Return activists 'must explain their whereabouts'
JAKARTA (JP): Rights campaigner Marzuki Darusman pleaded yesterday that three political activists who have just returned after reportedly disappearing for weeks should not stay silent but explain their much-publicized disappearance for the sake of those still missing.
Marzuki, the deputy chairman of the National Commission on Human Rights, said without clear explanation that the public would get the impression that people who went missing would eventually turn up just like that.
"This is a serious problem. Neither the authorities nor members of the public can make light of this. They should not blur the fine line between 'missing' and 'disappearing'," he told The Jakarta Post here.
He said the commission had arranged to meet this Friday with the three activists: Haryanto Taslam of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI); Pius Lustrilanang, a member of Siaga, which is a loose association of supporters of government critics Amien Rais and Megawati Soekarnoputri; and Desmond J. Mahesa of a legal aid institute in Jakarta.
Haryanto, a loyalist of ousted PDI leader Megawati Soekarnoputri, returned to his family Sunday after being missing since March 9 in Jakarta. Pius and Desmond returned to their respective homes in South Sumatra's capital Palembang and South Kalimantan's capital of Banjarmasin respectively after disappearing for two months.
"They need not worry about coming forward and telling the truth, as the commission will urge the Armed Forces and the authorities to guarantee their safety," Marzuki said.
Otherwise, efforts to search for those still reported missing would be hampered, he added. "By not telling the truth, those still missing will be left unprotected."
According to the Foundation of the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute (YLBHI) eight political activists are still missing -- Andi Arief, Herman Hendrawan, Faisol Riza, Rahardjo Waluyo Djati, Bimo Petrus, Suyat, Yani Avri, and Sonny.
YLBHI confirmed yesterday that three activists previously reported missing -- Nezar Patria, Mugianto, Aan Rusdianto -- have been found to be under detention by the Jakarta Police.
Many people have alleged that the military are behind the disappearance of the activists but the Armed Forces have denied any involvement.
In a recent interview with Gatra magazine, Desmond said he was not sure who kidnapped him, but said: "There were three men, one in a car, two with guns, who grabbed me and pushed me into the car." He said the abduction took place in Jakarta.
He also said he later found himself confined in a luxurious room with iron bars across the window, and questioned by men about his political activities.
"I just told them over and over again that I didn't know anything. Maybe that's why they eventually let me go, thinking that I am not a dangerous person," he said.
Jakarta Regional Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Samsoeddin said yesterday he was considering summoning Pius and Haryanto for questioning over their disappearance.
"Just wait for it. Our investigation will surely come to that stage," he told reporters after the opening of a six-day national discussion on reforms, organized by the Association of Indonesian Moslem Students.
He said the police, as part of the city's integrated security system, would probably take the initiative to summon them for questioning.
Sjafrie said the police investigation would come after the National Commission on Human Rights had completed its questioning.
"The rights commission will tell us the results upon completion of its investigation," he said. (ind/imn/aan)