The Violent Response Of Indonesian Air Force Personnel To Youth With Disabilities In Papua, Mahfud MD: Violators Will Be Punished!

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Mahfud MD. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Mahfud MD emphasized that law enforcement officers must prioritize a humanist approach and promote persuasive dialogue and restorative justice.

This was conveyed in response to the acts of violence committed by two members of the Indonesian Air Force against civilians with disabilities in Merauke, Papua.

"The point is that the approach (law enforcement officers, ed) must be humanist, persuasive, dialogical, and restorative justice," Mahfud said in his statement to reporters, Wednesday, July 28.

According to him, officers who violate will certainly get strict action without exception. This has also been done by the Indonesian Air Force against its two subordinates who carried out violence until they stepped on the heads of civilians.

"Those who violate this approach will be dealt with," he said.

Similarly, Head of the Presidential Staff Office Moeldoko also reminded law enforcement officers to have a human rights perspective when carrying out their duties. Moreover, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has given directions on this matter.

"In accordance with the direction of the President, KSP hopes that all levels of society, especially law enforcement officers, have a human rights perspective, emphasizing a humanist and dialogical approach, especially for persons with disabilities," said Moeldoko in his written statement.

He also said that the apparatus should take action against persons with disabilities in accordance with existing regulations, namely Law Number 39 of 1999 concerning Human Rights, Law Number 8 of 2016 concerning Persons with Disabilities and Government Regulation Number 39 of 2020 concerning Adequate Accommodation for Persons with Disabilities in the Judicial Process.

As previously reported, a video circulated on social media showing the actions of two members of the Indonesian Air Force (TNI) stepping on the head and pressing the body of a man. The incident is said to have occurred in the Merauke region, Papua.

Head of the Indonesian Air Force Information Service (Kadispenau) Marsma Indan Gilang Buldansyah said the disgraceful action of the two members was initiated by an argument between a speechless man and a stall owner. The man was suspected of causing a riot due to drunkenness.

For this incident, the Indonesian Air Force deeply regrets it and apologizes to all parties. Currently, the two Indonesian Air Force personnel have been detained.