Komnas HAM really expected that the past incident would be the last onePurworejo, C Java (ANTARA) - Officials from the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) visited Wadas village, Bener, Purworejo district, Central Java, to seek in-depth information about the arrest of some residents on February 8, 2022.
The commission wanted to ensure that residents' rights were protected and their concerns were heard by policymakers, Commissioner Beka Ulung Hapsara informed.
The matter of what method would be employed could be further discussed, he said in Purworejo on Saturday.
He urged the Governor of Central Java, Ganjar Pranowo, to evaluate the approach, which involved police force, used towards Wadas residents.
This must be done so that such events are not repeated, he said noting that this was the second incident after the one reported in April 2021.
"Komnas HAM really expected that the past incident would be the last one. There will be no more violence, no more arrests of residents. That approach can be changed," he remarked.
He said that his administration had not recommended an immediate persuasion on the use of Wadas village land materials for the construction of Bener dam. The most important thing is to dispel the people's trauma first, he added.
"Then ensure the safety of the residents. I received information that there were still many residents who have not returned to their homes after that incident," he said.
The Commission's task was to make sure that police and the Central Java provincial government no longer use coercive efforts, he added.
Hapsara said that the Central Java Police chief had withdrawn his personnel from the area.
Essentially, it was done to ensure the safety of the residents and give them the opportunity to rebuild existing relationships in Wadas, he added.
He said that the commission also ensured that the rights of the residents were protected, which meant that any decision they made was not out of intimidation or under pressure from anybody.
Related news: MPR deputy chairman calls for halting Wadas dam construction process
Related news: Avoid being provoked by clips showing Wadas situation: Minister
Related news: Police complied with procedures in Wadas incident: Chief Minister
Translator: Heru Suyitno, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
