Obaja Kowela

Detainees
Affiliation
  • ULMWP PG
Gender
Male
Age group when first arrested
To be revisited
Date of arrest
Jul 29, 2025
Place of origin
Waropen Regency
Reason of arrest
  • Meeting
Arrested by (Institution)
  • Police
Arrested by (Unit)
  • Polres Waropen
  • Polsek Waropen Bawah
Type of violation
  • Arbitrary Arrest
  • Denial of Freedom of Assembly
Place of the first detention
To be revisited
Concerns reported
  • Arbitrary arrest
Current status
  • Released
Date of release
Jul 30, 2025
Sources

ULMWP

Additional description

Waropen and Lower Waropen police personnel arrested 42 activists from the ULMWP Provisional Government at the home of a tribal chief named Jon Wenggi in Lower Waropen District, Waropen Regency, on July 29, 2025. The activists were gathered to discuss the ICJ's decision on the environment and climate change, which was planned to be brought to the Pacific Islands Forum in September 2025.

After being questioned at the police station, they were all released the next day but were reportedly placed under house arrest for up to eight months.

John Wenggi was reportedly beaten while in custody. After his release, he received treatment in the form of an IV drip at his home.

Related event
  • ULMWP Provisional Government Meeting in Waropen