Credible members important to probe Theys murder: Experts

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."