T

he National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) is launching an investigation into the recent violence carried out by Air Force personnel against residents and journalists during a protest in Sari Rejo, Medan, North Sumatra.

At least 10 people were injured in the violence, with some reportedly suffering gunshot wounds.

Not only will the rights body probe the alleged assault by the Air Force personnel, it will also investigate the triggering factor that caused the eruption of violence and the issues surrounding an alleged land dispute that may have started it all.

Komnas HAM member Natalius Pigai said he was concerned by the fact that the clash between the Air Force personnel and the Sari Rejo residents occurred when the nation was celebrating its 71st Independence Day.

He said the incident attracted public attention because the perpetrators were Air Force personnel and the victims were residents and journalists. The victims reported the incident to Komnas HAM.

“Today, the rights body comes here to follow up on a report from Sari Rejo residents about an alleged assault by Air Force personnel with the help of other military men,” Natalius told the press in Medan on Thursday.

Natalius said journalists were also attacked by Air Force personnel.

Hundreds of Air Force personnel were caught on camera engaging in acts of violence against Sari Rejo residents who blocked a road, protesting the Air Force’s plan to build a housing complex on a disputed plot of land.

The Air Force claims it owns the land while the residents say the land belongs to them.
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“Why were journalists, who should be protected while covering news, abused?” said Natalius.

The violence was captured by CCTV cameras belonging to Al-Hasanah Mosque on Jl. Teratai.

In footage screened at the Medan office of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Air Force personnel are seen assaulting a resident and damaging the mosque’s donation box.

Natalius said he would meet with the victims and those involved in the clash to investigate allegations of persecution. Natalius expressed optimism that the results of the investigation would be publicized within a week. “Next week, the results of the investigation will be released,” said Natalius.

Natalius said Komnas HAM would monitor the case until completion. He also said the organization might push for the involvement of the courts so that the perpetrators could be judged for their actions.

“Why were journalists, who should be protected while covering news, abused?”

Sari Rejo community forum head Pahala Napitupulu said dozens of residents were victimized by the brutality of the Air Force members during the clash on Aug. 15. Of the scores of victims, added Pahala, three were still being treated in hospital for gunshot wounds.

“Rajali will undergo surgery because a bullet is still lodged in his groin,” Pahala told The Jakarta Post while accompanying Komnas HAM to meet Sari Rejo residents in the Medan Polonia district on Thursday.

Pahala said residents had agreed to bring the case to court.

A number of journalists, including Andri Syafrin of MNC TV and Array Agus from Tribun Medan, who were also victims of the abuse, formally filed a complaint with the Air Force’s Military Police on Thursday. The complaints were made through lawyers with the Muslim Defender Team and the Medan Legal Aid Institute.

X-rays show Andri suffered broken ribs and Array suffered rib fractures.

“We are awaiting the results of the investigation. We have also prepared a number of pieces of evidence and witnesses regarding the incident. We hope this facilitates the investigation conducted by the Military Police,” said Ershad Lubis from the Muslim Defender Team after accompanying Syafrin’s wife to file a complaint at the Soewondo Airbase in Medan on Thursday.

Soewondo Airbase commander Col. Arifien Syahrir ensured those concerned that the case would be processed until completion. Arifien said the Indonesian Military and the headquarters of the Air Force in Jakarta had formed an investigative team to resolve the case.