House supports thorough investigation into riots<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): House of Representatives Speaker Harmoko,
\nopening the first of the House's 1998\/1999 sitting sessions,
\nsupported calls for a thorough investigation into the May riots
\nwhich left 1,200 people killed, more than 160 women and children
\nsexually abused and led to the downfall of veteran ruler
\nSoeharto.<\/p>\n
\"It is our hope the (government's) joint fact-finding team
\nwill unveil the facts behind the riots (in order) to restore the
\ncountry's image,\" Harmoko said in the plenary session Saturday.<\/p>\n
The opening ceremony was capped off by President B.J.
\nHabibie's state of the nation address.<\/p>\n
He said a comprehensive explanation for the riots was an
\nimportant part of the campaign to protect the rights of every
\ncitizen, including the minority.<\/p>\n
The government established a team last month which includes
\nrepresentatives from the Armed Forces (ABRI), government
\nagencies, the National Commission on Human Rights and non-
\ngovernmental organizations.<\/p>\n
To showcase his commitment to human rights, Harmoko pledged
\nthe House would review a number of \"repressive laws\" often
\nexercised to curb freedom of expression. He did not specify any
\nlaws which might be reviewed.<\/p>\n
Harmoko also promised the House's commitment to act as a
\ncontrol agency on the government.<\/p>\n
During the 32 years of New Order regime under former president
\nSoeharto which ended on May 21, the House was largely considered
\nnothing more than the government's rubber-stamp.<\/p>\n
In his speech, Harmoko jumped on the bandwagon of those who
\nare now criticizing the Armed Forces (ABRI) for various rights
\nviolations. He said that the security approach employed in the
\npast 30 years had led to serious human right abuses in East
\nTimor, Irian Jaya and Aceh.<\/p>\n
\"The security approach has often led to a situation that has
\nnot only been traumatic but will also create protracted problems
\nin the future.<\/p>\n
\"Repressive acts will only deprive (people of) freedom and
\ncreate fear in society,\" Harmoko said.<\/p>\n
The nation has been stunned by recent revelations of many
\nserious human rights violations, allegedly committed by the
\nmilitary, in areas designated military operation regions such as
\nAceh, Irian Jaya and East Timor. ABRI had also admitted
\ninvolvement in rights violations such as the abduction of
\npolitical activists.<\/p>\n
Harmoko lauded the establishment of the Officers Honor Council
\nto investigate the involvement of three Army Special Force
\n(Kopassus) senior officers in the abductions. He also praised the
\nwithdrawal of troops from Aceh and East Timor. (byg)<\/p>",
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