Agus Maryono, Purwokerto – An NGO says that anticorruption activists working in several regencies in Central Java have reported 24 cases of criminal or violent intimidation over the last five years.

"This is proof that human rights defenders, including corruption activists, are still facing serious threats in the country," Central Java Corruption, Collusion and Nepotism Investigation and Eradication Committee (KPPKKN) secretary Eko Haryanto told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday. "This must not be ignored if the country wants to root out corruption."

Eko said that the alleged intimidation took the form of spurious libel lawsuits; assault; torture; vandalism and arson attacks on the homes, cars and personal property of activists; harassment and death threats.

"We recorded 24 cases of intimidation over the past five years that befell our fellow corruption activists in Central Java, including those at the KPPKKN," Eko said.

In addition to corruption activists, Eko alleged that Temanggung regency administration officials had also been intimidated by the regent, who was himself the subject of a police investigation.

"It took place in January 2005 when the Temanggung regent was being examined by the police for graft. He threatened 61 regency officials, who were also interrogated by police, that he would fire them if they testified," Eko said. The officials subsequently resigned and the regent was dismissed over the case.

"That's why we, from the Central Java KPPKKN, urge legislators at the House of Representatives to take a firm stance to protect anticorruption activists from every kind of intimidation and violence for the reports that they make," said Eko.

He added the bill on human rights protection currently being discussed should be immediately approved as it would ensure the safety of anti-corruption activists.

He further said that Indonesian law enforcement authorities did not regarded human rights defenders as crucial.

"The United Nations has also deemed the same. UN special envoy on human rights Hina Jilani stated in his report on the condition of human rights protection in Indonesia in 2008 that activists are still in a threatened condition. They often encounter obstacles when carrying out investigations and advocacy actions," Eko said.

The current situation, according to Eko, was a strong challenge to the burgeoning role of civil society groups in eradicating corruption, which has been accommodated by the government through Article 41 of the 1999 Corruption Law, which provides rewards for preventing and eradicating corruption.