TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Komnas HAM want police to take caution when dealing with Papuan separatists
Change text size
Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
Crisis: Police officers distribute food provided by the Mimika administration to residents in Banti village, Tembagapura district, Mimika, Papua. (Courtesy of the Papua Police/File)
N
ew commissioners of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) reminded the National Police to be cautious in solving the hostage crisis in Banti and Kimbely villages in Mimika regency, Papua. More than 1,300 people have been taken hostage by armed Papuan separatists, who are reportedly part of the Free Papua Movement, since Nov.5.
Commissioner for human rights enforcement sub-commission, Amiruddin Al Rahab, said on Tuesday that each party involved in the crisis must refrain from actions that could lead to casualties, and ensure civilians have better access to food and basic needs.
“Komnas HAM will keep monitoring everything […]. We don’t want to disturb the situation by making more statements,” Amiruddin said.
On Tuesday morning, an unidentified assailant shot at a patrol car owned by US-based giant gold and copper miner PT Freeport Indonesia, injuring one employee.
Tensions have risen in Mimika after a Brimob officer died in an exchange of fire with armed assailants in Utikini, Tembagapura district, Mimika, in late October. On Nov.5, an armed group set ablaze five kiosks owned by local people in Utikini. (ebf)
