Govt condemns gang rapes during riots

JAKARTA (JP): The government formally condemned yesterday the gang rapes that were rampant during and after the May riots in Jakarta and other towns, but stopped short of issuing a public apology as demanded by the National Commission on Human Rights.

State Minister of Women's Affairs Tutty Alawiyah held a two- hour closed-door meetings with the commission, which on Thursday laid the blame squarely on the government and the military for failing to protect women and children from the sexual assaults.

"We share the same perception. We are very concerned and we condemn these acts," Tutty told reporters after the meeting.

"The President, in the last cabinet meeting, expressed his regret and he was convinced that these rapes took place," she said, referring to President B.J. Habibie at a meeting Wednesday.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to ask the press to stop reporting that the government remains unconvinced about these rapes because it needs more accurate evidence.

"In the cabinet meeting, it was clearly stated that these rapes happened and that we all want to help the victims," she said.

The human rights commission in a statement Thursday said that lax security allowed these rapes, that targeted mainly women and children of Chinese descent, to become widespread. The rapes continued until as late as one week ago, it said.

The commission demanded a public apology from the government for neglecting its duty to protect its citizens.

When pressed to comment on the demands, Tutty said people should await for the results of the investigation. "We're not necessarily at fault here. So we will investigate until we find the perpetrators.

"But my message is that the government does care and is concerned," she said.

In the meeting yesterday, the commission was represented by its deputies Miriam Budiardjo and Marzuki Darusman, and members Saparinah Sadli, Clementino dos Reis Amaral and Soegiri.

Tutty heads an all-woman team set up Wednesday by Habibie to help women who were sexually assaulted. First Lady Ainun Habibie is its patron.

Tutty has said that the team would work closely with all parties, including non-governmental organizations.

Several voluntary women's groups have compiled data on the rapes and interviewed the victims. They were the first to raise the alarm about the sexual abuse because victims were too terrified and ashamed to come forward to the authorities. (byg)