Churches In Indonesia Encourage Government To Resolve Cases Of Violence In Papua

Illustration of armed criminal groups in Papua (ANTARA)

The Indonesian Churches Association (PGI) has asked the government to thoroughly investigate cases of violence allegedly committed by TNI personnel against Papuans.

"Encouraging a thorough investigation to reveal human rights violations that have occurred, uphold accountability, prevent impunity and provide justice to victims," said PGI Papua Bureau Head Ronald Richard as quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, March 26.

According to Ronald, this act of violence must be investigated because it can threaten the security of Papuans. This also has the potential to cause prolonged conflict.

Therefore, he hopes that the government through law enforcement can investigate the case immediately transparent and independent.

Not to forget, PGI also condolences to Papuans who were victims of violence by these individuals. "PGI expresses its condolences and encourages equimenical partners to help recover trauma from victims, victims' families and affected communications in Papua," said Ronald.

Previously, the TNI said it had investigated the contents of the video containing footage of the abuse of a man suspected of being carried out by TNI soldiers in Papua.

The show, which has gone viral on social media in the past 24 hours, shows the actions of a number of men, one of whom is suspected to be soldiers, taking turns beating and molesting a man who is tied up and injured standing in a drum.

In the broadcast, one of the perpetrators is suspected of being a TNI soldier because he was wearing a T-shirt that might refer to the unit name, namely the Raider 300/Brajawijaya Infantry Battalion (Yonif). The writing "300" in golden yellow is clearly printed on the chest of a green TNI Army.

Meanwhile, the Army Chief of Staff represented by the Head of the Indonesian Army Information Service Brigadier General Kristomei Sianturi apologized for the violence in Papua some time ago, whose video footage was spread on social media.

In a press conference at Denma TNI Headquarters, Jakarta, Monday, Kristomei said the actions taken by soldiers from the 300/Bjw Infantry Battalion would be used as evaluation and internal introspection within the Indonesian Army.

Army Chief of Staff General Maruli Simanjuntak has ordered the ranks of the Indonesian Army Military Police to investigate the soldiers.

"The Army Military Police, assisted by Pomdam III/Siliwangi, will conduct an investigation into the connection between the elements of TNI soldiers who were directly involved in this act of violence," said Kristomei.