KIPP protests use of violence against activists

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)