NU urges dialogs, human rights investigations

KEDIRI, East Java (JP): The Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Muslim organization proposed on Tuesday a way out for the problems the country is dealing with, most notably on the widespread threat of separatist movements.

Kemas Madani, who chairs the commission deliberating recommendations to be brought to the government, said NU would insist the government cope with any threat of national separation through a dialog.

He said all provinces should be treated the same as restive Aceh was in receiving a special autonomy status from the government.

"Other provinces deserve the same treatment because all are equal in the eyes of the Constitution and law," Kemas, who is NU's outgoing deputy chairman, said.

The proposal will be submitted to the plenary session on Wednesday for approval by the participants of the congress.

While pressing the government to initiate a national reconciliation, the commission suggested that the government investigate all human rights abuses in the past.

"Alleged human rights violations in Lampung, Aceh, Tanjung Priok in Jakarta, Indramayu in West Java, Banyuwangi in East Java, the murder of Marsinah in Sidoarjo in East Java and journalist Fuad Muhammad Syafruddin in Yogyakarta must be investigated and those who were involved in these cases must be taken to court," said Kemas.

He warned that the huge number of fatalities resulting from the atrocities would tarnish the nation's image if the cases remained unresolved.

The commission recommended that the government release all political prisoners, except those involved in the 1965 abortive coup, which was blamed on the outlawed Indonesian Communist Party.

"Before their release, all individuals and organizations convicted of crimes against the government in the past should give a public apology, especially to the families of their victims," Kemas said.

He said the commission also suggested that the government carry out a thorough investigation into alleged corruption involving former president Soeharto, his family and cronies.

"NU is confident the present government would live up to the majority of people's demands to bring the former president, his family and cronies to justice," Kemas said.

President Abdurrahman Wahid, NU's outgoing chairman, said recently that the ailing former president had to face a trial but would be granted amnesty if proven guilty.

The same treatment would not be applicable to Soeharto's family and cronies, Abdurrahman said.

Kemas said the congress would also urge the government to enhance bilateral cooperation, especially in cultural and educational fields, with Asian and Middle East countries, instead of the United States and Europe.

He blamed the past government for depending heavily on western countries, despite the fact that from geographical, cultural and religious point of views Indonesia is closer to Asia, Middle East and Africa.

Muchtaruddin Yara, chairman of NU's Aceh provincial chapter, said in the commission meeting that Acehnese wished to remain with Indonesia, but demanded a fair solution to all sufferings they experienced in the past.

He warned the government to give an answer to the demand for a self-determination referendum before Dec. 4.

"We are concerned about the planned imposition of martial law in the province. If that happens, more Acehnese will be killed," he said.

He regretted the President's late response to the Aceh problem, saying the tension there might have ceased if the President had traveled to the province.

Muchtaruddin said a meeting between Acehnese delegations and senior ulemas outside the congress here on Tuesday resulted in a six-point resolution.

He said the meeting proposed that Aceh revive its sultanate government, but that its administration be carried out by a senior minister who is elected by the provincial legislative council. The sultanate would be divided into several territories called nagari, according to the resolution.

It also suggests that Aceh adopt Islamic law and be given a self-rule authority except in defense, foreign policy, fiscal and monetary fields. (nur/rms)