Reporters demand proper probe

SURAKARTA, Central Java: The Yogyakarta chapter of the Indonesian Journalists Association is considering whether to ask the National Commission on Human Rights to investigate the death of a local reporter here last month.

The chairman of the association's Yogyakarta chapter, Oka Kusumayudha, said yesterday that he would refer the case to the rights commission if the police investigation into the murder was unsatisfactory.

Senior journalists have formed a fact-finding team to assist the police. The team has submitted five bundles of reports to the journalists association in Jakarta, Oka said.

Fuad Muhammad Safrudin was fatally beaten in his home on Aug. 13. He did not regain consciousness before he died in intensive care three days later. The Bernas journalist is survived by his wife and two children.

"If the police neglect to follow up our team's findings, we will seek help from the National Commission on Human Rights," Oka said.

According to Oka, the association had encouraged the police to speed up their investigation.

"The team works relentlessly, meticulously and professionally, after all, they are used to searching for facts," Oka said.

Oka added that the Chief of the Yogyakarta Police Precinct Col. Darsono had promised a thorough and proper investigation. (har/14)