Govt, House told to react over U.S. amendment

SEMARANG (JP): Members of the National Commission on Human Rights urged the government and the House of Representatives yesterday to hit back at a U.S. House amendment that condemns alleged human rights abuses in East Timor.

The commission's deputy chairman, Marzuki Darusman, suggested that Indonesia's government and House counter the amendment approved unanimously Tuesday.

"A Jakarta counterargument or answer is expected to affect U.S. Congress' future decision," Marzuki told a seminar on human rights and the environment at Diponegoro University.

His colleague, Muladi, also the university's rector, shared his view, saying that the government, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, should react strongly against the amendment.

"Our diplomats should fight it out to answer any criticism by the U.S. Congress," said Muladi.

Rhode Island Democrat Patrick Kennedy, who introduced the amendment, said Tuesday that the amendment would send a strong and clear message to the Indonesian government that the U.S. Congress would not tolerate the continued human rights abuses of the people of the former Portuguese colony.

He said Tuesday's unanimous vote would "serve as a launching point for further action against Indonesia".

Kennedy also introduced a bill calling for the elimination of military assistance and training funds to Indonesia unless human rights violations stopped. This bill may be voted on in the House later this month.

Indonesia answered congressional linkages to human rights issues Friday by canceling the purchase of U.S.-made F-16 jet fighters and participation in the International Military Education and Training program.

East Timor was integrated into Indonesia in 1975 and has since been named the country's 27th province.

Both Marzuki and Muladi lashed out the amendment, saying it reflected Kennedy's personal ambition.

"He (Kennedy) is seeking support from his Rhode Island constituents. Exploiting somebody's tribulation for personal interests is unethical," Marzuki said.

But Muladi urged the government to learn from the U.S. House's criticism. He said the amendment's approval proved that human rights issue had something to do with a state's reputation.

"The more solid a nation, the more reluctant other countries are to criticize it," Muladi said.

He suggested the government encourage amicable ties with as many countries as possible and work hard to improve domestic human rights.

Marzuki said that Indonesian intellectuals, businessmen, media and diplomats should help the government convince other countries that domestic human rights recognition had improved vastly. (har/amd)