Govt Backs Investigation on the Shooting of Papua Pastor Yeremia

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The government is in support for an independent investigation over the shooting against pastor Yeremia Zanambani at the Hitadipa District in the province of Papua by forming an investigative team that will work beside church managements, local figures, and administration. 

“Such frivolous actions must not be tolerated and serious attention must be addressed for this incident. It must be solved transparently and quickly,” wrote presidential staff office Deputy V, Jaleswari Pramodhawardani, in Monday’s press release.

The presidential staff office deputy asserts that the government is committed to have justice for Zanambani’s right as a citizen and will act firmly against anyone who is found guilty for the pastor’s death. 

Previous reports suggest the Indonesian Evangelical Christian Church (GKII) pastor Yeremia Zanambani had been shot on Saturday afternoon on September 19 nearby his personal swinery.

There are mixed reports and testimonies regarding those responsible for the pastor’s death as church management believes pastor Yeremia was shot by an armed forces (TNI) soldier while local authorities claim armed criminal groups are responsible for the incident. 

The local military command spokesperson, Colonel Czi IGN Suriastawa, asserts that pastor Yeremia was shot by a member of the armed criminal group and accuses the group for vilifying the TNI. 

“They are looking to attract attention at the United Nations general assembly to be held at the end of this month,” said the local military command spokesperson. 

The presidential staff office called for the public to not be provoked by this incident and encouraged people to remain calm as investigations undergo.

Read also: Papuan Church Leaders to Meet Military Commander over Shooting of Pastor

ANTARA