Jakarta – The National Police have said they are investigating an incident where police officers fired rubber bullets at PT Freeport Indonesia workers during a rally in Timika, Papua, last week.
"We have sent a team to look into whether the officers followed the proper procedures, particularly regarding the use of firearms," National Police spokesperson Boy Rafli Amar told reporters on Tuesday.
Six Freeport workers – Andri Santoso, Sakarias, Puguh Prihandono, Wibowo, Faisal and Zainal Abidin – reportedly suffered injuries from the shots. They claim that they were shot by the police while staging a rally in front of the Timika District Court. The protesters were demanding the release of a fellow worker, Sudira, who is currently standing trial for embezzlement.
Mimika Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Victor Dean Mackbon was also injured by a rubber bullet during the incident and is currently receiving treatment at the Mimika Hospital.
The internal affairs division (Propam) is currently looking into the incident, Boy said. "If the officers neglected or deliberately tried [to harm the protesters], they will be criminally charged," Boy said. (dis)