DPR asks the government to form an investigation team after the shooting incident in Puncak Papua killed civilians
Member of Commission I of the DPR TB Hasanuddin highlighted the incident of a shootout in Kemburu, Puncak Regency, Central Papua, which is suspected of killing 12 civilians. He encouraged the formation of an investigation team involving the local government, the central government, and joint elements including law enforcement officers to uncover the actual facts behind the incident.
"There must be a team that really goes down to the field to ensure what is really happening. This is important so that it does not cause unrest in the community, but also does not corner the TNI institution without a clear basis," said TB Hasanuddin to reporters, Monday, April 20.
TB Hasanuddin emphasized that the Government needed to immediately take objective investigative steps accompanied by law enforcement if violations were found. On the other hand, he said the State was also obliged to provide assistance to the victim's family.
"Law enforcement must run, but attention to victims and their families should not be ignored. The state must be present to provide protection and assistance," said the PDIP legislator from the West Java District.
In the context of supervision, TB Hasanuddin stated that the DPR, especially Commission I, has an important role to ensure accountability for operations in the field, including the Habema Task Force.
"The Parliament will carry out its oversight function by requesting information from the TNI Commander and coordinating with related ministries and agencies, such as the Ministry of Law and Human Rights and the National Commission on Human Rights, to ensure that the process is transparent and fair," he explained.
TB Hasanuddin hopes that the handling of this case can be carried out professionally, openly, and fairly. "So that it does not complicate the security situation in Papua and continues to maintain public confidence in state institutions," he concluded.
It was reported that a number of residents were reported dead and injured during a military operation in several villages in the Kembu District, Puncak, Tuesday, April 14. The incident occurred when the TNI was involved in a shootout with the Free Papua Organization (OPM).
Regarding the casualties, the interim report confirmed that there were residents who died. However, the exact number is still in the process of verification because the joint team has not reached the three affected villages in the border area, namely Kembru Village, Nilome, and the Wind Gate area.
In addition, it was also reported that there were four patients undergoing intensive care, consisting of one adult (25 years) and three children (ages 6-7 years). There was also one victim of serious injuries who was referred to Jayapura for specialist treatment.
The incident also resulted in a wave of refugees from Kemburu and Pogoma Districts to relatives' houses in Sinak District. The Puncak Regency Government is currently setting a 14-day emergency response status following the OPM terror.