19 March 2026 / 5 minutes of reading
Between 12 December 2025 and February 2026, a series of incidents of alleged shooting, vandalism, robbery, intimidation and continued harassment were reported at the home of Rev. Victor Kobak in Jalan Gunung, Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan province. Rev Kobak leads the Evanhastia congregation, belonging to the Evangelical Church in Indonesia (GIDI). The events occurred in the context of security force raids in response to the deteriorating security situation in the Yahukimo Regency. Authorities reacted with intensified military deployments, restrictions on civilian activities and a series of reported arbitrary arrests in Dekai Town. Rev Kobak reportedly suffered material losses, psychological distress and ongoing intimidation, while the wider community experienced heightened fear and insecurity linked to escalating armed conflict dynamics in the area.
Security forces came to Rev Kobak’s house, opening fire at his house, damaging parts of the property, and seizing personnel belongings. On 12 December 2025 joint security forces reportedly opened fire at the house belonging to Rev. Victor Kobak. Bullets struck walls and roof sections at both the front and rear of the building, causing structural damage and material losses. On 22 January 2026, security personnel again entered Rev Kobak’s house without showing a warrant and devastated the interior. The doors were kicked in and damaged. After the house search, personal belongings were missing. On 31 January 2026, security force personnel again came to Rev Kobak’s house, dismantling parts of the house and removing items, including his Starlink communication equipment, four sleeping bags or mats, and work-related equipment. Four doors were dismantled.
Following the circulation of video documentation of the incidents, Rev. Kobak received anonymous threatening phone calls and hostile social media posts in February 2026. The acts of intimidation included attempts to stigmatise him as a member of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) in social media posts. These actions increased fear for the safety of the Rev Kobak and his family.
Deteriorating security situation and series of arbitrary detentions in Dekai
The harassments and intimidation of Rev Kobak occurred amid a significant escalation of security operations across Yahukimo Regency in early 2026, particularly in the Dekai District. Reports indicate the establishment of additional security presence, expanded patrols and increased surveillance of civilian movement. Statements by security officials during meetings with business operators on 17 February 2026 suggested that civilians remaining in public spaces beyond designated curfew hours could be warned, detained overnight or otherwise subjected to enforcement measures. Such policies reportedly contributed to fears of arbitrary detention, racial profiling and collective stigmatisation of indigenous Papuans as potential supporters or members of armed groups.
The deteriorating situation also had humanitarian consequences. Healthcare workers at the Yahukimo Regional General Hospital and community health centres publicly stated on 20 February 2026 that they felt unsafe while performing their duties amid the presence of armed personnel near medical facilities. They demanded explicit security guarantees from both Indonesian security forces and armed Papuan groups, emphasising their neutral humanitarian role protected under International Humanitarian Law. Reports further indicated temporary closures of healthcare facilities and disruptions to essential services due to security fears, affecting civilian access to medical treatment.
Church leaders similarly expressed alarm at the militarisation of civilian spaces. On 21 February 2026, Rev. Atias Matuan, Chair of the Yahukimo Churches’ Fellowship (PGGY), urged security forces not to station personnel at hospitals, warning that their presence had traumatised patients and undermined public trust in essential services. These developments reflect a broader climate of insecurity in which civilian institutions such as churches, schools and healthcare facilities have become increasingly entangled in conflict dynamics.
Human rights analysis
The reported shooting at a civilian residence, vandalism and removal of property raise concerns regarding arbitrary interference with the home and unlawful destruction of civilian objects, particularly if conducted by state security forces without lawful basis or judicial oversight. Such conduct violates the right to privacy, family life and property, as well as abuses of authority under domestic criminal law.
The intimidation of a religious leader and the dissemination of personal identity data without consent may amount to harassment of a human rights defender and interference with freedom of religion, expression and association. In conflict-affected contexts, religious figures often play key humanitarian and mediation roles; targeting them risks undermining civilian protection mechanisms and community resilience.
More broadly, the imposition of curfews combined with threats of detention for civilians present in public spaces may engage international human rights standards relating to freedom of movement and protection from arbitrary arrest or detention. Where security operations result in the closure of hospitals or intimidation of healthcare workers, this may also violate obligations to respect and protect medical personnel and ensure access to essential services.
Under International Humanitarian Law applicable to non-international armed conflicts, parties must distinguish between civilians and combatants, respect the neutrality of medical personnel and religious institutions, and refrain from pillage or destruction of civilian property unless imperatively required by military necessity. The reported developments in Dekai suggest a shrinking humanitarian space and increasing risks to civilians not directly participating in hostilities.
On 31 January 2026, security personnel again searched Rev Kobak’s house without warrant and devastated the interior
On 12 December 2025 joint security forces reportedly opened fire at the house belonging to Rev. Victor Kobak. The bullets struck walls and the roof.
Social media post accusing Rev Kobak of affiliation with the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB)
Detailed Case Data
Location: Dekai, Yahukimo regency, Highland Papua, Indonesia (-4.8638158, 139.4837298)
Region: Indonesia, Highland Papua, Yahukimo, Dekai
Total number of victims: 1
| # | Number of Victims | Name, Details | Gender | Age | Group Affiliation | Violations |
| 1. | 1 | Victor Kobak | male | adult | Indigenous Peoples | criminalisation, intimidation |
Period of incident: 12/12/2025 – 11/03/2026
Perpetrator: , Indonesian Security Forces
Issues: indigenous peoples, security force violence
Australia West Papua Association Adelaide 