Komnas HAM Checks The Condition Of The Makassar DPRD Building Which Was Burned By The Mass

The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) team accompanied by the Makassar City Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) reviewed the current condition of the Makassar City DPRD building which was burned by the masses when the demonstration led to riots on Friday (29/8).

"The BPBD's rapid response is extraordinary, this shows a commitment to protecting public safety in an emergency situation," said Komnas HAM Commissioner for Studies and Research Uli Parulian Sihombing as reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, September 3.

During the visit, Uli Parulian was accompanied by other ranks of Komnas HAM, Nisa Arrealinar, as a mediation administrator for the human rights dispute of young experts, Adrianus Abiyoga as a young expert counselor, and Bernadeth A. Oktaviana as the Secretary of Komnas HAM.

The Komnas HAM team took pictures and interviewed the Makassar City BPBD Rapid Response Team (TRC) regarding the quick handling at the time of the incident or after the burning of the DPRD building.

The Makassar City BPBD Rapid Response Team told of their efforts, which were swiftly, quickly, and full of courage to evacuate victims in the midst of dangerous conditions, even though the fire was still burning until it was gradually extinguished.

In addition, the process of evacuating victims trapped in the four-story Makassar DPRD building was also conveyed in detail by the BPBD team. The incident became a dark history in Makassar City.

For this quick handling, the Komnas HAM team also expressed high appreciation for the quick and professional response of the Makassar City BPBD in carrying out humanitarian tasks.

Acting Head of Makassar City BPBD Fadli Tahar said the success of emergency handling could not be separated from the spirit of the team and support from various parties.

"This appreciation is a motivation for us to continue to improve preparedness and the best service for the community," he said.

The review is to strengthen the synergy between humanitarian institutions and disaster management, as well as an important momentum in efforts to recover social relations after the fire incident at the Makassar City DPRD building.

Previously, demonstrations led to riots that occurred on Friday (29/8) night until Saturday (30/8) in the morning, causing the Makassar City DPRD building and the South Sulawesi Provincial DPRD as well as two police posts to be burned by the masses. In addition, a number of public facilities were also damaged and looted by the masses.

A number of people became victims, four of whom died, namely three victims who were killed in a fire at the Makassar DPRD building, Jalan Andi Pangeran Pettarani, and one other person, an online motorcycle taxi driver, was attacked by a mob on Jalan Urip Sumoharjo because he was accused of intelligence.

The rest of the other victims suffered serious injuries and are being treated at the hospital.

From the Makassar City BPBD data, the estimated loss for the burning of the Makassar City DPRD building reached Rp253.4 billion. In addition, 67 units of cars and 15 motorbikes were recorded as well as important documents and the building was burned down.