Sorong, Jubi – Indigenous rights activist in Southwest Papua, Ferry Onim, has called on certain officials in South Sorong Regency (Sorsel) to stop intimidating environmental activists in the region.

Onim’s statement follows reports of intimidation allegedly carried out by individuals believed to be government officials and police officers against environmental activists in South Sorong.

The alleged intimidation is believed to be linked to an environmental action held during the commemoration of World Environment Day on June 5, 2026.
During the event, environmental activists transported garbage to the South Sorong Regent’s Office as a form of protest highlighting waste management and environmental issues in the regency.

According to the activists, several hours after the demonstration ended, they befan receiving threats and other forms of intimidation.

One activist, identified by the initials OS, said they received a phone call from an individual believed to be a member of the security forces. OS recorded the conversation as evidence.

Later that evening, two other activists, identified as YK and NS, reported receiving phone calls and WhatsApp messages from a person believed to be an official within the South Sorong Regency Government.

The official reportedly questioned why the activists had brought garbage to the regent’s office and suggested that the action may have been driven by a particular agenda.

According to the activists, one message read: “Those youths who brought the garbage earlier, I have already discussed this with the police. What was their purpose in bringing the garbage to the regent’s office? What mission are they pursuing?”

Another activist, identified as ME, alleged that they were confronted and pressured by a government contract employee (P3K), identified by the initial M.

ME claimed that the individual pushed them, causing them to fall. As a result, the activist’s right leg struck a table and suffered bruising.

The activists believe that the series of phone calls, text messages, psychological pressure, and alleged physical violence constitute intimidation aimed at suppressing freedom of expression and environmental advocacy efforts.

Onim emphasized that the criticism expressed by environmental activists was not intended to undermine the government, but rather reflected public concern and a shared responsibility to protect the environment.

“We ask [certain officials within] the South Sorong Regency Government to stop intimidating environmental advocates. The government should be proud that there are still members of the community who care enough to continuously raise concerns about environmental issues,” Onim told Jubi in Sorong on June 10, 2026.

According to Onim, the government, communities, youth organizations, schools, civic groups, and environmental activists all share responsibility for finding solutions and taking concrete action to maintain environmental cleanliness.

For that reason, he argued, the government should create space for dialogue and cooperation with all stakeholders, rather than silencing or suspecting those who are concerned about environmental protection.

He noted that environmental activists had previously submitted recommendations and sent letters to relevant institutions regarding waste management problems in the area, but no follow-up action had been taken by the responsible agencies.

“Why is it that action is only taken after public criticism emerges, while previous reports and recommendations appear to have been ignored?” he said.

Onim added that World Environment Day should serve as a moment for evaluating government performance in addressing environmental challenges.

He stressed that law enforcement agencies and local governments should protect citizens who advocate for the public interest, rather than creating fear among those who voice criticism.

“These are citizens exercising their constitutional right to express opinions for the benefit of the broader community and the protection of the environment,” he said.

“There must be no attempt to silence the voices of the people simply because they are raising concerns about environmental problems in South Sorong. The government should not be intolerant of criticism,” he added. (*)