KemenHAM drops plan for special probe into Papua shooting

The Ministry of Human Rights has decided not to form a special investigative team to look into the death of Melkiana Duwitau, a woman who was 7-8 months pregnant and was shot while at her home in Kampung Wandoga, District of Sugapa, Intan Jaya Regency, Papua Tengah. Deputy Minister of Human Rights Mugiyanto Sipin said the plan was scrapped after the ministry received an explanation that the case was already being handled by authorities, including the Satgas Operasi Damai Cartenz and local TNI-Polri elements on the ground. Even so, the Ministry of Human Rights has assigned a team to meet the victim's family to identify recovery needs. Mugiyanto said psychological support and other urgent needs were an initial focus. Komnas HAM had previously opened its own inquiry, citing the lack of independent verification of claims about where the shot came from and urging a ceasefire as rising violence in Papua continues to claim civilian lives.