Residents In Mambuk Hamlet, West Kalimantan Hit By Empty Bullets By Brimob Personnel, Walhi Urges Case To Be Completely Examined

Walhi West Kalimantan urges the alleged shooting of a resident of Mambuk Hamlet, Segar Wangi Village, Tumbang Titi District (Via ANTARA)

PONTIANAK - The non-governmental organization Walhi West Kalimantan urges a number of related parties to investigate the alleged shooting of a resident of Mambuk Hamlet, Segar Wangi Village, Tumbang Titi District, Ketapang Regency, last Saturday, May 28 by personnel from the West Kalimantan Police Mobile Brigade.

"We condemn the acts of violence experienced by these residents, also ask related parties such as the National Police Chief and other state institutions, Komnas HAM and the Indonesian Ombudsman to take immediate steps according to their respective authorities to disclose this case," said Head of the West Kalimantan Walhi Research and Campaign Division, Hendrikus Adam in his written statement in Pontianak, Antara, Monday, May 30.

According to him, however, the violence that led to the shooting of civilians by Brimob personnel, who are state apparatus, was undesirable and not justified. The police should be able to serve, protect and protect according to the Regulation of the National Police Chief (Perkap) 22 of 2010. Meanwhile, Brimob is an element of implementing the main tasks at the Polda level which is under the Kapolda.

"The security approach taken by the company is clearly a threat and has the potential to take away the right to life and the right to feel safe for citizens, rights that should be a human obligation of the state through the apparatus to fulfill it," said the environmental activist.

According to the West Kalimantan Walhi, security measures for the oil palm plantations of PT Arthu Plantation, a subsidiary of the PT Eagle High Plantation group, by Brimob personnel should not be taken. Based on Kapolri Regulation 24 of 2007 concerning Management of security systems for organizations, companies and/or government agencies/institutions, it is clear that there is already a security unit (Satpam).

If the security for the company's oil palm plantations is actually carried out by Brimob personnel, then this is not in line with the regulation of the National Police Chief.

"We ask that the West Kalimantan Police can provide clarification openly to the public regarding the security measures for oil palm companies by Brimob personnel and are responsible for ensuring the safety of the residents of Segar Wangi Village, Ketapang Regency who are victims of the violence," he said.

He added, if you look closely, the incident is only a visible part of the agrarian dispute that occurred around the company's operations in relation to the rights of local residents.

Previously, the Head of Public Relations of the West Kalimantan Police, Kombes Jansen A Panjaitan said that people who were hit by blank bullets by members of the BKO Brimob of the West Kalimantan Police only experienced rashes on their skin.

"Until now, the situation is under control, and residents on behalf of Ji'i who were hit by blank bullets have also gradually recovered," he said.

He explained that the surrounding community also supports the firm and measurable law enforcement steps from the Police. Law enforcement by Brimob members, because residents suspected of stealing palm oil tried to seize the Brimob members' weapons.

"There was even one member of the BKO Brimob Polda West Kalimantan who was hit on the left side of the head on behalf of Brigadier Sandy Biantoro for further post-mortem," he said.

Previously, there was a dispute between residents and members of the BKO Brimob Polda Kalbar, last Saturday in the oil palm plantation area owned by PT Arrtu Estet Kemuning, Kemuning Village, Ketapang Regency.

In that incident, members of the West Kalimantan Police Mobile Brigade also arrested Suharjo, who is the DPO of the Ketapang Police Number 23/IV.RES.1.8/2022/RESKRIM-IV with Police Report Number LP/B/162/IV/2021/SPKT dated April 19, 2021 for the alleged action of the plantation law article 107 in conjunction with the theft article.