House probes disappearances

SIGLI, Aceh: A fact-finding team of the House of Representatives arrived in Pidie regency on Tuesday to start its investigation into reported disappearance of hundreds of people over the past decade.

Led by Hari Sabarno of the Armed Forces (ABRI) faction, the team heard testimony from residents at the local legislative council. The council has reportedly received 440 reports of missing people and torture by ABRI officers.

The team also includes Taryo Tarmadi, former West Java regional military chief. The hearing was held behind closed doors, Antara said.

Later in the day, the team visited a traditional house used as a base of the Army's special force (Kopassus) in Billie Aron village, Glumpang Dua district. It is said to be the site where ABRI officers interrogated people they accused of involvement in the separatist movement.

The team was scheduled yesterday to continue its investigation trip to Lhokseumawe in North Aceh.