LPSK: Violence in Papua as a Terrorism Event

The Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) strongly condemns the repeated incidents of violence that have resulted in fatalities in Papua. The most recent incident was the shooting by an armed criminal group against employees and civilians at the Palapa Timur Telematics (PTT) camp, Beoga District, Puncak Regency, Papua, Tuesday (1/3).
 
In this incident, eight people were reported dead. The head of the LPSK, Hasto Atmojo Suroyo, urged the government to declare the violence in Papua as a form of criminal act of terrorism.

“Actions (armed violence) like this have the effect of spreading fear and disturbing public security. The government and the security forces should not hesitate to declare the incident as a form of terror in the community," said Hasto, Saturday (5/3).

If this violent event that causes the loss of human life can be declared as a terrorist event, LPSK can pay compensation to the victims. Because, until now, compensation or compensation by the state is only intended for victims of criminal acts of terrorism and gross violations of human rights.

However, Hasto continued, LPSK can still provide other forms of protection for witnesses who know about the shooting incident at the PTT camp. The Papuan people, he continued, should not be trapped in the fear created by the perpetrators.

"Especially for people who know about the shooting incident around the PTT camp, there is no need to be afraid to provide information to the security forces so that the perpetrators can be prosecuted," he stressed.

Hasto said that several types of protection can be accessed by witnesses and victims from LPSK, namely physical protection, fulfillment of procedural rights, medical assistance and psychological rehabilitation. Including facilitation of restitution and compensation.

"To access this right to compensation, LPSK encourages the government to declare violent incidents in Papua as a form of terrorism," said Hasto.

Furthermore, Hasto hopes that the government will continue to prioritize persuasive actions in dealing with issues in Papua. Repressive actions will only result in retaliation in the form of acts of violence as well.

SOURCE: https://www.republika.co.id/berita/r89ljz396/lpsk-kerasan-di-papua-as-terrorism events