Human Rights Commission Disappointed About Poso Handling
Tuesday, 14 November, 2006 | 12:36 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Palu: The National Commission for Human Rights (Komnas HAM) said it was disappointed with the government for not using the Commission’s recommendation on settling the conflict in Poso, Central Sulawesi. “As a person who worked at an NGO, I’m disappointed with the government’s attitude,” said Deputy Head of Komnas HAM, Zoemrotin K. Susilo, after meeting with Deputy Governor of Central Sulawesi Ahmad Yahya in Palu yesterday (13/11).

The former Head of the Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) cited the recommendation on the public’s involvement in the Malino Declaration I in 2001. According to the result of Komnas HAM’s investigation in 2004, the majority of Posonese rejected the Malino Declaration I.

Another matter is many of ther civil rights of the Posonese from both groups—Muslim and Christian—were lost after the conflict. Zoemrotin cited gardens, houses and rice fields were not returned to the owners. There were even seven cases of human rights violations which were not followed up by the government despite Komnas HAM submitting the investigation documents to the Attorney General’s Office (AGO).

Among the cases are Semanggi I and II ; the May 20, 1998 case and the activists kidnapping in 1994-1997. Komnas HAM could not do much because its authority is limited to giving recommendations. “What can we do?” she said.

Zoemrotin said she will leave for Poso as soon as possible to meet with Christian and Muslim residents. She also promised to investigate the case of a clash between a crowd and the police in Tanah Runtuh, Poso and the shooting at some clergy in Palu. Regarding the case of Tanah Runtuh on October 22, Zoemrotin will meet the residents who were unjustly treated by the police, including a hospital employee who was tortured by a police officer during duty on the night of the incident.

She said Komnas HAM will protect the rights of 29 suspects of the Poso case who are now fugitives. The police must not break the law in making arrests. “Arrests are allowed, but the suspect’s rights must be respected,” said Zoemrotin.

M Darlis