Minister Of Human Rights Requests Permit To Use Firearms To Be Completely Evaluated

Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai/DOK BETWEEN

JAKARTA - Human Rights Minister (HAM) Natalius Pigai requested that permits for the use of weapons, both by the authorities and civil society, be fully evaluated so that there is no more abuse of weapons that harms the innocent.

Pigai made this statement in response to a series of recent shooting incidents, such as the shooting at the Tangerang-Merak Toll Rest Area which was allegedly carried out by members of the TNI and the shooting of a lawyer in Bone, South Sulawesi.

"This means that there has been abuse of weapons, both by the apparatus and civil society, which must be of concern, both by the leadership of the TNI, Polri, and also the Indonesian Shooting Association. This must be evaluated completely because it clearly violates the procedures and designations for the use of weapons," Pigai said as quoted by ANTARA, Friday, January 3.

He explained that the use of weapons by officers and civil society was bound by strict provisions and rules. According to him, the legal aspects and procedures for using weapons should not be violated.

"It's not just the tightening that is needed, but the total evaluation. Unresponsible use of weapons is clearly a threat to human rights and also a threat to social stability," added Pigai.

Recent shooting events have not only caused fear for the public, but also threaten the right to life as regulated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (DUHAM) and the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

Article 3 of DUHAM, continued Pigai, has regulated that everyone has the right to personal life, freedom and safety. Therefore, the misuse of weapons that threatens the safety of individuals is clearly against human rights.

One of the important aspects of human rights is freedom from fear. In cases like this, it clearly spreads fear and of course threats to life, while the state has an obligation to protect its citizens," he also said.

Regarding the shooting on the Tangerang-Merak Toll Road which was allegedly carried out by the TNI apparatus, Pigai hoped that the incident would be thoroughly investigated.

"The apparatus must be professional in investigating this case for the sake of justice for the victims," said the Minister of Human Rights.