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[PRESS RELEASE] Solidarity Statement from Sorong for the Four West Papuan Political Prisoners Forced Transfer to Makassar

  • Writer: Merdeka Secretariat
    Merdeka Secretariat
  • Sep 11
  • 2 min read

Sorong, West Papua — On 21 April 2025, activists from the Federal Republic of West Papua (NFRPB) delivered a peaceful letter to the Governor and Mayor of Sorong, offering a solution for peace in West Papua.


But instead of dialogue, they were met with backlash. Days later, the Governor, Deputy Mayor, and pro-government groups called for police action.


On 28 April, four NFRPB activists — Abraham Goram Gaman, Nikson May, Piter Robaha, and Maxi Sangkek—were arrested and charged with treason. They were taken from Abraham’s home, and their belongings were seized.


Since then, they’ve been held in poor conditions — cramped, smoky cells with little air. After 49 days, their health worsened. Abraham’s lung condition returned, and Maxi began coughing blood. Requests for medical care were ignored.


On 11 August, the case was handed to the court. The trial was moved to Makassar, claiming Sorong was “unsafe” — a false excuse. This decision sparked mass protests in Sorong: marches, speeches, road blockades, and burning tyres.


On 27 August, people tried to stop the transfer. Police and military responded with violence. Maikel Welerubun was shot in the ribs and hand. Yance Manggaprow was arrested and beaten. At least 17 people were detained, including minors.


On 29 August, more arrests followed — including Dedi Goram, son of one of the political prisoners, and three solidarity activists. Protests led by Papuan mothers demanded their release. By 1 September, 24 people were freed — not because of government mercy, but because of people power.


Meanwhile, the four political prisoners were still sent to Makassar even though the situation there is also unsafe.


Our Demands:


  • Cancel the transfer of the four political prisoners. Bring them back to Sorong.


  • Free the four NFRPB activists immediately.


  • Investigate the shooting of Maikel Welerubun.


  • Hold Sorong’s Prosecutor accountable for false claims about safety.


  • Stop harassment of Sayang Mandabayan’s family and all human rights defenders.


  • Create an independent investigation team into the use of firearms on 27 August.


  • Provide trauma support and medical care for victims.


  • Recognize that the release of 24 detainees was due to public pressure, not government goodwill.


  • Stop intimidation of the families of the four political prisoners.


  • Respect West Papua’s right to self-determination as a democratic solution.


We will keep fighting. We call on all West Papuans and allies across Indonesia and the Pacific to stand in solidarity. Democracy must not be buried in Papua by elites hiding behind power.#



Source:

Simon Nauw, Solidarity Network for Democracy in Sorong Raya


 

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