Eight Health Workers Victims Of The Papuan KKB Malignancy Led By Taplo Lamek Receive LPSK Protection

Illustration (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Eight health workers (nakes) victims of an attack by an armed criminal group (KKB) led by Lamek Taplo, on September 13, 2021 in Kiwirok District, Bintang Mountains, Papua received protection from the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK).

Deputy Chairperson of LPSK Susilaningtias said that LPSK had monitored the incident from the start. They also sent teams to meet witnesses and victims.

"We also carried out initial coordination with a number of parties, including the Papuan Police, the Papuan Representative Commission for Human Rights, LBH Papua, and other parties to identify the need for protection of witnesses and victims," she said as quoted by Antara, Wednesday, October 27.

As a result of the attack, one health worker died and one member of the National Police and one member of the TNI who were members of the Namengkawi Task Force died.

In addition, several buildings were also burned down. These include the Kiwirok Health Center, Doctor's Housing, health workers' barracks, markets, the Bank Papua cash office, schools, and housing for residents.

The LPSK team, continued Susi, had gone directly to Kiwirok to prepare effective and precise steps so that witnesses and victims protected by LPSK could provide information in a safe and comfortable manner.

"In addition to witnesses and victims of health workers, LPSK is ready to provide protection to anyone who dares to convey important information to uncover this case," he said.

Susi, Susilaningtias' nickname, also said that witnesses and victims are not only entitled to security protection, but also medical assistance and psychological and psychosocial rehabilitation.

For this reason, LPSK cannot work alone. They cooperate with a number of parties, such as hospitals, other health facilities, or psychologists.

Especially for the fulfillment of psychosocial rehabilitation rights in this case, Susi added, LPSK will cooperate with ministries/agencies, local governments, professional organizations, and other related parties. This cooperation is important because the duties of witnesses and victims who work as health workers are at high risk when working in conflict areas.

"LPSK has a special concern about this because it is unavoidable if in the future they can be placed back in conflict areas. All relevant parties need to think about the possibilities and risks of this in the future," she explained.

On the other hand, it also has an impact on public services in conflict areas. "What will happen if there are no health workers? How will the rights of public health be fulfilled?" said Susi.

Susi recommends that the parties to the conflict obey the signs and are committed to ensuring and respecting the professions that should not be sacrificed or become victims of the conflict.

"Once again, in accordance with the mandate of Law Number 31 of 2014, LPSK is always ready to be the leading sector (sector leader) in fulfilling the rights of victim witnesses in this incident," she said.