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epresentatives from the National Commission on Human Rights in Papua (Komnas HAM Papua) called on Sunday for a thorough investigation into the death of Robert Jitmau, a rights activist who supported the ongoing construction of Pasar Mama Mama Papua, a traditional market for Papuan women. Robert passed away in a car accident.

Robert was hit by a white sedan on Friday morning while talking to his friends near a ring road in Jayapura.

“Representatives from Komnas HAM Papua have coordinated with the Jayapura Police to support the investigation into Robert’s death. If the police fail to probe the case properly, it will raise speculation of something suspicious,” said Komnas HAM Papua secretary Friets Ramandey.

For the past 13 years, Robert campaigned for the special women’s market.

Their struggle came to fruition when President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo kicked off the construction of the market on April 30.

Jokowi officiated the construction of the traditional market to fulfill his promise to female vegetable sellers who have struggled for decent traditional markets in Jayapura.

Having their own traditional market is essential for these women, since they cannot compete with traders from outside Papua and will likely be allocated disadvantaged places if they share the same market with others.

“We really lost a fighter, a young man who gave his life for us, mama mama [women],” said Mama Anto, a seller at Pasar Mama Mama Papua.

Robert’s body has been brought to his hometown in Ayamaru, Sorong, West Papua. Many female sellers came along to accompany him to his final resting place.