Ita's murder

Ita's murder

I was both upset and angry over the killing of a rape victim
counselor, which was reported in The Jakarta Post on Oct. 10.

Over the past few months, we have been hearing doubts from
both the progovernment people and the military that the rapes had
indeed happened, saying that there has been no proof of the rapes
taking place and ignoring the fact that the rape victims, and the
voluntary workers who are trying to help them, have been
threatened by an organized group of people who seem to know every
move they make.

The police keep encouraging the victims and witnesses to come
forward and give their testimony by giving them assurances that
their identity will be kept secret. Not once have I heard that
they also assured them that their safety is guaranteed. Please
correct me if I'm mistaken.

It is disgusting that after 53 years of independence, victims
are still treated as criminals while the real criminals are given
the royal treatment of innocent, until proven guilty. Money
talks, of course.

I guess for the next few weeks we will be hearing all manner
of excuses about motives behind the killing beside the
counselor's involvement with the voluntary organization. I doubt
the police will admit their mistake and offer a sincere apology
to Ita's family, other volunteers and the victims for not looking
after their safety.

To Ita's family, I would like to offer my deepest condolences.
I admire her courage in her effort to reveal the truth. It is
only with truth and dignity somebody should live and die. And at
a very young age, she has proven that.

For the other voluntary workers and the victims, I hope Ita's
death will not discourage you all. Most of the time, truth is
more painful than lies but in the end, truth will shine like the
sun, and those of the so-called elite in this country had better
be prepared to face the consequences.

M. TJAHYADI

Jakarta