Fisherman Shot by Papua New Guinea Army; Indonesia Demands Investigation

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry has called for an investigation to be initiated regarding the alleged shooting of an Indonesian fisherman by a Papua New Guinea security authority. The Ministry's notion was made after summoning Papua New Guinea Embassy Chargé d'Affaires ad Interim on Wednesday, August 24, 2022.

"The Foreign Affairs Ministry demanded an explanation from the Papua New Guinea government over the incident and asked for a thorough investigation to be held, along with implementing firm punishments if procedural violations were committed. Including the possible excessive use of force," said Foreign Affairs director of citizen protection Judha Nugraha in a virtual press conference on Wednesday, August 24, 2022. 

An Indonesian fisherman, Sugeng, was allegedly shot by a Papua New Guinea military personnel on August 22, 2022.

An initial report received on August 22, revealed that there were three fishing boats in Papua New Guinea waters. Two of the ships were captured and one escaped. While trying to escape, the boat was shot at and a bullet hit one of the fishermen named Sugeng.

Apart from demanding an explanation on the incident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also asked for information regarding the detention of two other ships by the Papua New Guinean authorities. The first, KMN Arsila 77 with a crew of seven people, the second KMN Baraka Paris with a crew of six people

Judha said that the Ad Interim Charge d'Affaires of the Papua New Guinea Embassy responded by expressing condolences for the death of Sugeng and confirmed there was a routine patrol during the incident.

DANIEL AHMAD

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