Indonesian army apologizes after video shows torture in Papua

INDONESIA: The Indonesian National Army (TNI AD) issued an apology on Monday (25 Mar) following the emergence of a disturbing video depicting the torture of a man by soldiers in Papua, where clashes between armed separatists and security forces have persisted over the years.

The video, which went viral on Indonesian social media platforms, depicts a Papuan man submerged in a barrel of bloodied water and subjected to abuse, including being cut with a blade.

Several individuals, including at least one believed to be a soldier, are seen taking turns assaulting the bound and injured man inside a drum.

Brigadier General TNI AD Kristomei Sianturi, representing the Chief of Staff of TNI AD, expressed regret for the violence that occurred in Papua, confirming that the incident took place at the Gome Post of the Border Security Task Force in Puncak, Central Papua, on 3 February.

The video only surfaced on social media on Thursday (21 Mar).

“Out of 42 TNI soldiers examined, 13 have been found to have committed acts of violence,” Brigadier General Kristomei stated during a press conference on Monday (25 Mar).

These 13 soldiers have been detained at the Maximum Security Military Detention Installation of the Military Police Military Command III/Siliwangi.

He emphasized that such acts of abuse are unjustifiable within the TNI.

Brigadier General Kristomei underscored the TNI AD’s commitment to upholding regulations and standards, stating that violence during interrogation processes is unlawful.

He reiterated that soldiers are equipped with standard operational procedures, rules of engagement, and military laws to guide their conduct during tasks and operations.

The incident has brought disgrace upon the reputation of the TNI AD, according to Brigadier General Kristomei, who further announced that an investigation into the chain of command would be conducted.

Despite the 300 Infantry Battalion’s commendable service in Papua, lasting nine months and receiving recognition from the Dani Tribe and the Regent of Puncak, this incident has tarnished their achievements.

Major General Nugraha Gumilar, Head of the TNI Information Center, disclosed that preliminary investigations into the video indicated that the victim was a member of an armed criminal group in Papua, identified as Definus Kogoya.

The National Human Rights Commission has spoken out about the viral videos showing alleged torture of residents in Papua.

Chairman Atnike Nova Sigiro expressed regret over the incident, adding to the violence in the region.

She emphasized the importance of a transparent and fair law enforcement process by the government and law enforcement officials.

Additionally, the Commission urges the government to enhance its security approach in Papua to reduce violence and prevent further casualties.

Since its integration into Indonesia following a UN-administered vote in 1969, Papua, the country’s easternmost region, has been plagued by violence between armed separatists and military forces.

Security forces have reported instances where separatist groups have been responsible for the deaths of both police officers and soldiers in various clashes.

Persistent Pursuit of Independence in Papua

During Indonesia’s PE2024, Papua experienced heightened tensions with consecutive shootings targeting civilian aircraft. The pursuit of independence fuels claims and counterclaims between separatists and authorities in the region.

Free Papua Movement (OPM) seeks the independence of Papua from Indonesia. The OPM is a separatist movement founded in six provinces in Papua to establish an independent Papua.

The movement comprises three distinct groups, all united in their objective of creating a separate Papua state.

The first group engages in peaceful demonstrations and protests, often carried out by individuals who have studied at various universities in Indonesia.

The second group consists of a small leadership based outside Indonesia, particularly in Australia and the Netherlands, focusing on raising international support for the OPM movement.

The third group takes up arms, engaging in acts of terror against the people of Papua and attacking Indonesian National Army (TNI) and National Police (Polri) personnel.

Within the OPM, there are three armed factions: the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) led by Goliath Tabuni, the West Papua Revolutionary Army (TRWP) led by Mathias Wenda, and the West Papua National Army (TNPB) led by Fernando Worobay.

The Indonesian government refers to these groups as Armed Criminal Groups (KKB), Armed Separatist Criminal Groups (KKSB), and Papuan Separatist Terrorist Groups (KSTP), holding them responsible for numerous deaths in the region.

In addition to acts of terror, armed OPM groups regularly conduct flag-raising ceremonies featuring the Morning Star flag on 1 December each year, considering it the day of Papua’s independence.

OPM members display the Morning Star flag and other symbols of Papuan separatism, such as the national anthem “Hai Tanahku Papua” and the state emblem.

In 1982, the OPM Revolution Council (OPMRC) was established under the leadership of Moses Werror.

OPMRC sought international recognition for West Papua’s independence through diplomacy campaigns in forums such as the United Nations, Non-Aligned Movement, South Pacific Forum, and ASEAN.