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Shoot on sight policy sours independence celebrations
TAPOL Press Release - August 17, 2007
'Not a violation of human rights,' says army
A shadow has been cast over today's anniversary celebrations of Indonesia's independence by reported threats by the security forces to shoot on sight anyone attempting to pull down the national red-and-white flag.
"Such belligerence is appalling and seriously undermines the government's stated commitment to human rights and the rule of law," said Carmel Budiardjo, director of TAPOL, which promotes human rights, peace and democracy in Indonesia.
"It demonstrates that the military is still a long way from being under civilian control," she added. "We call upon the government to declare the policy invalid and reprimand those responsible for formulating it."
"There's no problem with shooting anyone because this represents an insult to the state, so everyone in the field is given full authorization," said Vice Admiral Sagoem Tamboen, the head of public relations at army headquarters, according to the West Papua-based newspaper Cenderawasih Pos on 13 August 2007.
"The position taken by the army is not a violation of human rights. On the contrary, it means upholding the law," he added.
The military commander and chief of police in the conflict area of West Papua have confirmed they are ready to implement the policy while Col. Burhannuddin Siagian, the notorious head of the sub-regional military command in West Papua's capital, Jayapura [see footnote], has made clear his support:
"It is the TNI [Indonesian military]'s duty to defend the integrity of NKRI [the unitary state of Indonesia] and the Constitution. It is the task of the TNI to take firm measures against anyone undermining the flag. We will carry out the instructions of our leadership. The TNI will not hesitate to shoot on sight" [Cenderawasih Pos, 16 August 2007]
"The red-and-white flag is an important symbol of Indonesian nationalism, but it should not be used to justify violence against those wishing to peacefully express their opposition to rule by Jakarta," said TAPOL.
"The "shoot-on-sight" policy is apparently designed to deter separatism, but if implemented it is more likely to generate support for it," suggested the organisation.
The Indonesian security forces have appeared particularly sensitive about flag-raisings in recent months. In June, more than two dozen people were arrested when the flag of the Malukan independence movement, RMS, was unfurled in front of the President in Ambon. At the beginning of July, a number of Papuans were arrested when the Papuan Morning Star flag was used as part of cultural celebrations at the second congress of the Papuan Tribal Council, Dewan Adat Papua.
In the run-up to independence day, anniversary celebration committees at all levels of government sent instructions to communities everywhere, especially those based along the main roads, to fly the red-and-white flag and decorate houses and buildings with the flag. The instruction said that sanctions would be taken against those failing to carry it out [Sinar Harapan, 16 August 2007].
For more information contact:
Carmel Budiardjo on +44 208 771 2904 or Paul Barber on +44 1420 80153 or +44 774 730 1739.
Note:
Col. Siagian has twice been indicted on crimes against humanity charges in East Timor where he made threats to kill independence supporters [see press release at http://tapol.gn.apc.org/press/files/pr070628.htm]. TAPOL and others have called for Col Siagian's immediate withdrawal from West Papua and his suspension from active duty. They have urged the Indonesian government to review all evidence against Col. Siagian and other high-level East Timor suspects to determine whether proceedings should be commenced and to extradite to East Timor those indicted by Dili's Special Panel for Serious Crimes.
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