PapuaAround.com – Demonstrations in Nabire Regency, Central Papua, ended in turmoil as two women were raped by a group of protesters. The protest was sparked by the alleged assault on a civilian believed to be a member of the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) by elements of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI).
Local police stated that efforts to address the alleged involvement of TNI personnel in the assault had been made. “Their aspirations have been conveyed, and regarding the issue of (TNI personnel assault), it has been conveyed by the Cenderawasih Regional Military Commander that those TNI elements have been dealt with,” said Nabire Police Chief, AKBP Wahyu S. Bintoro, as reported by detikSulsel on Saturday (5/4/2024).
As tensions escalated, security forces fired tear gas at the crowd to disperse them. However, the incident in Nabire was seized upon by some of the protesters to commit acts of violence, including the rape of a woman.
A witness recounted, “The rape victim was passing by on a motorcycle that day and was stopped and raped by the perpetrator.”
The Head of Criminal Investigation at the Nabire Police, AKP Bertu Haridyka Eka Anwar, explained that two women were victims of the incident. They were aged 24 and 27, respectively.
“These protesters were the ones who were pushed back by officers after they blocked the main road. They retreated to set up a blockade around Jayanti Street, blocking the entrance so that the victims couldn’t pass,” said AKP Bertu.
This tragic incident highlights the escalation of violence in the context of demonstrations in the region. The police have taken steps to address the incident and investigate the perpetrators of sexual violence involved.
As of now, there has been no official statement from the TNI regarding the incident. Local security forces continue to monitor and enhance security in the area to prevent similar acts of violence in the future.
Local authorities and relevant parties are urged to take decisive action in handling this case and preventing similar incidents in the future. The safety and protection of civilians should be the top priority in addressing conflict situations in Nabire, Central Papua, while still respecting human rights and ensuring a fair legal process for all parties involved.
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Source: Detik.