TEMPO, Tuesday, 14 November, 2006 | 12:36 WIB
Human Rights Commission Disappointed About Poso Handling
TEMPO Interactive, Palu: The National Commission for Human Rights (Komnas HAM)
said it was disappointed with the government for not using the Commission’s
recommendation on settling the conflict in Poso, Central Sulawesi. “As a person who
worked at an NGO, I’m disappointed with the government’s attitude,” said Deputy
Head of Komnas HAM, Zoemrotin K. Susilo, after meeting with Deputy Governor of
Central Sulawesi Ahmad Yahya in Palu yesterday (13/11).
The former Head of the Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) cited the
recommendation on the public’s involvement in the Malino Declaration I in 2001.
According to the result of Komnas HAM’s investigation in 2004, the majority of
Posonese rejected the Malino Declaration I.
Another matter is many of ther civil rights of the Posonese from both groups—Muslim
and Christian—were lost after the conflict. Zoemrotin cited gardens, houses and rice
fields were not returned to the owners. There were even seven cases of human rights
violations which were not followed up by the government despite Komnas HAM
submitting the investigation documents to the Attorney General’s Office (AGO).
Among the cases are Semanggi I and II ; the May 20, 1998 case and the activists
kidnapping in 1994-1997. Komnas HAM could not do much because its authority is
limited to giving recommendations. “What can we do?” she said.
Zoemrotin said she will leave for Poso as soon as possible to meet with Christian and
Muslim residents. She also promised to investigate the case of a clash between a
crowd and the police in Tanah Runtuh, Poso and the shooting at some clergy in Palu.
Regarding the case of Tanah Runtuh on October 22, Zoemrotin will meet the residents
who were unjustly treated by the police, including a hospital employee who was
tortured by a police officer during duty on the night of the incident.
She said Komnas HAM will protect the rights of 29 suspects of the Poso case who
are now fugitives. The police must not break the law in making arrests. “Arrests are
allowed, but the suspect’s rights must be respected,” said Zoemrotin. M Darlis
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