NU urges dialogs, human rights investigations

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)