The Jakarta Post, May 28, 2004
BIN says ICG's Jones cannot stay
Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Abdul Khalik, Jakarta
State Intelligence Agency (BIN) chief A.M. Hendropriyono said security authorities
might not extend the work permit of International Crisis Group (ICG) director Sidney
Jones, claiming she had tarnished the country's image.
Being the coordinator of the country's intelligence authorities, Hendropriyono said he
had enough reasons not to extend the permit.
"Sidney Jones is working here with a human rights watchdog and has published or
sent her reports abroad for money. Not all of her reports are true," Hendropriyono said
after a Cabinet meeting on Thursday.
"We are not expelling her, but actions should be taken against those who disturb the
government and the people. Why should we let her stay here?"
However, Hendropriyono fell short of citing which of Jones' reports he considered
inaccurate or fictitious.
He warned that the government could exercise "old measures" against the outspoken
NGOs, referring to the use of violence to clamp down on government critics under the
past regime.
"Since we are in a new era, we do not do that, but should we find that these people
are continuing to sell out their country we may return to the old measures," he
remarked.
Hendropriyono underlined that a sovereign country had the authority to take action
against those who threatened national interests.
"I'm not speaking about Sidney only, but Indonesian people who sell out the country,"
the retired three-star general said.
"If they are reporting the truth then we will respect them, but if not of course we will
have to reprimand them."
Security authorities are closely monitoring activists of around 20 NGOs in the country,
including the ICG.
The Brussels-based ICG is known for its critical reports on various security issues in
Indonesia, ranging from the ongoing security operation in Aceh to the existence of
Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) terrorist network here.
BIN is currently gathering more data on Jones, as well as several NGOs it considers a
threat to the country's image.
The BIN chief, mandated by Presidential Instruction No. 5/2002, coordinates all
intelligence activities and has the authority to review foreigners' work permits.
Interim coordinating minister for political and security affairs Hari Sabarno said the
country had the right to take measures against those who threatened national
interests.
"We will even take actions against Indonesian nationals if they become a threat," Hari
said.
Separately, National Police Chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said the police were currently
gathering more incriminating evidence to charge the NGOs and their activists with
provoking the people, causing public disturbance and sowing hatred against the
government.
"We have received preliminary evidence from BIN and are currently following up the
reports. If it is proven they have violated the law, we will take legal action against
them," he said.
He said the NGOs could be banned from operating in Indonesia and its foreign
representatives could be sent home.
The government's move came ahead of the presidential election which will see
President Megawati Soekarnoputri running for the presidency again.
A source told The Jakarta Post that Megawati's Indonesian Democratic Party of
Struggle (PDI-P) is trying to persuade Hendropriyono to stay cool at least until the
election is over.
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