Credible members important to probe Theys murder

Credible members important to probe Theys murder

or

Credibility a must in Theys murder investigation

Fabiola Desy Unidjaja
The Jakarta Post
Jakarta

Noting a growing sense of resentment among Papuans, analysts
say the inquiry into the murder of Irian Jaya independence leader
Theys Hiyo Eluay must be credible in order to earn the trust of
the local population -- and reveal who was behind the killing.

Legal expert Abdul Hakim Garuda Nusantara said on Friday that
there will inevitably be Papuans who reflexively reject members
of the independent investigative team, but added that the sooner
they can "prove their credibility," the better.

Despite the presence of government officials, with a sincere
degree of "independence and credibility ... then people will
support them," Abdul Hakim told The Jakarta Post.

Human rights lawyer Todung Mulya Lubis, however, said that it
would be preferable not to involve government officials in the
team at all, to allay concerns among Papuans who are suspicious
and embittered towards Jakarta.

"Maybe it is better to have (only) non-government people in
the team and it will be easier to win support from the locals --
because, as we all know, these people do not trust the
government," Todung said.

But he did not deny that the trustworthiness and legitimacy of
the team members -- and proper subsequent legal proceedings --
would be the crucial in gaining national and international
political support.

Theys was found dead in his overturned car on Nov. 11, 2001,
after having dinner in the provincial capital Jayapura with the
local commander of the Army's elite Kopassus special forces the
day before. Police have yet to rule out military involvement in
the killing, despite repeated denials by the army.

The death of Theys has bolstered the already-strong demands
for independence among the two million Papuans, who say the
government has siphoned off the province's wealth, while giving
back little in return.

Abdul Hakim also said that, apart from initial reactions to
the effort, the team deserves a chance to prove itself before
being criticized.

"There will be voice of rejection," he said, "so this
independent team is the chance for the government to prove its
political will in resolving the murder."

Asked about the demand to have international intervention,
Abdul Hakim said: "It is not necessary, and I believe the
international community will respect the domestic effort."

Relenting to public pressure, the government said on Thursday
it will establish an impartial team, and that it is working on
its composition.

Government officials said that the team would report directly
to the President Megawati Soekarnoputri who, they added, is in
the process of drafting a presidential decree for the formation
of the team.

Earlier, the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM)
proposed that a team with police and military elements along with
prominent local figures and representatives of non-governmental
organizations probe the case.

Deputy chairman of the Papua Presidium Council (PDP), Tom
Beanal, along with its secretary general Thaha Al-Hamid, had said
that Papuans would refuse such a team, suggesting it would be
merely a surrogate for the government and called for
international intervention instead.

Todung underscored that, although the team would only possess
investigative powers and that responsibility for the follow-up
procedures would lie with the government, there will be no
problem if the results are satisfactory.

"This is the chance to show the political will of the
government," he added, "and the team should demonstrate its
independent (status) to get both national and international
acknowledgement."