TNI Investigate Alleged Soldier Involvement in Death of Papuan Pastor

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Spokesperson of the joint military command (Kogabwilhan) III, Colonel Czi I Gusti Nyoman Suriastawa, said the national armed forces (TNI) continues its investigation on the alleged involvement of one of its soldiers in the death of pastor Yeremias Zanambani in Intan Jaya, Papua. 

“Related to that incident, up until this moment, the XVII Cenderawasih military command is still conducting its investigation,” Suriastawa confirmed. “If a TNI soldier is proven to be involved, that person will be processed under existing laws.”

However, he was not keen on revealing any more details regarding the team’s findings and maintained that there was no TNI's involvement in the death of pastor Yeremias. Suriastawa, however, allows anyone to make assumptions that accuse the military before further evidence is brought to light. 

He regrets that there are numerous versions of the story looming over the death of the Papuan pastor. "It’s regrettable that there are many versions of the story which contradict each other."

"Some say he was killed in front of his congregations, some say his wife found him already dead. Now there are stories that the pastor is still alive. It’s up to them to make up whatever stories they want to make.”

The alleged involvement of a TNI soldier was first mentioned on Thursday report, October 29, issued by the special humanitarian team mobilized to uncover the facts behind the death of the pastor at the Intan Jaya district. The report suggests the incident took place after the soldier engaged in a shooting with local armed criminal groups. 

Read: KontraS Calls for Civilian Court in Death of Papuan Pastor Yeremias

EGI ADYATAMA