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

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)