PA Office Under Siege, KontraS Aceh: Officials Don't Have Sensitivity

Ahead of the 46th anniversary of GAM, which falls on December 4, the Aceh Regional Police deployed thousands of personnel to secure some activities related to the commemoration. Yesterday, Saturday 3 December 2022, security forces even guarded the Aceh Party's Aceh Leadership Council (DPA) office in the Batoh area, Banda Aceh.

This guard sparked controversy. The police argued that it was important to secure several vital objects, one of which was the local party's headquarters. The Aceh Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS) condemned this action.

"What the fully armed police carried out by surrounding the Aceh party office without any explanation was a militaristic act and against democracy," said the Coordinator of KontraS Aceh, Azharul Husna.

She emphasized that the police should be humane in responding to something. Especially if you think that the moment of December 4 will threaten the stability of the country. The police can use an approach based on deliberation and dialogue. Instead of deploying security forces everywhere, that can create panic in the public.

Even though peace in Aceh has been 17 years old, Husna said, this security measure could trigger traumatic experiences for the community.

“What is being done is causing problems in society, considering that Aceh has a long history of human rights violations. This shows that the police have no sensitivity," Husna said again.

His party also referred to Article 13 of the Main Duties of the Indonesian National Police, namely a) maintaining public order and security, b) enforcing the law, and c) providing protection, protection, and service to the community.

However, KontraS Aceh observes that the current behavior of the police is not under their own main duties. Especially by mentioning the Aceh Party DPA Office as a vital object.

“The reason for security being a vital object is not correct, because the party office is not a vital object. In addition to designating a building or area as a vital object, it must be carried out by the relevant ministry, the party office is a political organization (interest group)," he stressed.

Because of this, KontraS Aceh urged Kompolnas to investigate the actions of the Aceh Police. Not only that, but the National Police Chief was also recommended to evaluate the workings of the Aceh Police immediately.

"Because the actions taken by the police have exceeded the authority granted by the rule of law," concluded Husna. []

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