Human Rights Group Calls for Peaceful Govt-Papua Dialogue

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) commissioner Chairul Anam said the organization is willing to take any role to bridge a dialogue between the Indonesian government and pro-liberation Papuans. 

Chairul believed the path of a dialogue with every Papuan resident, including pro-liberation people, will be beneficial for the peace attempts in Papua. 

“Yes, [involve] every member of society, either they support liberation, peace, and humanitarian groups. We will support the dialogue,” said Choirul at his office on Jl. Latuharhari, Jakarta, on Monday.

He mentioned the present tragedy in Wamena had attracted special attention from the United Nations' human rights commissioner Michelle Bacelet. Choirul asserted that this bleak situation had forced Indonesia to solve the case soon. 

Wamena Death Toll 

Health Minister Nila Moeloek announced 31 people had perished in the deadly riots that broke out across Wamena, Papua. She also reported that two people died of illnesses, bringing the death toll up to 33 people. 

“It totals to 33 people,” said Minister Nila in today’s press conference at the Health Ministry office. 

The ministry also reported 14 people were still in treatment for injuries, 22 sent to hospitals in Jayapura, and 62 others had been treated and sent home. Nila asserted that doctors in Wamena would remain in the restive region to tend the wounded. 

“Health workers are motivated by humanitarian reasons. We do not see who they are, friends or foes, we are obliged to treat them,” said Nila.

This follows the devastating news of a doctor who has worked in Wamena for 15 years. Soeko Marsetyo died in the hands of a violent mass. 

FIKRI ARIGI | AHMAD FAIZ IBNU SANI