Missing activists' kin fail to identify remains

JAKARTA (JP): Relatives of five missing political activists flocked to the morgue of Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital yesterday, but left convinced none of the three decomposed bodies found in the Thousands Islands recently were their loved ones.

"I was sure from the beginning that none of the remains were my son's," said Mrs. Siahaan, mother of missing activist Ucok Munandar Siahaan, after examining the male remains in the Central Jakarta hospital's autopsy room.

Forensic expert Herkutanto, who heads the team examining the remains, had warned the group to refrain from touching the bodies, clothes or personal items laid next to them.

But Mrs. Siahaan laid her hands gently on the clothing.

"I touched them but I did not feel any sensation between me and the clothes. I knew they must not be him," she told The Jakarta Post.

Similar doubts were expressed by relatives of Noval Alkatiri, Yidin Muhidin, Herman Hendrawan and Hendra Hambalie.

Nurhasanah smiled broadly and insisted her son Yidin was not among the corpses.

"He never had underwear and a T-shirt like that," she said, pointing to the torn clothes on display near the remains.

Epo, Herman's brother, said one of the bodies almost matched his brother's physical type.

Ultimately, he was convinced it was not Herman, who was mistakenly sighted in the Philippines last week.

Feeling

"I have this feeling that it's not him," he said.

Erie Alkatiri said none of the corpses' teeth matched those of her brother Noval.

"He has small and discolored teeth. He liked to smoke. But his teeth were even."

The families said they lived in emotional limbo since the disappearances.

"I always follow every news item on the finding of human remains," Mrs. Siahaan said.

"But so far, I have been sure none of them was my son's."

The remains were exhumed Tuesday from a makeshift grave in the island group off the Jakarta Bay.

Pieces of clothes wrapped parts of the remains, reportedly discovered by locals on May 17. The tattered garments included pants, underwear and T-shirts.

Also found in the grave were two wallets, one of them containing a name card, three wristwatches, a small harmonica and toys.

The five activists are among at least 12 male political activists reported missing since April last year.

Nine others have already resurfaced, and related harrowing tales of their abduction and torture by members of the military.

Ucok, Yidin and Hendra were reported missing on May 14, when massive rioting blanketed the capital.

Forensic expert Budi Sampurna, a senior member of the team, said the blood types of the bodies would be revealed next week.

Families of the missing activists had submitted photos, vital statistics and distinguishing marks.

"But we still need the information of their dental order, if available," he said. (ivy)