6 Papuan Activists Named as Treason Suspects File Pretrial

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Six Papuan activists who had been named suspects in the alleged treason by Jakarta Metro Police filed a pretrial lawsuit to South Jakarta Court today, October 22. Their advocate team member Okky Wiratama explained there were violations of the legal procedure during the arrest, search, seizure of evidence, and the suspect naming.

“Other than the invalid suspect naming, many procedures of seizure were wrongful because of lacking search warrant from the local district court,” said Okky at South Jakarta Court.

The six activists were Surya Anta, Charles Kossay, Dano Tabuni, Isay Wenda, Ambrosius Mulait, and Arina Elopere. They were declared as suspects of alleged treason following the demonstration before State Palace in Central Jakarta, August 28.

Okky explained the search in the activists’ residence was not monitored by the head of the local neighboring association (RT) and block association (RW). Thus, the seizure was illegal.

Also, according to Okky, the six had never been summoned as witnesses but were instantly arrested and named suspects.

“The arrest warrant was indeed displayed but was not given on the day of the arrest. The family received the arrest warrant and the notice on detention a week after.”

The allegation on the attempt of treason in the case emerged since they raised Bintang Kejora flag or Morning Star flag, a symbol of the Free Papua Movement, during the rally before State Palace. They also voiced Papuan independence from the Republic of Indonesia.

ADAM PRIREZA