'Resume probe' into 1996 tragedy

'Resume probe' into 1996 tragedy

JAKARTA: A senior leader of the Indonesian Democratic Party of
Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) demanded on Friday that the police
resume investigations into the attack on the party's headquarters
that took place on July 27, 1996.

Jacob Nuwa Wea, who is also minister of manpower and
transmigration, said the incident offended people who cared about
democracy. "The case must be resolved," he said.

The attack involved supporters of the government-backed
faction of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) under Soerjadi.
They intended to seize the office, which was under the control of
supporters of Megawati Soekarnoputri, PDI's democratically
elected chief.

It is widely believed that the military helped Soerjadi's
supporters but the military has repeatedly denied any involvement
in the bloody incident that claimed at least five lives and
sparked rioting in Jakarta.

An investigation was launched but then dropped without
explanation. -- JP