Jakarta (BERITAPOLITIK.ONLINE) — In a recent development concerning the assault case of a young man allegedly associated with an armed criminal group (KKB) in Papua, the Head of the TNI Information Center (Kapuspen) Major General Nugraha Gumilar elucidated that the 13 implicated soldiers had distinct roles in the incident, leading to potential discrepancies in the punishments meted out, in accordance with the prevailing legal norms and judicial decisions once the case enters the trial phase.
“There are those who directly engaged in physical violence, while others recorded the incident. Hence, the degree of culpability varies,” stated Kapuspen TNI in response to queries posed by journalists during an encounter at the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta on Friday, March 29, 2024.
Nevertheless, Nugraha emphasized the application of the presumption of innocence to the accused soldiers until a legally binding court verdict is reached.
“We adhere to the presumption of innocence and aim to protect their rights without immediate condemnation,” he affirmed.
Reiterating the TNI’s unwavering commitment to investigate the assault case thoroughly, Nugraha asserted the seriousness with which the military approaches such incidents.
Currently, the investigative process remains ongoing, with Nugraha unable to specify the date of the case’s transfer from the Military Police to the Military Prosecutor’s Office.
“Not yet, the investigation is still underway,” Nugraha disclosed.
The incident, captured in a viral social media video, depicted several soldiers physically assaulting a bound and injured man, later identified as Definus Kogoya, an alleged member of the KKB, at Pos Gome, Puncak Regency, Central Papua Province.
Subsequently, following an inquiry conducted by the Army Military Police Center and the Military Police of Kodam III/Siliwangi, 13 soldiers from the Raider Infantry Battalion 300/Braja Wijaya were identified as suspects in the case.
Addressing the matter, Commander of the XVII/Cendrawasih Military Command Major General Izak Pangemanan assured the public of a transparent legal process and encouraged vigilance in monitoring every stage, including the ensuing trials.
“We will relentlessly push forward with the legal proceedings. Justice, as a form of compensation to the Papuan community, is imperative,” emphasized Izak.
The unfolding developments underscore the TNI’s resolve to uphold accountability and ensure justice in addressing incidents of violence, particularly within the context of Papua’s complex socio-political landscape.
