Papua Incident; Air Force Pays Customary Fine

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Steven (17) is a man with disabilities in Merauke, Papua, who went viral on social media after he was subdued on Monday by two TNI's Air Force members. One Air Force personnel pinned him to the ground while the other stepped on the man’s head on a sidewalk.  

Immediately after this incident, the commanders of military districts, air bases, and military police met with religious figures, public figures, Papuan youth figures, and the relatives of Steven. 

Presidential special staff of politics, law, and human rights, Sunarman Sukamto said the meeting produced a peaceful solution, especially with the victim’s family. However, he asserted that the two personnel who committed the degrading act will be legally prosecuted.

“As part of the peace deal, the Indonesian Air Force has given a pig, staple food, and an amount of money,” Sunarman confirmed to Tempo on July 29. 

The mutual agreement took place on Wednesday also had both parties agree not to conduct any follow up measures. 

Just hours after the video went viral, the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) commander issued a public apology and offered an apology on behalf of the two Air Force personnel who acted outrageously in pacifying a prior situation that led to the incident. 

Both the Air Force’s sergeant and private involved have been named suspects and are undergoing legal proceedings in Papua. 

Read: KontraS Laments Use of Excessive Force by Authorities in Papua

CHETA NILAWATY P