Asks For A Transparent Tangerang Prison Fire Investigation, Komnas HAM: If There Is Negligence, Someone Must Be Held Accountable

Illustration-Komnas HAM Office (Komnasham.go.id)

JAKARTA - The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) has asked for a transparent investigation of the fire at the Class I prison in Tangerang, Banten. Moreover, as a result of the incident, 41 inmates died while locked in their cells.

"Komnas HAM asks for a transparent disclosure of the incident. If there is an element of negligence, let alone intentional, then there must be a party who is asked to be responsible for the incident," Komnas HAM Commissioner Hairansyah told reporters in a written statement, Wednesday, September 8.

Komnas HAM also expressed its condolences and concerns over the incident which not only claimed lives but also left 8 people seriously injured.

Hairansyah said related parties must take action to ensure the deceased can be identified and provide attention to the bereaved family. Meanwhile, for victims of serious and minor injuries, it must be ensured that they get healing as well as safety.

"In addition, we also ask for a thorough evaluation of the condition of prisons that tend to be over-capacity, especially regarding emergency SOPs in prisons so that the same incident does not happen again," he said.

"The National Human Rights Commission of the Republic of Indonesia, based on the authority it has, will take steps to monitor this incident," added Hairansyah.

As previously reported, a fire occurred at the Class I prison in Tangerang, Banten, on Wednesday, September 8 in the morning. Initially, the incident occurred due to an electrical short circuit and the fire raged for approximately two hours.

This fire resulted in the death of 41 inmates, of which two were foreigners from South Africa and Portugal. Meanwhile, the injured victims have now been taken to the Tangerang Regional Hospital to undergo treatment and receive treatment.