T

he National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) released its investigation on Monday into a
recent clash between the Indonesian Air Force and residents and journalists in Sari Rejo, Medan, North Sumatra, confirming that many violations were committed by personnel serving at the local airport.

Komnas HAM member Natalius Pigai said the members of the Air Force had breached Law No. 34/2004 on Indonesia’s Defense Force (TNI) and Law No. 2/2002 on the National Police for improperly handling an angry mob.

“The road blockage by residents occurred in a public area at the entrance to Polonia Airport, not inside a military installation,” he said, explaining that the Air Force Military Police should have asked for help from the National Police and not have handled the situation themselves.

As reported earlier, on Aug. 15, Sari Rejo residents staged a protest against Air Force personnel from Soewondo air base who were guarding a disputed plot of land. The residents blocked a nearby road and burned tires.

The incident occurred because of differing opinions between the Air Force and Sari Rejo residents.

Based on the residents’ perspective, part of the 260-hectare plot of land was acquired historically by them. However, the Air Force claimed the land was part of a 591-hectare area owned by the Defense Ministry.

The Air Force plans to develop two 100-by-50-meter low-cost apartments (rusunawa) on the disputed land that currently is claimed by Sari Rejo residents Singh and Ginting.

Komnas HAM also condemned the brutal attacks committed by Air Force personnel on two on-duty journalists, saying that the action was a violation of press freedom as stipulated in the 1999 Press Law.

“The violence shown by Indonesian Air Force members toward two journalists was clearly an infringement on their freedom,” he said.

By referring to its investigation, the Komnas HAM urged the commander of the Army and the Air Force chief to enforce the law against those within their ranks who were proven to have been involved in the alleged assault upon residents and journalists.

The rights body also called on the Army chief to conduct an investigation into the alleged involvement of Army personnel in the incident.

Furthermore, Komnas HAM urged the Medan administration to facilitate the mediation process between Sari Rejo residents and the Air Force in relation to the development of the rusunawa.

Sari Rejo residents said they were disappointed with the rights commission’s recommendations.

Head of the residents’ forum Pahala Napitupulu said the recommendations did not directly request the TNI commander and Air Force chief to punish the personnel in question.

He said the current internal investigation conducted by the defense forces was not enough to resolve the case.

“Komnas HAM should be braver in its recommendations,” he said.

He also criticized the commission for not staying longer to interview victims and residents so that it could understand the incident better.

“This is probably because Komnas HAM has directly met with the TNI,” he said. (win)