Free Papua Organization Denies Ties with Residents Tortured by TNI Soldiers

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Spokesperson for the West Papua National Liberation Army of the Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM), Sebby Sambom, denied the allegations that the residents tortured by Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) soldiers were members of the organization. 

"We remind you that during the incident on February 3, we have received reports that the soldiers arrested random people who were in the village," Sebby said when contacted by Tempo on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. "They did not arrest and torture TPN members, but ordinary teenagers," he said.

Sebby also asked the Indonesian government not to play games and ensure responsibility for the incident as the incident is part of human rights violations. 

"So the entire Papuan people, together with our supporters around the world will continue to campaign that Indonesian military crimes are part of genocide or racial extermination," he said. 

Therefore, said Sebby, his side will file a lawsuit to the International Court of Justice. "In this case, we are ready." 

Previously, TNI Head of Information Center Major General Nugraha Gumilar confirmed that the perpetrators of violence against residents in Papua were members of the military. The TNI soldiers committed violence against residents who were suspected of being members of TPNPB-OPM, Definus Kogoya. The alleged violence was carried out at Gome Post in the Puncak Regency, Papua.

Meanwhile, the Commander of the Regional Military Command XVII / Cenderawasih, Major General Izak Pangemanan, ensured that all TNI members involved in the torture of Papuans would receive appropriate punishment. He emphasized that TNI would thoroughly investigate this case.

"We will continue to push the legal process. We will ensure justice that is as fair as possible to the Papuan people, including compensation," Izak said on Monday.

According to him, the legal process at the military court will be accessible to the general public. “People are welcome to attend the trial," he said.

DEFARA DHANYA | YOHANES MAHARSO | HENDRIK YAPUTRA

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