VICTIM FRENGKI UAMANG BY POLICE INDONESIA IN KWAMKI BARU DISTRICT TIMIKA PAPUA

Name of victim: Frengki Uamang
Alleged perpetrators: Police officers from Mimika Sub-District and Kwamki Baru District Police
Date of incident: 27-28 November 2012
Place of incident: Kwamki Baru District, Papua

I am writing this letter to express my deep concern on torture perpetrated by police officers from Mimika Sub-District and Kwamki Baru District Police towards a Papuan, Frengki Uamang. I have received the information that Frengki was visiting a church in Mimika and about to go to a local shop when two police officers wearing civilian clothes came in a silver-painted car. Without providing any arrest warrant, the police took Frengki to the car and brought him to a place located approximately 20 metres away from the church. The police questioned Frengki on his purpose of visit. Regardless Frengki’s explanation that he was attending a church event, the police accused him that his actual intention is to buy some weapons in Mimika.

I was informed that Frengki was later taken to Kwamki Baru Police District Station for interrogation. The police officers accused him for providing food to the Free Papua Organisation (OPM)’s military members while torturing him. According to Frengki’s testimony, he was kicked by police officers wearing boots. He was also beaten and kicked on the back of his head, ears, face and chest. The police beat him severely on his legs and tights that it was impossible for Frengki to walk for about four days. They constantly accused Frengki for engaging in the movement organised by the OPM and that he had provided food for the military members of the organisation.

At 3.30 on the same day, the police took Frengki to Irrigation Street as they wanted him to show them the two houses where OPM’s military members were allegedly hiding at, even though Frengki did not know anything about it. There were around 10-12 police officers coming with Frengky to Irrigation Street. As soon as they arrive in Irrigation Street, the police took Frengki to a plantation area and three officers pointed their guns at him. Frengki was asked to slither on his stomach as his hands were handcuffed. I was also told that, at the same time, the police officers were randomly opened fire towards the trees in order to create the impression that they have been engaging in crossfire against the OPM members.

Frengki was later brought to Mimika Sub-District Police Station where he was questioned on his link with the shooting previously took place in the area owned by the gold mining company, PT Freeport. Frengki was detained at the police station for one night, with his arms and legs were chained to a table. He was released on the next day at around 2pm. A police officer had to take him back to the place where he was staying on Immigration Street as Frengki could not walk due to the torture. It took him four days to recover before he could walk again.

I am disturbed not only with torture that Frengki had been through but also with the fact that the police had arrested him arbitrarily. The police kept accusing him of committing different activities --first weapons transactions, later it changed into providing food for separatist groups then changed again to the shootings in PT Freeport--which reflects that they actually did not have any strong and sufficient reasons to arrest Frengki in the first place.

Given this, I am urging you to ensure an adequate and effective investigation on the torture allegation to take place. Police officers who perpetrated the torture shall be charged with articles that reflect the gravity of abuse they committed and they shall be punished to proportionate punishment. In this opportunity, I would also like to urge you to expedite the enactment of the new Penal Code which contains a provision prohibiting torture as defined by the UN Convention against Torture.

I look forward for your adequate and positive response on this matter.

Yours sincerely,

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PLEASE SEND YOUR LETTERS TO:

1. Mr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
President of Republic of Indonesia
Jl. Veteran No. 16
Jakarta Pusat
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 21 345 8595
Fax: +62 21 3483 4759
E-mail: presiden@ri.go.id

2. Ms. Harkristuti Harkrisnowo
General Director of Human Rights
Ministry of Law and Human Rights
Jl. HR Rasuna Said Kav. 6-7
Kuningan, Jakarta 12940
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 21 525 3006, 525 3889
Fax: +62 21 525 3095

3. Gen. Timur Pradopo
Chief of the Indonesian National Police
Jl. Trunojoyo No. 3
Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan 12110
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 21 384 8537, 726 0306
Fax: +62 21 7220 669
E-mail: info@polri.go.id

4. Drs. Herman Effendi
Head of Professionalism and Security Affairs, Indonesian National Police
Jl. Trunojoyo No. 3
Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan 12110
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 21 384 8537, 726 0306
Fax: +62 21 7220 669
E-mail: info@propam.polri.go.id

5. Irjen Pol. Tito Karnavian
Chief of Papua Regional Police
Jl. Dr. Samratulangi No. 8, Jayapura
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 967 531 014, 533 396
Fax: +62 967 533 763

6. Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission
Jl. Latuharhary No. 4-B
Jakarta 10310
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 21 392 5227
Fax: +62 21 392 5227
E-mail: info@komnasham.go.id