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Doubts Over Moluccas
Investigation Team's Credibility
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Kompas
Online
June
15, 2002 |
Ambon, Kompas
Online
Several Moluccan figures have expressed mixed doubts over the
establishment of the National Independent Investigation Team to
end the conflict in that area.
On one hand, the team's setup is welcomed as a serious endeavor
on the part of govenment to end the Moluccan conflict and as a
follow up on the Malino II Agreement. On the other hand, however,
doubts have arisen over the team's credibility and reputation of
the members and the team leader, whether they would disclose the
conflict's roots in an independent and transparent way.
A similar statement was made by Malino delegation members, Aziz
Fidmatan and Jacky Manuputty and attorneys Malik Selang, Tony
Hatane, who joined the Committee of Truth, Justice and
Anti-Violence in Moluccas on Friday (14/6).
Questions arose about the leader I Wayan Karya (chairman) and
Bambang W. Suharto (Deputy Chairman) in the team. I Wayan Karya's
position as an expert staff in the Coordinating of Political and
Security Affairs Department might turn into an obstacle when he
has to face cases of violence involving TNI and the Police.
The appointment of Bambang W. Suharto is questioned since his
failure to lead the Investigation on Human Rights Offences in
Moluccas which was formed by the National Human Rights Commission
(HAM) and a close affinity with military figures.
Malik Selang drew attention on the fact that Bambang failed to
do anything so far for Moluccas. Several reports on HAM offences
were never followed up. "We doubt Bambang's capabilities very
much. Also his behavior as Deputy Chairman of Komnas HAM,"
Malik said.
Kompas failed to get in touch with I Wayan Karya and Bambang W.
Suharto for their comments on the negative reception of the
investigation team under their leadership. Both men were not in
their offices. Efforts to call them on the phone were also
unsuccesful. Besides that, both men had deactivated their mobile
phones. Kompas tried to contact Roni Nitibaskara, one of the
team's members, in the evening, but, reporters were also
unsuccesful.
Ready to assist
Just like Malik, Tony and Jacky brought up, government should
appoint people from the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute (YLBHI),
the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims Of Violence (Kontras)
or, Baku Bae activists, in the team. Even so, Jacky and Malik have
expressed to be on hand to assist in data collecting for the team
despite their doubtful findings.
"It is as if this team has been formed in the interest of
the government, and not for the Moluccan people," said Tony.
However, Aziz who was just dismissed from the post of Secretary
General Moluccas Islam Defence Front because of his participation
in the Malino meetings, said that the establishment of the
independent investigation team for the troubled area, is an
aspiration of both communities in the framework of law enforcement
and a bid to find a solution for the problem.
He appealed for a transparent delivery of the team's
investigation results to the public in the shortest possible time.
The results should not be filed in the interest of government
alone.
The presence of the independent investigation team is, in his
opinion, very important to put an end to the Moluccan conflict.
The Moslem side needs to clarify the presence of the Holy War (Laskar
Jihad) organization while Christians need to apply the same about
the presence of the South Moluccas Republic movement (RMS).
"Clarification is necessary to prevent allegations on both
sides which would only spell losses to third parties," Aziz
said.
Jacky does not expect too much from the investigation team
despite his request for a transparent work method and to announce
their findings to provide the public with an opportunity to
evaluate the team's independence.
His side is ready to provide the necessary information, he
said. Doubts over government measures to find the source of
violence in Moluccas have spurred attorneys on both sides of the
community to start their own probe. (*)
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