Dear friends,
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is concerned by the latest bomb blasts in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia on 31 December 2005. According to local human rights groups Kontras (Commission for Disappearances and Victims of Violence) and Kontras Sulawesi, the blasts killed eight civilians and injured 49 others. There were apparently two bombs that exploded, in a meat market favored by local villagers.
Since the May 2005 bomb blast that killed 22 civilians and injured 90 in Tentena, this is the latest major explosion in Central Sulawesi. Although investigations into the May explosion led to some arrests of innocent persons, the individuals were subsequently released after being brutally tortured (see UA-140-2005 for detailed information). Since then, the police have not further investigated the case. There are fears that the latest bomb explosion will be dealt with in a similar manner.
This is particularly worrying as the areas of Palu and Poso, Central Sulawesi have seen increased violence in the last few months (see UA-202-2005). In fact, in October 2005 Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono enacted the President Instruction on Poso, dealing with addressing the violence, and on 23 December 2005, the National Police declared Central Sulawesi to be an ‘awareness’ area. A mechanism to coordinate between local police, military and intelligence was also reportedly established, to ensure the security of civilians. However, the persistent violence indicates the total ineffectiveness of law enforcement in the region, as well as a complete lack of value for human life.
The AHRC is concerned by the government’s inability or unwillingness to protect its citizens from such senseless violence. There is a clear indication that the present law enforcement arrangements are not adequate in preventing the violence; this must immediately be addressed. Unless independent investigations are undertaken and perpetrators punished in accordance with international and domestic legal provisions, there can be no hope to stem the continuing violence. For this reason the AHRC joins local groups in calling for the establishment of a Joint Fact Finding Team to conduct investigations into the recent bombing. The police must not be allowed to continue arresting and torturing innocent people as substitutes.
We call for your urgent intervention in this matter. Please write to the Indonesian authorities and urge them to take all necessary steps to prevent violence and protect the rights of the Indonesian people.
Urgent Appeals Desk
Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC)
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SAMPLE LETTER
Dear President Yudhoyono,
RE: INDONESIA: Call for effective investigation into Central Sulawesi bombing
I am writing to you in concern at the latest bombing in Palu, Central Sulawesi. As you will be aware, the 31 December 2005 bomb blasts killed eight civilians while injuring 49 others.
Since the May 2005 bomb blast that killed 22 civilians and injured 90 in Tentena, this is the latest major explosion in Central Sulawesi. Although investigations into the May explosion led to some arrests of innocent persons, the individuals were subsequently released after being brutally tortured. Since then, the police have not further investigated the case. I am gravely concerned that the latest bomb explosion will be dealt with in a similar manner.
This is particularly worrying as the areas of Palu and Poso, Central Sulawesi have seen increased violence in the last few months. Regardless of the police declaring Central Sulawesi to be an 'awareness' area on December 23, and the earlier instructions enacted by your office in October 2005 regarding the addressing of the violence in Poso, the violence continues and innocent people are killed. This indicates the total ineffectiveness of law enforcement in the region, as well as a complete lack of value for human life.
I therefore urge you to call for an immediate independent investigation into the bombing, resulting in the perpetrators being prosecuted and punished in accordance with international and domestic legal provisions. For this purpose, a Joint Fact Finding Team should be established, as the police have demonstrated their inability to conduct impartial and effective investigations. They must not be allowed to continue arresting and torturing innocent people as substitutes.
I look for your urgent intervention in this matter.
Yours sincerely,
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PLEASE SEND A LETTER TO:
Mr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
President of the Republic of Indonesia
Istana Negara
Jl. Medan Merdeka Utara
Jakarta Pusat 10010
INDONESIA
Tel: + 62 21 3845627 ext 1003
Fax: + 62 21 3457782
Email: presiden@ri.go.id
Please send a copy to:
1. Mr. Gen. Sutanto
Chief of the National Police of Indonesia
Mabes Berkas Polri
Jl. Trunojoyo No. 3 Kebayouran Baru
Jakarta Selatan
INDONESIA
Tel: + 62 21 7218144
Fax: + 62 21 7207277, 7201402
Email: kapolri@polri.go.id
2. Mr. Abdul Hakim Garuda Nusantara
Chairperson The National Commission on Human Rights of Indonesia (Komnas HAM)
Jl. Latuharhary 4B
Jakarta Pusat 10310
INDONESIA
Tel: + 62 21 3925230
Fax: + 62 21 3925227
Email: info@komnas.go.id
3. Mr. Agung Laksono
Chief of the Indonesia House of Representative
Gedung DPR/MPR RI
Jl. Gatot Subroto No. 6
Jakarta
INDONESIA
Tel : + 62 21 5715509; 5715344; 5715621
Fax : + 62 21 5714469, 5734389
Website : www.dpr.go.id
4. Mr. M. Ichsan Loulembah
District Legislative Council Conflict Area's Caucus
Gedung DPR/MPR RI
Jl. Gatot Subroto No. 6
Jakarta
INDONESIA
Tel : + 62 21 5715509; 5715344; 5715621
Fax : + 62 21 5714469, 5734389
Website : www.dpr.go.id
5. Mr. Philip Alston
Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary, or Arbitrary Executions
Atten: Lydie Ventre
Room 3-016
c/o OHCHR-UNOG
1211 Geneva 10
SWITZERLAND
Tel: +41 22 917 9155
Fax: +41 22 917 9006 (general)
E-mail: lventre@ohchr.org
Thank you.
Urgent Appeals Programme
Asian Human Rights Commission
