No proof of massacre at Tanjung Priok: Djoko

JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Right (Komnas HAM) announced on Friday that it had found no evidence of intentional mass killings or burials in the 1984 Tanjung Priok bloody shootings in North Jakarta.

The commission, led by chairman Djoko Soegianto, reported its final conclusion of the incident to the House of Representatives.

"The shootings were forcibly carried out by the security officers (at the time) after being attacked by the masses," Djoko said.

However, the commission concluded that human right violations did occur in the incident, conducted by both the security personnel and the mobs, he said.

The incident claimed the lives of 33 people.

As many as 24 people were killed by the security officers, while the remaining nine -- all family members of Tan Kioe Liem -- by the angry masses.

The soldiers, Djoko added, tortured 36 people, who suffered severe injuries.

The commission also found several other human right abuses, such as prohibiting people from performing their prays, damaging houses of worship and attacking security officers, he said.

The commission, Djoko explained, recommended that the central government comprehensively solve the Sept. 12, 1984 clash by, among other things, apologizing and giving compensation to the family of the victims.

"We also urge the Indonesian Military (TNI) chief (Adm. Widodo A.S.) to investigate all security officers involved in the incident, especially their commanders," he said without elaborating.

The report of the commission's final conclusion will be submitted to the central government, the TNI chief and the House immediately, saying that Komnas HAM has no legal power to conduct a further investigation.

When asked to comment, House deputy speaker A.M. Fatwa said he was dissatisfied with the report, but insisted that he could understand the authority of the commission.

He vowed to help push the government to soon follow up the report.

Komnas HAM set up the Commission of Inquiry into Human Rights violations (KPP HAM) in Tanjung Priok in March to investigate the bloodshed.

Several people and former top officers, such as former Armed Forces chief Gen. (ret) L.B. Moerdani and former vice president Gen. (ret) Try Sutrisno, have been questioned by the members of KPP HAM.

The clash between civilians and military personnel erupted following emotionally charged lectures at Tanjung Priok's Rawa Badak Mosque by preachers, who were reportedly criticizing the government. (jun)