A question of jealousy?

A question of jealousy?

Amid the increasing trust which the community is conferring on the National Commission on Human Rights, whose accomplishments are viewed as improving, serious criticism is being voiced against this independent institution, which was established by presidential decree. Its critics comprise individuals holding positions which are difficult to separate from the House of Representatives. In their opinion, the Commission has overstepped its authority and neglected to observe proper procedures, particularly in the case of the land dispute in the village of Tubanan in Tandes district, Surabaya.

The dispute involves 63 hectares out of a total of 88 hectares of land and affects thousands of occupants on the one side and the developer, PT Darmo Permai, on the other. The 22-year long dispute led to the involvement of the National Commission on Human Rights, the last remaining institution on which the people of Tubanan could pin their hopes.

This valid criticism may be seen as a kind of indication of "jealousy" which exists on the part of members of the House of Representatives towards the National Commission on Human Rights, which apparently is enjoying the growing trust of people who feel that their interests have been harmed. This phenomenon also seems to indicate a lack of effectiveness on part of the House in the way it is carrying out its legislative and representative functions. We hope those who are criticizing the National Commission of Human Rights will have the fairness to admit this lack of effectiveness as felt by the public, who for that very reason are putting more confidence in the commission.

-- Republika, Jakarta