On 14 August 2023, police officers arbitrarily arrested 16 KNPB members at Baliem Road, the BRI Bank Branch intersection in Dekai, Yahukimo Regency. The arrests took place at 11:20 AM, as they were intending to participate in a funeral. The activists were subsequently taken to the Yahukimo District Police Office, where they were interrogated for one hour. All were released at 12:15 PM after the police did not find incriminating evidence against them.