.