ABRI, police set up teams to trace victims of May riots

ABRI, police set up teams to trace victims of May riots

JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces (ABRI) and National Police will
conduct separate investigations into the massive rioting that
rocked Jakarta and other major cities in May, causing the death
of 1,200 people and abuse of hundreds of women.

ABRI is preparing an independent fact-finding team to identify
the masterminds behind the riots and also to help victims,
including the assaulted women, leading humanitarian volunteer
Sandyawan Sumardi said yesterday.

"I was invited to the Armed Forces Cilangkap headquarters
today (yesterday) to discuss the establishment of the ABRI-
initiated fact-finding team," Sandyawan of Volunteers of Humanity
told The Jakarta Post by phone.

He said he was still considering whether to accept the
invitation to join the team.

"I still need to learn how independent the fact-finding team
will be. (If it's not independent), it would be useless for me to
join," he said. "In the meantime, I will continue giving advocacy
to the rape and looting victims."

He said he received reports about heinous crimes committed
during the rioting from relatives of 40 to 120 victims every day.

Human rights lawyer Nursyahbani Katjasungkana, who was also
invited to the meeting chaired by the Armed Forces chief of
general affairs, Lt. Gen. Fachrul Razi, said she would join the
team and give her utmost to its objectives.

The team, which will include officials of the Armed Forces
headquarters, the ministries of justice, home affairs, foreign
affairs, the Attorney General's Office, the National Commission
on Human Rights and several non-governmental organizations
(NGOs), will be declared at the justice ministry tomorrow.

The riots, occurring in the capital on three consecutive days
in mid-May, triggered lawlessness and violence in several parts
of the country.

A report from the National Commission on Human Rights said at
least 1,188 people were killed in the rampages, while the
Volunteers for Humanity reported 168 cases of rapes against women
and minors during the riots and until as recently as July 3.

The team from the National Police will consist of policewomen
from the detective and intelligence units, police chief Lt. Gen.
Roesmanhadi said separately yesterday.

Roesmanhadi said policewomen were employed because they were
expected to be more sensitive in dealing with rape victims. He
added police were trying to erase the image of being "formal and
stern" even in handling such sensitive cases.

"Police face various difficulties here. We have checked with
three local hospitals and a Singaporean hospital and also
coordinated with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the
National Commission on Human Rights and volunteers team.

"But, we have not found any rape victims until today. It is
hard to start a solid investigation without reports from the
victims.

"Well... we have to be honest here. The fact that nobody came
forward and gave us significant leads makes it difficult for us
to trace the case," he added.

He said police believed there had been rapes," ...but to tell
you the truth, it is... hard to solve as there has been no solid
testimony, no witnesses, moreover no suspects."

Police have also opened a complaint mail box, numbered 7777
for city police headquarters and 777 for police precincts.
(imn/edt)