Komnas HAM Condemns KKB Action To Shoot Iptu Tomi Marbun Search Team

JAKARTA - The Indonesian National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) condemned the action of the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) who shot the search operation team for Iptu Tomi Samuel Marbun in Bintuni Bay, West Papua, Sunday (27/4).

"Komnas HAM condemns the shooting or attack on the Phase III SAR (search and rescue) operation which is carrying out humanitarian tasks," said Komnas HAM Enforcement Sub-Commission Coordinator Uli Parulian confirmed in Jakarta, Thursday.

Uli explained that the shooting began when the search operation team for Iptu Tomi conducted a search on April 21 May 4, 2025 in Teluk Bintuni Regency and its surroundings. The team consists of the National Police Headquarters, West Papua Police, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BNPD) West Papua, and the SAR Team.

The search was carried out because Komnas HAM received a complaint from the family of Iptu Tomi. According to Uli, the complainant stated that the disclosure of the Iptu Tomi case, which had been missing since December 2024 while pursuing the KKB in the Teluk Bintuni Police jurisdiction, had not been carried out professionally.

"And therefore, (the complainant) requested that a maximum search be carried out," said Uli.

Responding to the complaint, Komnas HAM asked for information from the West Papua Police Chief. Furthermore, the West Papua Police invited Komnas HAM to monitor the search operation again. Meanwhile, Komnas HAM assigned the Head of the Komnas HAM Secretariat in Papua Frits B. Ramandey to attend.

In addition to fulfilling the invitation from the West Papua Police, the presence of Komnas HAM in the operation was also to ensure that the search for Iptu Tomi was carried out professionally, transparently, and maximally for the sake of fair law enforcement, especially the right to justice and legal certainty for the victims' families.

While the search operation was ongoing, there was a shooting allegedly carried out by the KKB against the search team, including Frits Ramandey, around the Rawara River, Moskona District, Teluk Bintuni Regency on Sunday (27/4).

"There were no casualties in the attack," said Uli.

For this incident, Komnas HAM urged the KKB and security forces to respect the values and principles of human rights and provide maximum protection for humanitarian workers in conflict-prone areas in Papua.

In addition, requesting that the stage III SAR operation to search for Iptu Tomi Marbun be carried out professionally and ensure security for all members involved.