Desy Nurhayati, Jakarta – President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has come under pressure to resolve the abduction cases of human rights activists from 1997 to 1998.
During a discussion in Jakarta on Saturday, military analyst Kusnanto Anggoro said the President could exercise his authority to speed up the investigation, which has been restarted by a House of Representatives special committee.
"I think there should be a political decision made before the 2009 election, if possible. It is the President who should make the decision," he said.
"It would be easier and simpler than letting this controversy continue, including the debate on whether an ad-hoc court should be established.
"The President can take various measures. He can discuss with the special committee. The thing is that he can make a political decision to settle this case, once and for all."
The House voted that the special committee continue investigations despite criticism the move is a political attack against several retired military generals contesting next year's presidential election.
The committee plans to summon several retired generals to clarify their roles in the case, including Yudhoyono, who at the time was the Indonesian Armed Forces (ABRI) chief of socio-political affairs; former ABRI commander Wiranto, former Army Special Forces chief Prabowo Subianto, former Jakarta military chief Sutiyoso and Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.
The committee, which was established last year, had not declared any results when it recently announced it would continue its probe.
Committee members have denied claims the investigation was politically motivated, citing that the recent resurgence had been prompted by a call by the National Commission on Human Rights.
The committee is expected to issue a recommendation that the government establish an ad-hoc court to try the case.
At least 13 activists are still missing after allegedly having been abducted by Army officers. Nine others have reappeared.
Mugiyanto, one of the kidnapped activists, said Yudhoyono should take immediate action to resolve the case.
The President, he said, should order Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Djoko Santoso to hand over documents in the possession of the Military Official Honorary Council, which contain records of interrogations of several military officials in connection with the case.
"The President can take action without having to wait for the special committee to complete its job. They (the President and the special committee) can act simultaneously," Mugiyanto said.