Investigation into the tragedy is important to offer clarity on who and what is the motive behind this.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) urged the government to extensively probe the violence during a protest in Wamena, Jayawijaya, Papua, resulting in 32 deaths and fueling non-native Papuans’ exodus from the region.

"Komnas HAM has affirmed its commitment to encouraging investigation into a tragedy, regardless of whatever it is. Investigation into the tragedy is important to offer clarity on who and what is the motive behind this," the commission's chief, Ahmad Taufan Damanik, remarked here on Monday.

The incident might recur if the government was unable to investigate the case and adopt legal measures, particularly at a time when Papuans have lost their mutual trust, Damanik noted.

The Commission has pushed the government and local figures to hold constructive dialog to placate the tension in Papua.

"We are ready to facilitate all parties to hold dialog to seek a peaceful solution in Papua," he remarked.

In the meantime, the Jayawijaya Police took into detention seven people for their alleged involvement in the riot in Wamena. The detainees had carried arrows, stones, and gasoline to set ablaze some public facilities during the riot.

Three of the detained people were named suspects in the incident, while four others were released.

Further investigation is yet underway to expose the mastermind behind the riot.

Wamena's deadly rioting broke out during a rally that native Papuan students had staged on September 23.

At least 32 people, including a medical doctor, were killed, while at least 77 others sustained injuries due to the riot that had also compelled several thousand residents, mostly non-native Papuans, to take refuge in local military and police compounds.

Most of the dead and wounded were non-native Papuans, who had been assaulted by rioters brandishing machetes and arrows. Several of them migrated to Papua from their hometowns in provinces, such as West Sumatra and South Sulawesi, to earn a living.
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Translator: Dyah Dwi Astuti, Sri Haryati
Editor: Suharto
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