Human Rights Minister: Shootout in Central Papua, 15 Civilians Killed
Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai stated that 15 civilians were killed as a result of a firefight between security personnel and the West Papua National Liberation Army (TNPPB) in Kembru Village, Sinak District, Puncak Regency, Central Papua, on Tuesday (14/4).
“A total of 15 people died in the attack in Kembru,” said Pigai during a press conference at the Ministry of Human Rights office in Kuningan, Central Jakarta, on Monday (20/4).
Pigai said the data on the number of civilian deaths was compiled from various sources, including local government, residents, and injured victims from the shootout.
In addition to the fatalities, the Ministry of Human Rights also recorded seven people who sustained injuries from the firefight.
Pigai continued that this incident has attracted the attention of the Ministry of Human Rights because it claimed civilian lives.
Therefore, the Ministry of Human Rights is endeavouring to push for the case to be uncovered so that the public can know who the shooters are and what the motive was.
One of the efforts undertaken by Pigai and the Ministry of Human Rights is to take over the handling of this case. This step is being taken by Pigai to allow the government to investigate the case transparently and fairly.
Thus, the results of the investigation conducted by the Ministry of Human Rights can be revealed to the public.
“It is better for the Ministry of Human Rights to take the lead in checking the facts and information, which is far better,” explained Pigai.
According to Pigai, local residents should already know who the perpetrators are, as the incident occurred between morning and afternoon.
Therefore, Pigai urged the parties who feel they are the perpetrators to confess and undergo legal processes for the sake of justice in Papua.
“The incident happened in the afternoon; the perpetrators already know. That cannot be disputed. The perpetrators are known by the people; those who are victims know, and those in the local community also know. So now, please, do not hide it; it must be opened,” said Pigai.