Jakarta – A group of some 50 students calling themselves the Inter-Campus Muslims Students Association (HAMAS) yesterday attacked the office of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), damaging Komnas HAM's board in front of the office.
The students broke through the Komnas HAM gate on Jalan Latuharhary in South Jakarta which was only manned by civilian guards. Several students even jumped over the fence and sprayed the Komnas HAM billboard with red paint.
Noted human rights activist Munir slammed the student's action against Komnas HAM office, saying that such vandalism and violence were not necessary in expressing their dissatisfaction.
After covering the billboard with red paint, the students tore it down and damaged it. The students were protesting against the results of the Komnas HAM investigation into the shootings on September 12, 1984 by security officers who were believed to have killed around 100 people.
The rights body announced last week that the casualties during the incident totaled 33. Quoting the results of its inquiry team, Komnas HAM Chairman Djoko Soegianto stressed that the Tanjung Priok incident was not a massacre.
Two trucks full of police personnel, who came to the location after the incident, could only watch the student's barbaric behaviour. But, after the students began throwing stones at the Komnas HAM building, the police moved in to protect the building from further damage.
But, the student's vandalism continued as they painted the wall of the Komnas HAM building. They called for disbandment of the Komnas HAM because it has disappointed the Muslims over its reports on the Tanjung Priok incident. They called for the establishment of a new independent inquiry team to investigate the Tanjung Priok case.
Previously a smaller group of Muslims students also visited the Komnas HAM headquarters with similar demands and rejected the Komnas HAM reports on the Tanjung Priok case.
Munir, who is founder of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras), supported the student's demands for the reinvestigation of the Priok incident, but slammed their vandalism.
He also disagreed with their demand for disbanding the Komnas HAM, saying, "What they should call for is the replacement of the incapable members of the Komnas HAM." According to Munir, there are only three members of Komnas HAM who deserved to be kept on the investigative team; Asmara Nababan, Saparinah Sadli and HS Dillon.
"They are not affiliated to any political parties. They have a good track record. They want to work hard, not like the other members," said Munir. He said that the weaknesses of the National Commission is that its members are linked to political interest groups.
Meanwhile, the Faction of the Crescent and Star Party (PBB) at the House of Representatives (DPR) yesterday rejected the result of the Komnas HAM investigation on Tanjung Priok. The faction Chairman Achmad Sumargono said the Komnas HAM's reports have disappointed Muslims because it has ignored objectivity.