Komnas HAM Follows Up Cases Of Alleged Police Violence In Banyuwangi

Commissioner of Komnas HAM Beka Repeat Hapsara/PHOTO VIA ANTARA

JAKARTA - The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) will follow up on alleged cases of violence committed by members of the Banyuwangi Police against residents of Pakel Village.

"The Indonesian National Human Rights Commission has communicated and coordinated with the police and will follow up by sending a team to the field," said Komnas HAM Commissioner Beka Repeat Hapsara, quoted by Antara, Wednesday, January 19.

Representatives from Pakel Village residents came to Komnas HAM accompanied by the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (WALHI) in East Java and the Legal Aid Institute (LBH) in Surabaya for the alleged violence they experienced.

In addition to complaining about the violence by the authorities, residents also complained about land conflicts regarding the Right to Cultivate (HGU) plantations in the area.

Komnas HAM RI, he said, had asked the police to work more humanely, persuasively and protect the rights of citizens who are fighting for their rights.

"The police or security forces are asked not to use violence or other forms of action that are not in accordance with human rights principles," he said.

Komnas HAM has issued a number of recommendations so that cases of violence against civilians by security forces do not occur again.

First, ensure that there is no more violence and take effective steps to prevent it. Second, Komnas HAM recommends that there be improvements in the monitoring system, especially in the detective, criminal and prisoner care units.

This step can be realized by implementing or using surveillance cameras or CCTV, including repairing cell facilities in state detention centers (rutan).

Furthermore, Komnas HAM also recommends ensuring the enforcement of legal sanctions to criminal sanctions against members of the National Police who are proven to have violated their duties.