YLBHI questions ABRI on follow up of Nipah clash

YLBHI questions ABRI on follow up of Nipah clash

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YBHI)
yesterday questioned Armed Forces Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung over
the lack of inquests into the bloody clashes in Nipah, Madura,
that left four people dead six months ago.

As far as the foundation is concerned, no legal process has
been followed in connection with the violations of the law and
individual rights that occurred at Nipah, it said in a letter to
Feisal, a copy of which was also made available to The Jakarta
Post.

"We fear that the case, if not resolved immediately in
accordance with the applicable legal procedures, could set a bad
precedent for the endeavor to enhance human rights protection in
Indonesia. It could also taint the image of ABRI and ruin the
good ties that have been established between ABRI and the
people."

Gen. Feisal has acknowledged that some of his officers erred
at the Nipah protest on Sept. 25, and has removed them from their
positions.

According to eyewitness accounts, members of the local
military in Nipah opened fire on hundreds of demonstrators in
Nipah opposed to take their land to build a huge irrigation dam.

The incident angered local politicians and ulemas as well as
human rights organizations.

The criticism ebbed after Feisal announced his decision to
sack the local military commander and promised that those
responsible would be taken to a military tribunal.

The YLBHI statement, signed by Bambang Widjojanto and Mas
Achmad Santosa, reminded the general of his promise to prosecute
and punish the guilty parties.

The Armed Forces headquarters declined to comment on the
letter.

The dam, planned to flood 170 hectares, is expected to be able
to irrigate over 1,000 hectares of rice paddies. According to the
East Java provincial public works office, around 240 families are
affected by the project.

Recent press reports from East Java indicate that the dam
project has been revived after a strong public relations campaign
by government and military officials on the merits of the dam for
the development of barren Madura island. (rms)