Call for fresh probe into May 23 riot

Call for fresh probe into May 23 riot

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation called
yesterday for another independent investigation into the May 23
riot in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, which claimed 123 lives.

The foundation had just completed a week-long investigation
into the riot.

The investigating team concluded that the problems in the town
were "not over yet", especially regarding human rights
protection.

"(What's needed is) another investigation by an independent
team which will not dismiss more forensic examinations of all the
victims' bodies and witnesses' accounts," the foundation said in
a statement.

The foundation said more research was needed to get a better
idea of what happened in the riot.

"We urge the government to restore the public's sense of
security by revoking its previous judgmental statement which
branded those who had died as rioters and looters," said the
statement signed by foundation chairman Bambang Widjojanto and
secretary Munir.

The Banjarmasin riot erupted on the last day of the 27-day
election campaign, when Golkar supporters clashed with United
Development Party (PPP) supporters. It was Golkar's turn to
campaign in the town on May 23.

Scores of buildings and vehicles were torched before security
forces arrived to quell the unrest.

All 123 victims were found burned beyond recognition in the
Mitra Plaza shopping mall.

The foundation said the government should not make statements
which divided the public or created suspicion and fear.

The foundation also called on the government to restore the
dignity of those whose rights had been abused during its handling
of the riot.

"Their sense of security must be restored before they will
have the courage to reveal objectively what they had witnessed in
the riot," the foundation said.

The foundation said it would seek every opportunity to
cooperate with professional organizations and local non-
governmental organizations to help the families of riot victims.

Reports said Wednesday that 64 people would be tried in
connection with the riot.

Kompas daily said the 64 would be charged with crimes ranging
from carrying illegal weapons to looting.

Lt. Col. Kusbini Imbar told the daily that 55 others in
detention were still being investigated.

South Kalimantan acting chief prosecutor Muhammad Taufik said
the trials would begin on July 1. (aan)