Jakarta (ANTARA) - Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai has established communication with the provincial governments of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) and Highland Papua following an attack on civilians by an insurgent group in Highland Papua's Yahukimo District.

"I have coordinated with the NTT governor and authorities in Highland Papua to ensure that the victims receive optimal care while advocating for maximum treatment for the injured," he noted in a statement received in Jakarta on Monday.

While expressing regret and condolences over the incident, which resulted in one fatality on Friday (March 21), Pigai urged local authorities to enhance civilian protection to prevent similar events in the future.

"We deeply regret the Yahukimo incident and extend our condolences to the families of the victims. Protection for civilians, particularly those living in vulnerable areas like Yahukimo, is paramount," he remarked.

The Cendrawasih XVII Regional Military Command confirmed that the attack on Friday resulted in one death and six injuries.

According to the Ministry of Human Rights, six of the victims were from NTT Province, while one was from Sorong, Southwest Papua Province. The victims included six teachers and one medic.

Meanwhile, Head of Yahukimo District, Didimus Yahuli, reported when contacted by ANTARA on Sunday (March 23) that the deceased victim was a female educator.

The official assured that security officers had rescued the victims and other civilians in the region, with the injured receiving medical treatment at Marthen Indey Hospital in Jayapura, Papua Province.

Lieutenant Colonel Gustiawan, commander of a task force under Papua's Habema Operations Command, confirmed that the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) had evacuated the seven victims on Sunday.

As cited in a statement, he noted that the body of Rosalina, the slain teacher, had been retrieved and transported to Dekai Airport in Yahukimo.

The insurgent group not only murdered Rosalina but also left three others seriously injured, while the remaining three suffered only minor injuries.

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Translator: Fath P, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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