Govt condemns gang rapes during riots

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)