Jakarta – The National Commission on Human Rights, or Komnas HAM, on Wednesday (22/06) named evidence of gross human rights abuse conducted by the soldiers in the 1999 Kertas Kraft Aceh tragedy, which killed dozens of people.
The commission said in a statement that it included massacre and persecution against rallying protesters in North Aceh district in 1999.
The massacre, known as "the Simpang KKA tragedy," saw the Indonesian Military (TNI) allegedly open fire on a protest rally at the entrance to the now liquidated state-owned paper manufacturing company Kertas Kraft Aceh in North Aceh district. The investigation found at least 23 people were shot dead by the soldiers, while more than 30 others were persecuted.
The proves of the attack included the deployment of military forces Arhanud Rudal Detachment 001/Pulo Rungkom and Yonif 113/JS, equipped with fire arms to violently intercept the protesters.
"The acts was conducted systematically in wide range of areas, so it can be included in the crimes against the humanity," said the statement.
The commission also named those held responsible for the massacre, among others were the Indonesian Military, Bukit Barisan Military commander and the commanders of military forces of Lilawangsa military resort, North Aceh military resort, 113/JS Infantry Battalion, Arhanud Rudal detachment and North Aceh subdistrict Dewantara military base.