House supports thorough investigation into riots
JAKARTA (JP): House of Representatives Speaker Harmoko, opening the first of the House's 1998/1999 sitting sessions, supported calls for a thorough investigation into the May riots which left 1,200 people killed, more than 160 women and children sexually abused and led to the downfall of veteran ruler Soeharto.
"It is our hope the (government's) joint fact-finding team will unveil the facts behind the riots (in order) to restore the country's image," Harmoko said in the plenary session Saturday.
The opening ceremony was capped off by President B.J. Habibie's state of the nation address.
He said a comprehensive explanation for the riots was an important part of the campaign to protect the rights of every citizen, including the minority.
The government established a team last month which includes representatives from the Armed Forces (ABRI), government agencies, the National Commission on Human Rights and non- governmental organizations.
To showcase his commitment to human rights, Harmoko pledged the House would review a number of "repressive laws" often exercised to curb freedom of expression. He did not specify any laws which might be reviewed.
Harmoko also promised the House's commitment to act as a control agency on the government.
During the 32 years of New Order regime under former president Soeharto which ended on May 21, the House was largely considered nothing more than the government's rubber-stamp.
In his speech, Harmoko jumped on the bandwagon of those who are now criticizing the Armed Forces (ABRI) for various rights violations. He said that the security approach employed in the past 30 years had led to serious human right abuses in East Timor, Irian Jaya and Aceh.
"The security approach has often led to a situation that has not only been traumatic but will also create protracted problems in the future.
"Repressive acts will only deprive (people of) freedom and create fear in society," Harmoko said.
The nation has been stunned by recent revelations of many serious human rights violations, allegedly committed by the military, in areas designated military operation regions such as Aceh, Irian Jaya and East Timor. ABRI had also admitted involvement in rights violations such as the abduction of political activists.
Harmoko lauded the establishment of the Officers Honor Council to investigate the involvement of three Army Special Force (Kopassus) senior officers in the abductions. He also praised the withdrawal of troops from Aceh and East Timor. (byg)