President supports plans to probe military abuses

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

President Megawati Soekarnoputri supports plans by the government-sanctioned Commission of Inquiry into Human Rights Violations for Trisakti and Semanggi Cases to summon high-ranking military officers believed to be involved.

The investigation was expected to be completed by January, commission chairman Albert Hasibuan told reporters after meeting with the President on Monday.

"During the meeting the President said that she fully supports efforts to investigate the cases as long as it is not conducted for certain political interests," Albert said.

The Trisakti and Semanggi cases involve the killing of university students by the military during the reform protests that led to the downfall of former president Soeharto in 1998.

The cases are also related to the May 1998 anti-Chinese riots and kidnapping cases against government opposition leaders.

Many human rights activists insisted that the cases be categorized as a gross violation of human rights. However, the House of Representatives special committee that probed the same cases recommended the alleged suspects should be tried in a military court.

Albert said: "We hope that the results of our probe will provide sufficient preliminary evidences for either the government or Attorney General's Office to consult with the House and change the recommendations."

The team also underlined the importance of providing protection for witnesses saying it was one of the most important factors needed to solve the cases.

"We understand that sometimes the political environment could provide a negative impact in revealing the cases. There is always the possibility of the political compromise. However, we believe the President has the goodwill to solve it," he added.