Indonesia Welcomes Komnas HAM Probe Into Aceh Shooting Incident

The central government, through Yusril Ihza Mahendra, the Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections, has announced its readiness to facilitate an independent investigation into the clash that occurred in Pulo Keunari Village, Tiro Subdistrict, Pidie Regency, Aceh. The incident, which took place on Wednesday (November 4) during the commemoration of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, resulted in the death of one civilian and left over a dozen others injured.

Citing a report from the state news agency ANTARA, Yusril emphasized that the government welcomes Komnas HAM (Indonesia's National Commission on Human Rights) to descend to the field to conduct objective monitoring and investigations. This step is being taken to uncover the true facts behind the incident, which was triggered by security forces attempting to take down the "Bulan Bintang" (Crescent Star) regional flag.

TNI Internal Investigation and Statements on the Incident

The Iskandar Muda Regional Military Command (Kodam IM) is currently conducting an in-depth internal investigation into the events in Tiro. The Commander of Kodam IM, Brigadier General Mahesa Fitriadi, stated that the inquiry is ongoing and the results will be made public once the investigation is complete.

According to a report by CNN Indonesia, Mahesa mentioned that 272 personnel were deployed to the location. He stressed that not all members were armed with firearms, and the use of weapons in the field was focused on warning shots. Mahesa also claimed that military troops did not use live ammunition during the incident.

On the other hand, BBC News Indonesia reported differing accounts from the victim's family. Abzalul Riza (20), the civilian who passed away, was reportedly shot in the chest. The family is demanding justice and legal transparency regarding his death. Meanwhile, ANTARA data recorded a total of 14 casualties, consisting of 13 injured and one deceased, alongside six military personnel who also sustained injuries.

Komnas HAM's Steps and Hopes for Dialogue

The Chairperson of Komnas HAM, Anis Hidayah, stated that her institution deeply regrets the acts of violence. Komnas HAM is scheduled to deploy a monitoring team to the scene shortly to fully reconstruct the chronology of events.

Various elements of Acehnese society, including university students and civil figures, have urged the government to prioritize dialogue in resolving disagreements over regional symbols. As is well known, the issue of the Bulan Bintang flag is a sensitive matter rooted in Aceh's long history.

The Perspective of Peace

In addressing any dispute, Islam consistently teaches the importance of self-restraint and prioritizing peace (ishlah). Allah has stated regarding the sanctity of preserving human life:

مِنْ اَجْلِ ذٰلِكَ ۛ كَتَبْنَا عَلٰى بَنِيْٓ اِسْرَاۤءِيْلَ اَنَّهٗ مَنْ قَتَلَ نَفْسًاۢ بِغَيْرِ نَفْسٍ اَوْ فَسَادٍ فِى الْاَرْضِ فَكَاَنَّمَا قَتَلَ النَّاسَ جَمِيْعًاۗ وَمَنْ اَحْيَاهَا فَكَاَنَّمَآ اَحْيَا النَّاسَ جَمِيْعًا ۗوَلَقَدْ جَاۤءَتْهُمْ رُسُلُنَا بِالْبَيِّنٰتِ ثُمَّ اِنَّ كَثِيْرًا مِّنْهُمْ بَعْدَ ذٰلِكَ فِى الْاَرْضِ لَمُسْرِفُوْنَ ﴿٣٢﴾

Because of that, We decreed upon the Children of Israel that whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land - it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one - it is as if he had saved mankind entirely. And our messengers had certainly come to them with clear proofs. Then indeed many of them, [even] after that, throughout the land, were transgressors.

Qur'an, Surah Al-Maaida [5]: 32 (Sahih International)

May the investigative process carried out by the authorities and Komnas HAM proceed transparently, deliver justice for the victim's family, and bring tranquility to the people of Aceh so that the situation may return to being conducive and peaceful.

Sources

• CNN Indonesia: Kodam Investigates Soldiers Involved in Aceh Shooting Case
• BBC News Indonesia: Acehnese demand independent probe into 'TNI violence' in Pidie, Komnas HAM to deploy monitoring team – 'Bulan Bintang flag issue must be addressed through dialogue, not weapons'
• ANTARA: Yusril: Government welcomes Komnas HAM to investigate Pidie shooting