House supports thorough investigation into riots
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)