Jakarta – An Indonesian human rights group has claimed that more than 50 people have been murdered in a wave of mysterious serial killings this year, news reports said Saturday.

The murders in western Java Island recalled attacks on the eastern side of the island last year in which more than 150 Muslim clerics and people believed to have been dabbling in black magic were killed. Dozens of others died in revenge attacks by vigilantes.

The Jakarta-based Committee for Disappeared People and Victims of Violence said it had compiled the names of 50 villagers believed to have been killed since January in the West Java region of Ciamis, 140 miles southeast of the capital, Jakarta.

The victims included alleged black magic sorcerers as well as vocal critics of former President Suharto, The Jakarta Post quoted committee chief Munir as saying.

Indonesia has been plagued by civil unrest since the downfall a year ago of Suharto after 32 years of authoritarian rule. Rumors have arisen that 77-year-old Suharto may have instigated some of the violence, although no proof against him has emerged and he has denied the charges.

Munir, who like many Indonesians uses one name only, said 24 bodies have been found in Ciamis and that 26 other people were missing and believed dead. Police have said at least 18 people died and that about 40 suspects have been arrested.

Munir said the suspected killers were unemployed or criminals and had been paid by unidentified groups to carry out the murders.