ABC AUSTRALIA, 07/02/2003
Military role in murder
The military admits it was involved in the murder of a separatist leader.
07/02/2003
The Indonesian military has indicated for the first time that it was involved in the
murder of Papuan pro-independence leader, Theys Eluay 14 months ago.
Lieutenant Colonel Hartomo of Indonesia's notorious Kopassus special force has told
a court martial hearing in Surabaya that one of his soldiers was involved in assaulting
the chief prior to his death after he refused to drop plans to seek Papuan
independence from Indonesia.
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Theys Eluay was found dead on the outskirts of Jayapura, the capital of Papua
province in November 2001. He went missing while driving home the previous evening
after attending a dinner hosted by the Kopassus special forces unit.
The military originally denied involvement in his death but following a police
investigation, seven officers and soldiers have been charged over the killing.
Abandoned after attack
One of the officers on trial has told a court martial that Eluay was weak but alive when
soldiers left him in his car.
But Lieutenant Colonel Hartomo told the hearing on Wednesday that one of his
soldiers had admitted repeatedly clamping his hands over Eluay's mouth, according to
the Koran Tempo daily.
Hartomo said Private Zulfahmi, who is also on trial, had told him he clamped his
hands three times over Eluay's mouth as the latter began shouting following an
argument.
"Theys was left, in a weak condition, in Koya Tengah...he was still alive," Hartomo
was quoted as saying.
Hartomo said he had instructed several of his men to "guide" Eluay and persuade him
to cancel his intention to proclaim an independent Papua in December that year.
Who gave the order
But according to Aristides Katoppo, Indonesian journalist and commentator,
government policy "it seems now of course the lowest-ranking private is going to take
the rap."
"I think some tongues will be wagging about (whether) the real officer who gave the
order will be punished.
Eluay's driver Aristoteles, who was with him on the night, is missing and presumed
dead. Military investigators have dug up parts of the Kopassus base at Jayapura for
his body but found nothing.
The soldiers and officers face up to 15 years jail, if found guilty.
By Kevin McQuillan; reported by Linda LoPresti and agencies.
07/02/2003 | ABC Radio Australia News
© 2001 Australian Broadcasting Corporation |
