Rights body confirms findings

On Oct. 12, after being delayed for one day, the National Committee on Human Rights announced the report, which was conducted from July 28 to Oct. 10, on its investigation concerning the mass riots on July 27.

Besides confirming that five people died, 23 disappeared and 149 were injured, with material losses incurred involving hundreds of billions of rupiah, the committee also revealed their judgment on the occurrence of six forms of human rights violations: the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, freedom from fear, freedom from torture and other cruel treatment and the protection of human life.

Several recommendations were also mentioned, including the suggestion not to discriminate in law enforcement.

The committee has become more significant because of its objectivity, which serves as an example for other authorities, particularly law enforcers. The findings of the human rights committee should motivate follow-up action by the state apparatuses, i.e to clarify the situation.

MULYANA W. KUSUMAH

Jakarta