RI rejects int'l tribunal for E. Timor human rights abuses

Adianto P. Simamora, Jakarta

The government has brushed off calls by the international community, including the United States and New Zealand, for an international tribunal to prosecute Indonesian Military officers accused of human rights abuses during the bloody 1999 vote in East Timor.

"We completely reject the idea of an international court's involvement in the East Timor case," foreign ministry spokesman Marty Natalegawa told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.

He said the government would keep on seeking justice in the East Timor case, through Indonesia's legal system. Indonesia's position is supported by East Timor.

On July 29, Indonesia's ad hoc human rights court acquitted four military and police officers -- Maj. Gen. Adam Damiri (the former Udayana military commander) Col. Noer Muis, Lt.Col. Sujarwo and Sr. Comr. Hulman Gultom -- who were convicted over atrocities in East Timor

East Timor Foreign Minister Ramos Horta warned on Monday that the call to push for an international tribunal would undermine existing relations between the two countries.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Phil Goff appealed on Monday to the international community and the United Nations to set up an international tribunal for East Timor.

Goff's view was also shared by Adam Ereli, deputy spokesman of the U.S. State Department, who said that the overall trial process was flawed and lacked credibility.

Adam Damiri -- the most senior military officer to face trial for bloodshed during the independence vote -- had been sentenced to three years in prison, but remained free pending his appeal.

As a result of the latest court decision, only two of 18 defendants have been convicted: former East Timor governor Abilio Soares and pro-Jakarta militia leader Eurico Guterres, both of whom are civilians and ethnic Timorese.

Marty said the Indonesian government would continue to "share" with the international community various efforts taken by Indonesia to ensure that the country upheld human rights. He also guaranteed the independence of the country's judicial process.

The Ad Hoc Human Rights Tribunals Law was passed in 2000, following international pressure on Indonesia to take action over various alleged human rights abuses, including those in East Timor.