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Jakarta Post

Papuan civilian dead after reported clash with soldiers

A fight involving Indonesian Military (TNI) forces allegedly killed a civilian, according to reports

Nethy Dharma Somba (The Jakarta Post)
Jayapura
Wed, May 18, 2011

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Papuan civilian dead after reported clash with soldiers

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fight involving Indonesian Military (TNI) forces allegedly killed a civilian, according to reports.

The victim was identified as Derek Adii, 26, from Manokwari regency, West Papua.

In a news release, the Papuan KINGMI church synod for justice and peace said the incident erupted as a passenger ferry was about to leave the Samubase Port in Nabire.

Derek was among the passengers squeezing on to the packed ferry.

He allegedly saw soldiers whom he thought were blocking the way and warned them to step aside. Some children had reportedly even fallen and been trampled by other passengers.

“But the soldiers scolded him and said they were the ones to bring order to the passengers and not the other way round,” said the release signed by coordinator Yones Douw.

Reportedly because they were offended, the soldiers, who were part of the Nabire Military Command, allegedly assaulted him. “One of the soldiers, Chief Sergeant Hans Aru, drew his bayonet and stabbed Derek in the eye and he died. His body was later thrown overboard,” said Yones.

Residents held up the ferry before letting it go after Derek’s body was found 8:15 a.m. the next day.

When asked for confirmation, Nabire Military commander Lt. Col. Tatang Suyatna denied the reports. “It’s slander,” Tatang said.

He explained that the soldiers were securing the ferry while the KM Labobar was docking at the Samabusa Port when the incident took place. He added that the victim was fighting with other passengers who had accused him of stealing.

The victim turned on the soldiers as they separated the fight and fell to the sea by accident.

“He could have been injured when he was falling overboard. It’s untrue that my men were involved in murder. It’s slander and we also have witnesses at the port,” he said.

However, Tatang said the rumor that the man was killed by soldiers quickly spread and a crowd set Hans Aru’s parents’ house on fire.

Derek’s body would be airlifted to Manokwari while Hans, if guilty, would face customary sanctions.

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