Govt, Komnas HAM launch probe into Papuan fatalities

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government and the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) will investigate the deaths of civilians during a recent armed confrontation in Papua.

The investigation will cover the deaths of Melkiana Duwitau, a pregnant woman, and her unborn baby, who were killed during an exchange of fire between military personnel and armed insurgents in Intan Jaya, Central Papua, last week.

"The government will take concrete legal measures to investigate the deaths of civilians, including a pregnant mother, during the armed conflict in Papua," Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Affairs Yusril Ihza Mahendra stated at a press conference with Komnas HAM on Monday.

Yusril said that while the government and the Indonesian military are conducting their own investigation, Komnas HAM, at the same time, will carry out its probe and submit its recommendations to the government, the minister said.

He added that the security operations against armed criminal groups in Papua avoid impact on civilian lives.

Yusril also said the investigation should be fair and impartial to determine the circumstances surrounding the civilian fatalities during the clash between military forces and armed insurgents.

"Let us hear Komnas HAM's recommendations to the government once it completes the investigation," he added.

Meanwhile, Komnas HAM stated an armed confrontation on July 2 between the Indonesian military's Habema Joint Operations Command and groups affiliated with the Free Papua Movement (OPM) in Wandoga Village, Intan Jaya District, Central Papua, resulted in civilian casualties.

Based on its preliminary findings, the agency said Melkiana Duwitau, who was eight months pregnant, was struck by stray bullets while inside her home, killing both her and the unborn baby. The military stated that she was shot by the armed insurgents.

Komnas HAM also highlighted an attack on a passenger plane operated by Associated Mission Aviation (AMA) in Balinggama, Yahukimo District, Papua Pegunungan, on the same day.

The agency said the attack was suspected to have been carried out by an OPM faction led by Elkius Kobak.

The incident killed American pilot Nicholas F. Goselin, while the seven Papuan passengers on board were unharmed.

The agency stated that the recent armed escalation in Papua has also claimed the lives of a local priest, a military officer, and a member of the armed group.

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Translator: Devi Nindy Sari R, Nabil Ihsan

Editor: Bayu Prasetyo

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