APSN Banner

Organized group behind abductions

Source
Kompas - May 1, 1998

Jakarta – The National Commission of Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has come to the conclusion after observations that the persons who were reported missing, were caught and led away by force. They did not disappear of their own choice. Abductions are a serious violation of human rights. Komnas HAM has drawn the conclusion that an organized group were responsible for the abductions. Strong suspicions have also arisen among the public that it might not be impossible if elements of security forces were involved in these acts.

An official statement about the abductions will be delivered by by the Deputy Chairman II of Komnas HAM, Marzuki Darusman who will be flanked by Komnas HAM Deputy Chairman I, Miriam Budiardjo, members Albert Hasibuan, HR Djoko Soegianto, Soegiri, Clementino Dos Reis Amaral, BN Marbunn, on Thursday (30/4) at the office of the organization in Jakarta. The statement will be signed by Miriamm Budihardjo and Secretary General Baharuddin Lopa.

Komnas' conclusion has been based on their own observations, several reports made by the victims' family relations and third parties from the public.

Unmoved

According to Komnas, the basic attitude of government and the armed forces (ABRI), that of the Indonesian Police in particular, has momentarily not awakened public faith who do not seem convinced of their political responsibility and the law nor do they understand the gravity of the ongoing matter as no real action necessary to pacify the public seemed to have been taken.

"The abductions caused suffering to the victims and their families, they caused fear among the public and have downgraded the nation's image. In fact, the abductions were a violation of rights and liberty, it is a total diversion from the norms and civil political order. Therefore, Komnas HAM strongly disapproves these acts," stressed Marzuki.

Recommendation

HAM's efforts to restore the victims' rights and to nullify fear of the general public, the organization is suggesting four recommendations.

First, government and the armed forces should be taking clearly coordinated steps to study genuinely and seriously incoming reports which are related to the abductions and solve these cases once and for all. This, according to Komnas' view would eradicate public suspicions of ABRI. Further, it might be necessary to take legal action against the abductors. A National Investigation Commission (KPN) could be formed on account of this.

Second, Komnas would make an appeal to government to rehabilitate and compensate victims to restore their faith in humanity.

Third, Komnas will repeatedly make recommendations to government and the Legislative Council (DPR) to ratify the Convention of Anti Torture Acts or other cruel acts of Inhuman Nature that is degrading to Mankind.

Fourth, an appeal to the public will be made to voluntarily disclose information and their views about the incidents to Komnas HAM. Informations may be forwarded in a confidential way, or be made in public.

Appreciation

In their official statement Komnas HAM disclosed their appreciation for the Defense Minister/Commander of the Armed Forces' confirmation that there is no policy or instructions to abduct persons. The armed forces (ABRI) will be joining in the search for still missing persons. "This statement will be underscored with providing protection to those who have returned and have made a report about their disappearance," said Marzuki.

Albert Hasibuan explained that Komnas, before coming to their conclusions, has gathered informations and dispatched letters to those who were abducted and returned. Komnas is prepared to call on them if these people are not reachable by mail. One of these was Pius Lustrilanang.

"The total number of missing persons differ from day to day. On some days we receive a report that 14 persons have gone missing, the next day there are 10, after that we got information of persons returning. Hence we were not able to come up with a fixed number. Like three days ago we got a report that 20 have disappeared, which was followed by another that some of them have returned. Such reports made it impossible for Komnas HAM to come up with a fixed number," Amaral added.

Country