Indonesia: Police Brutality Against Papuan Protesters Over Food Estate Project

Indonesia’s Food Security Push: A Growing Conflict with Indigenous Rights

The Indonesian government’s ambitious plan to achieve national food self-sufficiency through large-scale “food estate” projects is increasingly clashing with the rights and livelihoods of Indigenous communities, particularly in Papua. Recent reports from Human Rights Watch detail a disturbing trend: the suppression of peaceful protest and alleged abuses committed by police against Papuan communities opposing the Merauke Integrated Food and Energy Estate project.

The Merauke Project: A National Priority with Local Consequences

Initiated in 2010 and significantly expanded in 2023 under President Joko Widodo, and now accelerated by President Prabowo Subianto, the Merauke project aims to convert nearly three million hectares of forest and swampland into agricultural land for crops like rice and sugarcane. The stated goal is to transform Indonesia into the “granary of the world.” However, this vision comes at a steep cost for the over 40,000 people from the Indigenous Malind, Maklew, Yei, and Khimaima communities who traditionally depend on these lands.

Recent Crackdowns and Allegations of Abuse

On January 25, 2026, police in Merauke City forcibly dispersed a peaceful protest organized by members of the Voice of Catholic People of Papua, who were calling for protection of Indigenous people harmed by the project. Human Rights Watch reports that 11 protesters were arrested, and allege that police used unnecessary force, including choking and beating demonstrators. Detainees claim they were beaten again at the police station and a smartphone was seized, with photos and videos deleted. All protesters were released without charge.

Land Rights and the Erosion of Traditional Lifestyles

The core of the conflict lies in the issue of customary land rights. Indigenous communities allege the project is displacing them, forcibly taking their lands, logging traditional forests, and threatening biodiversity. Norton Kamuyen, a Marind resident, shared with Human Rights Watch that he and his family were forced to flee their village due to a land dispute, fearing intimidation by the military deployed to support the project. The government maintains that no applications for customary forest designation have been made in the project area and that the project complies with national laws.

A National Symbol and the Suppression of Dissent

Merauke holds symbolic importance for Indonesia, representing national unity through the phrase “From Sabang to Merauke.” This symbolism, coupled with a heavy military presence, contributes to an environment where protests by Indigenous Papuans are rare. A Malind tribal leader noted that bulldozers are consistently guarded by soldiers with weapons.

Growing Concerns from International Bodies

The situation has drawn attention from international organizations. In March 2025, nine United Nations special rapporteurs expressed concerns about the potential loss of livelihoods and traditional rights for Indigenous peoples in the area, citing systematic human rights and environmental violations. The Communion of Churches in Indonesia also issued a statement calling for an end to land grabbing and for dialogue with Papuan communities.

The Role of the Military and Future Expansion

President Prabowo Subianto has further accelerated the expansion of the food estate, deploying the Indonesian military not only to plant and harvest crops but also, according to reports, to discourage protests. This increased military presence raises concerns about further human rights abuses and the suppression of dissent.

FAQ

What is a “food estate”? A food estate is a large-scale agricultural project aimed at increasing a country’s food production. In Indonesia, these projects involve converting large areas of land into farmland.

What are the main concerns regarding the Merauke food estate? The primary concerns are the displacement of Indigenous communities, the violation of customary land rights, environmental degradation, and the suppression of peaceful protest.

What is the Indonesian government’s response to these concerns? The government asserts that the project complies with national laws and regulations and that no applications for customary forest designation have been made.

What is being done to address the situation? Human Rights Watch is calling for a prompt and impartial investigation into the alleged abuses and for dialogue with Indigenous communities. International organizations have also raised concerns and called for greater protection of Indigenous rights.

Did you know? The Merauke project is taking place in a region with significant biodiversity, raising concerns about the environmental impact of large-scale deforestation.

Pro Tip: Supporting organizations that advocate for Indigenous rights and sustainable land management can help raise awareness and promote positive change.

Further information on this topic can be found at Human Rights Watch’s Indonesia page.

What are your thoughts on the balance between national food security and Indigenous rights? Share your perspective in the comments below.