Contradictory Findings Of Komnas HAM And Coordinating Minister For Political, Legal And Security Affairs Regarding Violence In Wadas Village

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD/Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) said that there had been violence in Wadas Village, Purworejo, Central Java on Tuesday, February 8 or when officers from the National Land Agency (BPN) arrived accompanied by Polri personnel.

This statement is different from what was conveyed by the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Mahfud MD several times. At a press conference, he declared there was no violence and said the videos of violence that were spread were aimed at creating a certain point of view.

Komnas HAM commissioner Beka Ulung Hapsara said his party had dispatched a team to Wadas Village to conduct an investigation. Furthermore, there are four points of initial findings that were produced after digging up information from residents and one of them, the existence of violence.

"The initial findings of the Indonesian National Human Rights Commission are as follows: first, they found the fact that there was violence by the police in securing land measurements for residents who had agreed," Beka said as quoted from his written statement, Sunday, February 13.

As a result of this incident, Beka said, there were still many residents who returned to their respective homes because they were afraid. "Many adults and children are traumatized," he said.

Not only that, Komnas HAM found a rift relationship between residents who agreed and rejected the mining of andesite rocks. The natural rock mining was carried out to support the construction of the Bener Reservoir which became a National Strategic Project (SPN).

In contrast to the statement of Mahfud MD

The day after the riots in Wadas Village became a lively discussion or on Wednesday, February 9, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD held a coordination meeting with a number of parties such as the National Police Headquarters, TNI Headquarters, related ministries/institutions and Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo.

After the meeting, Mahfud said the atmosphere in Wadas Village was conducive. The riots recorded in various videos on social media are not in accordance with the conditions on the ground.

"All the information and news that depicts a tense atmosphere as if there was a tense atmosphere on last Monday, did not happen at all, it did not happen as described. Especially on social media," Mahfud said in a press conference broadcast on the YouTube of the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia.

Not only claiming that the atmosphere is conducive and peaceful, Mahfud also challenges anyone who doesn't believe in the government's statement to come there directly.

"Wadas is calm and peaceful, especially now. Those who don't believe can go there. Anyone. It's an open place," said the former Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court (MK).

Meanwhile, regarding the arrest of a number of residents of Wadas Village, they have now been released after being detained at the Purworejo Police Headquarters, Central Java. They, continued Mahfud, have returned to their respective homes and have not experienced any violence by law enforcement officers.

"Everyone has returned to their respective homes and there were absolutely no victims or blasphemy or torture," he said.

On that occasion, Mahfud said friction did occur. However, this is only the aftermath of the residents agreeing and contra about the construction of the Bener Reservoir.

Meanwhile, the presence of police in Wadas Village, said Mahfud, aims to provide security so that there is no friction between residents. "Police are only taking security measures in the friction between residents," he said.

Furthermore, the government ensures that the land measurement in Wadas Village for the construction of the Bener Reservoir which is included in the National Strategic Project will continue. Because, this reservoir was built to meet the interests of the people, especially residents of Central Java and its surroundings

However, the process will later be accompanied by measurable safeguards and a persuasive approach and promote dialogue. In addition, the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) is also confirmed to participate in overseeing the measurement activities because there was intimidation between pro and contra groups.

Meanwhile, the dialogue approach will be carried out by the Governor of Central Java, Ganjar Pranowo.

"The governor of Central Java will hold a dialogue with the residents of Wadas village who still refuse," said Mahfud.

Before closing his statement, Mahfud asked the public not to be provoked by news related to Wadas Village. "Because nowadays there are so many social media that it seems as if someone has been transported from their house. We have checked everything, nothing," he said.

"For those who like to frame videos like the drama, I think they should realize that the National Police, BIN, and BAIS have the tools to know that these are all artificial framing," concluded Mahfud.