On 13 September 2023, Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) officers arbitrarily arrested Mr Yulex Sobolim, Mr Erik Sobolim, Mr Denias Sobolim, Mr Tony Mohy, Mr Yeros Sobolim, and Mr Kary Sobolim in the town of Dekai, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province. According to information received, the six youths were arrested at 4:00 p.m. while walking to the river to take a swim. The officers brought them to the Yahukimo District Police headquarters (Polres Yahukimo), where the six youths were interrogated. According to the arrestees, the police officers forced them to unlock their mobile phones to check their photos and communications. Those who refused to unlock their phones were beaten. The police officers asked questions such as their clan affiliation and village of origin.

All were allowed to leave the Polres Yahukimo at 6:20 p.m. after local church representatives came to the office and insisted that the suspects must be released if the officers could not find incriminating evidence.