M. Yamin Panca Setia

Leaving Hatred for Better Future

INDONESIAN President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was smile between Timor Leste President Jose Ramos Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao. A friendship atmosphere took place in Nusa Dua, Bali, on July 15 when the leaders received report from the Commission for Truth and Friendship (CTF).

The Indonesia-Timor Leste joint commission has finished their 2,5-year investigation on human rights violation before and after the 1999 referendum in East Timor.

The CTF report concluded gross human rights violations took place in East Timor in 1999, including murder, rape and other forms of sexual violence, torture, illegal detentions and forcible transfer and deportation of civilians.

It also concluded pro-Indonesia militia groups, the Indonesian Military (TNI), the local government of East Timor, and the Indonesian Police were responsible for rights violations against civilians they perceived as supporting the pro-independence cause.

Responding to CTF report, the government of Indonesia and Timor Leste regretted human rights violation in East Timor before and after 1999 referendum and agreed to solve the incident through non-judicial process. The joint statement signed by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Timor Leste President Jose Ramos Horta and Pime Minister Xanana Gusmao.

The two governments emphasized efforts to look for the truth and prioritized friendship to develop reconciliation among citizens of two countries.

Indonesia-East Timor acknowledged that human rights violation in East Timor in 1999 was committed by both parties were caused by complexity of situation, in Indonesia and East Timor. The leaders agreed that human rights violation in East Timor was under responsibility of state institution, not individual.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda said human rights case in East Timor was closed and would not be brought to legal process. But, both governments agreed to follow up CTF’s recommendation. "We will study CTF’s recommendation before taking next step," he said.

Indonesia-Timor Leste also agreed to create peace zone to ease interaction among citizens of the two nations.

President SBY said, CTF that set up in May 2005 aimed to found comprehensive truths by prioritizing reconciliation and friendship to prevent the same tragedy taking place again. According to him, human factor that can build institutional and civilize state, not judicial nor ideology.

Horta said, East Timor government will soon analysis CTF’s repot and ready to discuss with Indonesian government. "We agree to implement recommendations of this report if possible," he said.

Horta expected that the report could increase spirit to forgive each other in order to develop good relationship between the two nations.

Follow Up
Several human rights activists asked Indonesia government to open CTF’s recommendation for public. They also urged President to follow up the recommendation.

"President should work together with the United Nations’ Security Council to follow up agenda of justice for human rights crime in Timor Leste after receiving official report from CTF," said Agung Putri from The Institute of Study and Social Advocate. He demanded SBY to sent apology to public, not only regret.

Coordinator of Commission for Disappeared Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras), Usman Hamid suggested President SBY to take steps to improve institutions which involved in the incident and follow up the findings of CTF.

Parliament Member Yusron Ihza Mahendra urged Indonesia and Timor Leste to find steps to build good relationship that useful for future. According to him, the two nations could not get any benefit from hating each other. "Let’s look forwards. Our history
must be reference, use wisdom."

CTF Chairman Benjamin Mangkoedilaga said that the CTF’s recommendation benefited all parties, including victims. He mentioned that the recommendation made possible for families or friends form the two countries to visit each other through border without legal constraint. “People and commodities can flow smoothly and safely through the border,” he said.

M. Yamin Panca Setia

// posted by M. Yamin Panca Setia @ 4:47 PM