TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Coordinating Minister for Politics, Legal, and Security Affairs, Wiranto, refuted viral news about six civilians died of bullet shot by law enforcers during a rally in Deiyai, Papua on Wednesday, August 28.

“There are reports about six people shot dead in Deiyai riot yesterday. Foreign media even covered it, while the fact, it’s untrue,” said Wiranto in Parliament Complex, Jakarta, Thursday, August 29.

According to the minister, only one civilian died of mass’ archery and weapon. From the law enforcer side, one member of the Indonesian Military (TNI) was killed and two others, as well as four police officers, sustained injuries.

Wiranto claimed he lamented the acts of violence in Deiyai rally and appealed to protesters to stage a peaceful rally.

“If the demonstration runs well and in accordance with the regulation, I think we don’t need to worry,” he said.

He also asserted that he had instructed law enforcers to not using live bullets in securing the street protest in Deiyai, Papua, August 28. He added that those who were mobilized to disperse the demonstration must put forward persuasive approach, instead of repressive ones.

“Law enforcers have been ordered to not conduct repressive acts, but measurable persuasive acts, even live bullets are prohibited to be used,” he said.

ANTARA