Jayapura: The Jayapura Military Court in Papua on Thursday sentenced First Pvt. Herry Purwanto to one year and three months in jail for his neglect that led to the death of Rev. Kinderman Gire. The sentence was heavier that the prosecution’s demand for a one-year sentence.
The incident took place on March 17, 2010 at Kalome village in Tingginambut district, Puncak Jaya regency, when Herry and two other soldiers were assigned to escort 30 vehicles transporting basic needs for residents in Mulia, Puncak Jaya.
A heated argument broke out on the way near Pintu Angin, when Herry and his two colleagues “questioned” Kinderman and Goliath Tabuni about whether the latter had information about weapons owned by Free Papua Movement rebels. The two tried to run away after being beaten by the soldiers. Herry aimed to shoot Kinderman in the leg, but because he fell down, the bullet entered his back and he died. The two other soldiers were sentenced to seven and six months, respectively.