KIPP protests use of violence against activists

JAKARTA (JP): Leader of the Independent Election Monitoring Committee (KIPP) Goenawan Mohamad deplored the intimidation and use of violence against its activists in many cities.

"Support and opposition against KIPP are both welcome, as they are part of the process in learning democratization. What's really regrettable is the use of violence against the establishment of KIPP," Goenawan said in a statement made available to The Jakarta Post here yesterday.

He cited several examples of the violence, including the arrest of a number of the poll body's activists in Lampung and in Wonosobo in Central Java, the disbanding of meetings, as well as the vandalism against the homes of some activists.

An act of violence which Goenawan particularly deplored was Monday's burning of the office of the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute in Medan, North Sumatra, after having hosted a meeting of KIPP activists a day earlier.

"KIPP rejects every criminal action and coercion launched by certain parties to deter efforts to monitor the general election," Goenawan said. "This violent crime is not a good way to solve differences of opinion."

He pointed out that the poll body was established as a peaceful measure to improve the quality of the general election and to encourage citizens to participate in the political process.

Goenawan observed that there has been a "systematic effort to discredit activists of KIPP by linking them with a certain organization."

He was apparently referring to the recent revelation by the government that Mulyana W. Kusumah, the secretary-general of the poll body, possesses past communist links and will therefore not be allowed to vote in the general election next year.

Goenawan claimed that support for the independent poll body continues to pour in, and that 30 offices of KIPP in various cities have either been established or are in the process of being established.

Goenawan was among the 50 scholars, human rights campaigners and government critics who established the independent poll body on March 15. Citing rampant violations in the previous five general elections, the founders said that they wished to help monitor the 1997 polls across the country.

The government has already established the official Election Supervision Committee, which is headed by Attorney General Singgih.

Ever since its establishment, the poll body has drawn strong reaction from various corners: some were supportive, while others were condemning. The poll body has also been followed by the establishment of similar bodies, as well as organizations which are campaigning against it.

In Semarang, Central Java, a youth organization affiliated with the ruling Golkar yesterday called on the government to immediately ban the independent poll body.

"Such an organization doesn't help development. In fact, it's destroying the existing order..if they are tolerated and given freedom here," according to chairman of Central Java chapter of the Angkatan Muda Pembaruan Indonesia Sutjipto.

In Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. said that the "restlessness" recently felt in many areas was caused by a few people who don't believe that the government would hold a fair general election.

"This is a negative attitude, a waste. We should banish this attitude from those people whose political aspiration is frustrated," Yogie was quoted as saying by Antara.

In his statement, Goenawan called on activists of the independent poll body not to be provoked by "the criminal action".

"Keep calm and proceed with the planned activities," he said.

On May 1, the government will begin the registration of those eligible to vote in next year's election. (swe)