Soldier Steps on Papuan's Head; Moeldoko Ensures Transparent Legal Process

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Presidential Chief of Staff (KSP) Moeldoko ensured that members of the Indonesian Air Force (TNI) who stepped on the head of a Papuan in Merauke would be punished.

“KSP will ensure the perpetrators are processed legally in a transparent and accountable manner, and that victims receive protection and recovery,” said Moeldoko in a written statement on Wednesday, July 28.

He appealed to all levels of society, especially law enforcement officers, to have a human rights perspective, emphasizing a humanist and dialogical approach, especially towards persons with disabilities.

This, he added, is in accordance with Law No. 39 of 1999 on Human Rights, Law No. 8 of 2016 on Persons with Disabilities, and Government Regulation No. 39 of 2020 on Adequate Accommodation for Persons with Disabilities in the Judicial Process

“KSP asks all parties to ensure that this incident will not recur, in Papua and throughout Indonesia's territory,” Moeldoko underlined.

In a one-minute 21-second video, two TNI AU members stepped on the head of a Papuan citizen. The incident began when the two personnel broke up a heated argument between people.

The two officers came, grabbed the victim’s hand, and pushed him out of the stall to the roadside. The victim was forced to lay face-down on the sidewalk by one of the officers. The other officer stepped on the victim’s head. The victim could only be heard groaning without resistance. 

According to the Papuan human rights activist, Theo Hesegem, the victim was a person with a disability.

Moeldoko deeply lamented the actions committed by the TNI AU members. “KSP considers that excessive force violating the applicable standards and procedures,” he said.

Read: TNI to Distribute Free Covid-19 Medicines for People in Self-isolation

EGI ADYATAMA