TNI Commander Promises To Guard Cases Of Langkat Human Cages

Human Cage at Langkat Regent's House/Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) Ahmad Taufan Damanik said TNI Commander General Andika Perkasa promised to directly oversee the alleged involvement of TNI personnel in the human cage case in Langkat Regency. Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Mahfud MD)," Taufan said when contacted in Jakarta, Monday, April 4. He said Komnas HAM welcomed and appreciated Andika's promise, because it was considered serious in dealing with cases that allegedly involved personnel. It is suspected that it involved many parties, including unscrupulous members of the police and the TNI. Komnas HAM has also submitted the report to Andika Perkasa and the Military Police Center (Puspom) of the TNI for follow-up, particularly regarding the alleged involvement of TNI soldiers.

He also assessed that Andika's attitude in responding to the involvement of TNI personnel was quite firm. Not only in human cage cases, TNI personnel are also suspected of being involved in several cases of human rights violations, such as in Papua. "The Panglima policy is correct. Not only in this case, but also (cases of human rights violations) in Papua and other areas. Those who violate the law will be dealt with," he said, quoted by Antara. However, he did not mention in detail the names and ranks of the TNI personnel.