Jakarta — The terrorisation of the Papuan chief
representative of the National Human Rights
Commission or Komnas HAM, Albert Rumbekwan, could
have an impact on Indonesia’s image as a member of
the United Nations Human Rights Commission.
Moreover, Amnesty International has sent a letter to
the president raising questions about the case.
Komnas Ham coordinator Yosep Adhi Prasetyo said on
Wednesday September 26 in Jakarta that Komnas HAM
has received a copy of the letter from Amnesty
International addressed to the president in relation
to the intimidation experience by Rumbekwan, which
was passed on by the State Secretariat.
According to Prasetyo, Komnas HAM has been asked to
assist in responding to the letter because the
intimidation can be seen as a reflection of the
government’s lack of seriousness in protecting human
rights workers and activist in Indonesia. Prasetyo
also said there has been a positive response by the
Papua regional police to a letter from Komnas HAM
and Rumbekwan is now being protected by police.
Separately, Vice President Jusuf Kalla said he was
not aware of the letter from Amnesty International
to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono raising
questions about the intimidated against Rumbekwan by
unidentified persons.
Aside from checking the letter, Kalla will also be
requesting a report on the case from those
responsible for security in Papua. "I will check and
ask them to report", said Kalla following a face-to-
face meeting with the National Construction Service
Development Institute board of directors at the Vice
Presidential Palace in Jakarta.
Many parties have declared their concern about the
intimidation experienced by Rumbekwan because as the
chief representative of Komnas HAM in Papua, he is a
state official and cannot be harassed when carrying
out his duties.
As has been reported, last week Rumbekwan’s
residence in the Papuan capital of Jayapura was
broken into by an unidentified individual. In
addition to this, over the last four months
Rumbekwan has received threats and been terrorised
(Kompas, 24/9). The intimidation began after he met
with Hina Jilani, the Special Representative to the
United Nations General Secretary. (jos/har)