TNI officers face new probe over rights violations in E. Timor
TNI officers face new probe over rights violations in E. Timor
JAKARTA (JP): A number of Indonesian Military (TNI) officers
are facing a new probe into their alleged involvement in the
gross human rights violations that took place in East Timor two
years ago.
Coordinating Minister for Political, Social, and Security
Affairs Agum Gumelar revealed on Tuesday that the investigation
had been requested by the UN-sanctioned Commission of Truth and
Reconciliation, which was formed in the former Indonesian
province on June 20.
Agum reiterated, however, that the government would avoid any
attempts to bring Indonesian military officers before an
international human rights tribunal.
"Considering the commission's objectives, the Indonesian
government has decided to assign Pak Alwi Shihab to coordinate
with other relevant offices in order to avoid any negative
consequences arising from the investigation," Agum said,
referring to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Agum issued an early warning to the commission, whose
investigation itinerary remains unknown.
"The commission should not conduct a one-sided probe at the
expense of our national interests," he said.
Both the government and the House of Representatives have been
united in their stances of preventing any attempts to question
Indonesian soldiers in connection with alleged crimes against
humanity in the aftermath of the UN-supervised ballot that
resulted in an overwhelming vote for independence in August 1999.
Although the Attorney General signed an MOU on the joint
investigation into the East Timor atrocities with the UN
Transitional Administration in East Timor earlier this year, it
is widely believed that any questioning of those involved would
be lacking a legal basis as the government failed to consult the
with the House about the agreement.
A combined probe conducted by state prosecutors has named
three high-ranking military officers as suspects. They are the
former Bali-based Udayana Military Commander, Maj. Gen. Adam
Damiri, and the former East Timor Military Commanders, Brig. Gen.
Tono Suratman and Col. Noer Muis. However, none of these officers
have been sent to trial. (tso)