Conflicting accounts of Maybrat residents' wounds prompt Komnas HAM to call for scientific investigation
The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) is urging the Southwest Papua Regional Police to conduct a scientific crime investigation to uncover the alleged shooting of three civilians in Maybrat Regency.
Komnas HAM Chairperson Anis Hidayah said in Jakarta on Thursday that the incident was reported to have occurred in Ainod Village, Aifat Timur Tengah District, on Thursday (13/8) at around 6:00 p.m. local time.
According to her, the investigation process needs to employ a scientific crime investigation approach to determine the cause of the injuries, the type of weapon or tool used, the motive, and the parties responsible.
“This incident is a criminal act that must be thoroughly investigated by law enforcement. The Southwest Papua Regional Police Chief is responsible for conducting the investigation and inquiry professionally, objectively, and transparently, using a scientific approach and investigation to determine the cause of the injuries, the type of weapon or tool used, the motive, as well as the field perpetrators and intellectual actors,” Anis said.
Komnas HAM identified the three victims as Anike Fatie, Selviana Sory, and Silvester Assem. All three were reported to have sustained injuries to various parts of their bodies while carrying out activities around a hut or garden.
Komnas HAM considers a scientific investigation necessary because there are conflicting accounts regarding the cause of the three residents’ injuries.
According to Komnas HAM, the XVIII/Kasuari Regional Military Command spokesperson and joint security personnel previously stated that the case was still under investigation, while initial examination results indicated that the victims’ injuries were caused by a sharp object or weapon, not live ammunition.
Komnas HAM believes these conflicting pieces of information need to be clarified through scientific examination and verification.
The institution also stressed that legal proceedings must apply to anyone proven to have committed a criminal act, whether armed civilian groups or security personnel.
In addition to the investigation, Komnas HAM has asked the government and stakeholders in Southwest Papua to carry out mitigation measures to prevent an escalation of the conflict.
The central government, the Southwest Papua Provincial Government, the Maybrat Regency Government, as well as community, customary, and religious leaders are urged to provide logistical assistance and support for residents of Ainod Village and surrounding areas who are affected by fear, in order to prevent local displacement.
Komnas HAM also requested that the three victims receive optimal medical treatment until they recover, including ensuring that the post-mortem examination report and medical analysis of the injuries are openly communicated to the families.
The victims and their families are also considered to need psychosocial and psychological rehabilitation, as well as support for trauma recovery.
Komnas HAM stated that it will continue to monitor and investigate to fully uncover the facts while also examining allegations of human rights violations in the incident.
The institution asked the Maybrat Police, the Indonesian National Armed Forces, the regional government, hospitals, the victims, their families, witnesses, and the public to provide open and cooperative access to statements, documents, and information.
Komnas HAM emphasised that the state must ensure the safety of civilians in conflict-prone areas by prioritising a humane, proportional, and human rights-based approach to human security.