Jakarta – House of Representatives inquiry team tasked with investigating the kidnappings of democratic activists from 1997-1998 summoned human rights activist Hendardi on Thursday.

Inquiry team chairman Effendi Simbolon of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) said Hendardi would help the team collect data about the missing activists.

Hendardi, former director of the Human Rights and Legal Aid Federation, said he welcomed the summons, but warned that the House should be serious in its efforts to uncover the truth behind the abductions.

"Currently, the House is very much gambling on this issue. If it fails to achieve the goals, it will only lower the victims of human rights violations' trust in the House," Hendardi said as quoted by Antara news agency.

The team's revival has sparked controversy, with many saying certain big political parties, including the PDI-P, are trying to discredit rival parties' presidential candidates with military backgrounds, including Prabowo Subianto, Sutiyoso and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. (rid)