Return activists 'must explain their whereabouts'
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)