Apriadi Gunawan, Medan – Violent acts involving Indonesian Military (TNI) personnel in North Sumatra are on the rise, with 12 cases recorded already this year, compared with just 10 last year, Kontras said.
The Commission for Missing Persons and Victims (Kontras) said from January to October this year it had recorded 12 cases of violence involving TNI personnel.
Kontras coordinator in Sumatra, Diah Susilowati, said most of the cases they recorded involved violence, which she said was linked to the arrogance shown by TNI personnel toward civilians. "Tragically, many civilians have became the victims of violent acts conducted by TNI personnel," Diah said.
She said on Monday a clash over land had seen resident Charles Limbong killed. The police have named 13 suspects following the incident. Diah said Monday's incident was just one example of many conflicts between residents and the military's business.
On Monday, the clash erupted over the ownership of 180 hectares of land in Sei Tuan village, Pantai Labu district in Deli Serdang regency. Violent acts triggered by military business, she said, were directly related to the military personnel's arrogance.
Recently, 10 Sibolangit residents in Deli Serdang were beaten by Air Force personnel over a personal problem, she said. Another example was the alleged murder of Medan resident, Ibrahim, by Air Force's special unit personnel in March this year, she said.
Diah said Ibrahim was killed by several Air Force personnel who had accused him of being involved in an affair with an officer's wife. "The murder case is being trailed at Medan Military Court," she told The Jakarta Post in her office on Thursday. She said six of 37 suspects in the case had been put on trial.
Kontras has requested the government prohibit the military's to involve in business and to completely reform the TNI. "On it's 62th anniversary on October 5 this year, TNI still leaves out many unsolved problems," Diah said.
"Under the call for reform, TNI is pictured as a professional institution that serves to defend the country, while respecting human rights. But the reality is below expectation."
She said the government had yet to restructure territorial command, take over the military business or imposes disciplinary measures.
"So it's natural if in reality, violent acts and human rights violations involving TNI as institution and its personnel have continued to increase each year," she said.
When confirmed, Bukit Barisan Military spokesman Lt. Col. Togar Panjaitan denied army personnel had been involved in violence against civilians.
He said the clash which killed Charles Limbong in Labu beach on Monday did not involve military personnel. "The clash pit residents against workers from Bukit Barisan Military cooperative unit," Togar said.