Gede Suardana, Jakarta — The United Nations is
being asked to support Indonesian President Susilo
Bambang Yudhoyono in efforts to solve the murder of
human rights activist Munir. This support will give
Yudhoyono more confidence.

This was conveyed by the coordinator of the
Committee for Missing Persons and Victims of
Violence (Kontras), Usman Hamid during break in the
14^th Asia Pacific Regional Cooperation Workshop for
the advancement and protection of human rights at
the Ayodhya Hotel in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Tuesday July
10.

Hamid explained that it is hoped that this support
will come from the UN High Commissioner for Human
Rights, Louise Arbour, who will meet with Yudhoyono
in the next few days. During the meeting it is hoped
that Arbour will make a serious commitment to the
Munir murder case.

“We hope that the UN will stop seeing the Munir case
as a domestic issue, but as an international [one].
After returning to the UN [in New York], I hope that
Louise will make an official report on the Munir
case for the next hearing”, said Hamid.

Arbour also plans to meet with Indonesian Legal Aid
and Human Rights Association activist Hendardi, the
wife of the late Munir, Suciwati and Hamid himself.
According to Hamid, the meeting will discuss the
investigations into unsolved gross human rights
violations in Indonesia.

“Such as the case of human right violations in East
Timor, Tanjung Priok and the Trisakti tragedy”, said
Hamid. (djo/nrl)

* From Detik.com - July 10, 2007 [Translated by James Balowski.]

Government should refuse entry to foreign rights
monitors if necessary

Ken Yunita, Jakarta — The government is being asked
to be on guard against the arrival in Indonesia of
human rights representatives from foreign
institutions. This is related to the reemergence of
separatist movements in various parts of the
country.

“We must be on guard against those who arrive. Such
as the US Congressperson [Eni Faleomavaega] the
other day”, said the governor of the National
Resilience Institute (Lemhannas), Muladi, after
joining Vice President Jusuf Kalla in receiving the
Lemhannas class of XV graduates at the Vice
Presidential Palace on Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan in
Central Jakarta on Tuesday July 10.

If necessary explained Muladi, it would be better
for the government to refuse entry guests who could
have a bad influence on Indonesia. “We don’t need to
be courteous if it will cause us confusion. If
necessary just refuse [them entry]”, he said in an
outburst of emotion.

In relation to the illegal cakalele dancers that
unfurled the South Maluku Republic (RMS) flag during
a commemoration of National Family Day on June 29,
Muladi said that there is no need to be concerned
about the RMS. “I don’t think the RMS is of any
significance”, he said.

Conversely continued Muladi, Aceh and West Papua
represent two regions that the government must
continue to pay attention to. “The RMS doesn’t have
a strong human resource base. Aceh and Papua
meanwhile, they have a strong human resource base,
are rich in natural resources, and have
international connections”, he said. (bal/sss)

* From Detik.com - July 10, 2007 [Translated by James Balowski.]