Komnas HAM Alleges Irregularities in Langkat Cage Case Handling

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Commission on Human Rights or Komnas HAM chairman Ahmad Taufan Damanik accused a number of irregularities in the handling of the cage case in the Langkat Regent Terbit Rencana Perangin Angin’s house by North Sumatra Police.

The first irregularity is that the eight suspects are not detained while, in fact, they face serious criminal charges of more than five years imprisonment, Ahmad explained. One of the suspects is Terbit Rencana’s son, Dewa Perangin Angin.

Komnas HAM would ask the North Sumatra Police for information regarding the legal process in the case which had caused the deaths of people during their time in the cage. Ahmad also ensured that his side would visit the National Police Headquarters to ask for further information.

“We are also at odds [over the case handling], we will ask them and the national police,” said Ahmad on Monday, March 28.

The North Sumatra Police, meanwhile, claimed the suspects are obliged to make a report albeit they are not detained.

Additionally, Ahmad mentioned the statement of North Sumatra Police that no policeman was involved in the human cage case, while the investigation conducted by Komnas HAM and the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) resulted in contradicting findings.

However, Ahmad confirmed that he would not press the National Police Headquarters to be involved in the case investigation. He emphasized that the police are urged to comply with Komnas HAM's recommendations.

“Moreover, in all the processes and stages we are working on, we always coordinate with the police and headquarters, we also coordinate with the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs. So hopefully, [the police] follow up on our recommendations,” Ahmad said of the police’s handling in the Langkat cage case.

Read: Migrant Care to File Report against Former Langkat Regent over Alleged Modern Slavery

ARRIJAL RACHMAN