On December 19, 2025, Indonesian police used tear gas against Papuan students demonstrating peacefully to commemorate the Tri Komando Rakyat (TRIKORA) military operation.

Students gathered near a campus dormitory before marching toward the Mandala Monument of West Irian Liberation. During the demonstration, students voiced several demands, including for Papuan independence. Within half an hour, an group of counter-protestors disrupted the protest, and attempted to seize banners and confiscate items. A physical altercation ensued between protesters and the counter-protest group, forcing the students to retreat.

Later that afternoon, students resumed their demonstration outside the dormitory. Tensions escalated again when the same counter-protest group threw stones at the students. Police subsequently fired tear gas to disperse the crowd. Several protesters reportedly suffered respiratory distress, and at least two sustained head lacerations.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the use of force during a student protest. Students and members of the public must refrain from violence, especially on campus, and also respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. In addition, while state authorities have the responsibility to maintain order and prevent disruption, they must refrain from the disproportionate use of force and endangerment of civilians and must respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Such actions, beyond harming the immediate victims, have a chilling effect on academic freedom.

Sources:
*SAR identified this incident in data made publicly available by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED)
https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/police-fail-to-protect-papuan-students-during-trikora-commemoration-in-makassar-city-south-sulawesi/
https://acleddata.com/update/asia-pacific-overview-january-2026