Kompas - January 10,
2011
Jakarta – Law enforcement
throughout 2010 has been corrupt and discriminatory. A joint statement by
victims of human rights violations and their families, which were conveyed by
the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) on Sunday
January 9, expressed the hope that the government will make 2001 a year of
awakening from the bankruptcy of morality and justice.
"Victims are still
hoping for improvements for the sake of the nation. [But] We are not just
counting on the government alone", said Kontras Coordinator Haris Azhar
when contacted in Jakarta.
Haris said that the victims
and families of victims of human rights violations see law enforcement in 2010
as very manipulative. Cases that have befallen the common people such as the
theft of a cow are quickly resolved. Cases that involve important people or
politicians meanwhile appear to get repeatedly postponed and left hanging.
"The victims and the
families of victims have agreed to consistently voice demands for law
enforcement and political policies that are just and clearly support the common
people. Law and politics must side with the common people. We believe that the
current system that is corrupt and discriminatory will not last forever",
said Haris.
The joint statement was
signed by the victims of 33 cases of human rights violations. They are the
victims of land disputes with the Indonesian military (TNI) in Bojong-Kemang,
violence against children, land evictions, the 1965 affair, the Tangerang
Friends of Munir, the victims of forced disappearances in 1997-1998, the
victims of judicial manipulation and violence, the victims of the Tanjung Priok
shootings in 1984, the victims of the Semanggi I and Semanggi II student
shootings in 1998-99, evicted Block M traders, victims of malpractice, the
criminalised ITC petitioners and the Talangsari Lampung massacre in 1989.
Victims' demands
The victims are demanding that
the state improve the accountability and performance of state institutions,
particularly law enforcement and human rights institutions, primarily in ending
violence practices and providing guarantees of security and survival for all
Indonesian citizens.
"Victims are demanding
that their rights be fulfilled and the protection of poor, venerable and
minority groups, along with workers, farmers, fisherpeople and groups that have
been marginalised", explained Haris. (ONG)"
[Translated
by James Balowski. The title of the articles was Justice
– Law enforcement corrupt.]
