CheckPapuaNow.com – In response to recent reports of violence allegedly perpetrated by certain members of the Indonesian military (TNI) in Papua, Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Hadi Tjahjanto, has taken swift action.
Speaking from the Ministry’s headquarters in Jakarta on Monday, Tjahjanto stated that upon receiving reports of abuse in the Puncak region, specifically in Ilaga, he immediately summoned TNI Commander, General TNI Agus Subiyanto, to address the matter.
“After learning about the reports of abuse in the Puncak area, Ilaga, I took action and summoned the TNI Commander,” said Hadi Tjahjanto.
According to Tjahjanto, General TNI Agus Subiyanto promptly instructed his subordinates to investigate the alleged acts of violence in Papua.
“The TNI Commander immediately initiated an investigation, deploying teams to the field. He then visited Battalion 300 (Infantry Battalion Raider 300/Brajawijaya) and took action in collaboration with the Army Chief of Staff,” he added. Tjahjanto emphasized that the government is proactive in addressing humanitarian issues and is advocating for legal action to be taken regarding the violent incidents.
“Furthermore, if proven, immediate legal action will be taken against the individuals responsible for such actions, as depicted in the circulating images,” he stated.
However, Tjahjanto urged the public to await the results of the investigation conducted by the TNI Commander and the Army Chief of Staff.
Earlier, the TNI announced an investigation into a video depicting the alleged abuse of a man, purportedly carried out by TNI personnel in Papua.
The footage, which went viral on social media within the last 24 hours, shows several individuals, one of whom is suspected to be a soldier, taking turns beating and assaulting a man who appears to be bound and injured, standing inside a drum. One of the perpetrators is believed to be a TNI soldier based on the attire worn, specifically a shirt bearing the insignia of Infantry Battalion (Yonif) Raider 300/Brajawijaya. The golden-yellow “300” inscription on the green TNI Army shirt is clearly visible.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army, represented by the Head of the Army Public Relations Office, Brigadier General Kristomei Sianturi, issued an apology for the recent acts of violence in Papua, the video of which circulated on social media platforms.
During a press conference at the TNI Headquarters in Jakarta on Monday, Kristomei expressed regret over the incident involving certain members of Infantry Battalion 300/Bjw and assured that it would prompt internal evaluation and reflection within the Army.
Chief of Staff, General TNI Maruli Simanjuntak, has instructed the Military Police of the Indonesian Army to conduct a thorough investigation into the individuals involved in the violent incident.
“The Army Military Police, with the assistance of Pomdam III/Siliwangi, will investigate the involvement of the soldiers directly implicated in these acts of violence,” said Kristomei.
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Source: Antara.
