The rights body report

The National Commission on Human Rights' findings on the July 27 riots, which were announced over the weekend, have caught many people by surprise. Even those who have complete trust in the commission's independence did not expect the findings to come in such blunt and straightforward language. Instead of concentrating on the controversy over the number of victims, as many had predicted, the commission has focused on the circumstances which led to the riots, an issue which many officials have chosen to disregard.

The commission criticized the government for taking sides and interfering in the Indonesian Democratic Party's (PDI's) internal rift. It also recommended that the 200 supporters of Soerjadi -- who dethroned Megawati from the chairmanship of PDI -- responsible for raiding the PDI headquarters be investigated and charged in accordance with the law. Then there is also a question of why a victim was found to have died of a gunshot wound when the authorities insisted no shots fired during the riots.

The bold findings have certainly removed any lingering doubts, if any remained, concerning the independence of the human rights body. Considering the current political atmosphere, where most people prefer to take a safety-first stance rather then endanger their life or future, one must conclude that the commission is one of the very few institutions left in this country which has its courage and integrity intact. But although it is heartening to know that this breed has not vanished entirely, one cannot but be saddened by the fact that our values system and morals appear to have declined so much that even to reveal a simple truth is considered a bold and unparalleled deed.

So, after the initial surprise has subsided, what will we do with the commission's findings? Will we accept them as the truth?

One, of course, could simply leave them somewhere to gather dust. And considering the current atmosphere, if such a thing happens most people will probably forget them after a few months. But one could also treat the findings as a very valuable document -- as an attempt to find the truth -- and therefore treat them accordingly.

One should not forget that the July 27 riots have put this country in the international spotlight and there is no doubt that the world community will want to see how we respond to the commission's findings. In short, this country's reputation is at stake and hence we, as a member of the civilized world, cannot afford to ignore this responsibility.

It is good therefore to hear Coordinating Minister for Political Security Soesilo Soedarman's statement yesterday that the government has agreed to follow up the commission's findings. The question is, how far are the authorities willing to go? We have no doubt that the government has grounds for arriving at its published conclusions on the July 27 riot. However, it would not hurt us to try to view the incident from a different angle, as offered by the commission.

One must keep in mind that according to the human rights body, the "social disturbances" which occurred on July 27 were prompted by the violent takeover of the PDI headquarters by Soerjadi's faction. And thus far not one of the attackers has been investigated. And what about the gunshot wound that killed someone?

In short, there is still plenty to be investigated. Aside from further legal action by the authorities, the establishment of an independent fact-finding committee comprised of people of unimpeachable character and integrity, including members of the commission, would be the best way to discover the truth behind the July 27 riots. Only an impartial, nonpartisan and independent committee of people of impeccable reputation could do this. The findings may not please everyone, but unless we are willing to take this step the doubts that surround July 27 will continue to haunt us.