Komnas HAM Demands Independent Investigation of the Case of Pregnant Woman Who Died from a Shot in Intan Jaya
JAKARTA - The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) encourages an investigation into the case of the death of a pregnant mother, MD, who was shot while in her house in Sugapa, Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua.
Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission Anis Hidayah said law enforcement officers must go directly to the Sugapa District to conduct forensic examinations of the location and interview witnesses for the sake of justice for the victims and their families.
"Based on this incident, Komnas HAM expressed its position and recommended the following, urging an independent, transparent, and impartial investigation, not solely relying on the unilateral claims of one of the parties involved in the contact," said Anis, quoted by Antara, Monday, July 6.
He explained that based on the results of his monitoring, the incident occurred on Thursday (2/7) evening during a shootout between security forces and armed groups in the Sugapa District. MD and the baby he was carrying died from bullets.
Komnas HAM condemned the tragedy. Anis emphasized that the right to life is the most fundamental right and cannot be reduced, even in emergency situations or even armed conflicts.
"The death of civilians as a result of security operations or contact with weapons is a violation of this right which must be investigated," he said.
The death of MD, he added, is a reminder that behind the statistics of victims of the Papua conflict, there are people, families, and communities who are lost. Independent and accountable investigations will undoubtedly be taken so that similar tragedies do not repeat themselves.
"Without a transparent legal process that leads to clear accountability, this situation risks perpetuating a pattern of impunity that ultimately undermines public trust in state institutions and the conflict resolution process itself," he said.
In addition to the investigation, Komnas HAM encourages the state to facilitate recovery for the victims' families, including psychosocial support and advocacy for the right to compensation in accordance with the applicable legal framework.
Komnas also requested access to carry out an unhindered investigation to the scene, the victim and his family, as well as related documents.
On the other hand, Komnas HAM urges an immediate cessation of armed contact in residential areas, both by security forces and armed groups, and encourages a thorough evaluation of the security approach in Papua.
"Encourage and facilitate a space for dialogue between the central government, local government, customary leaders, religious leaders, and representatives of Papuan civil society as part of a long-term conflict resolution," added Anis.