Families of Talangsari Victims Support Human Rights Commission
Friday, 29 February, 2008 | 21:41 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Bandar Lampung: The families of the victims in the Talangsari case, Lampung, welcomed the examination into former Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, Admiral (retired) Sudomo by the National Commission for Human Rights two days ago (27/2). “This is progress in solving the Talangsari case,” said Azwar Kaili, one of the witnesses of the Talangsari incident, yesterday (28/2).

Last Wednesday (27/2) the Human Rights Commission considered Sudomo. Sudomo was questioned for almost three hours regarding the Talangsari case. The bloody incident which took place on February 7, 1989 was started from the soldiers’ attack on a Koran recital group in Cihideung Hamlet, East Lampung. The group which was led by Anwar Warsidi was considered disturbing to the Suharto government’s as it often criticized Suharto’s policy. Based on the data of Lampung Students Solidarity Committee and the team of the Talangsari case of investigation and advocacy, at least 246 civilians died.

Azwar hoped that the scrutiny into Sudomo will reveal the opportunity of examining other Indonesian Military (TNI) officials who were suspected of being involved. “If a leader such as Sudomo can come, how can former Korem 043 Garuda Hitam, Lampung Commander, Col. Hendropriyono not be able to examined?” said the chairman of Talangsari Victims’ Families Association, Lampung.

The Head of the Ad hoc Team for the Talangsari Case, Johny Nelson Simanjuntak said the victims’ grave opening is only still a plan.

NUROCHMAN | SUKMA LOPPIES