Jakarta – A student alliance has setup a tent in front of the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) offices in Jakarta urging a thorough investigation into the acid attack on Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) Deputy Coordinator Andrie Yunus, which was committed by members of the Indonesian Military (TNI) Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS).
The Merpati Collective Alliance stated that the protest titled "A Tent for Andrie, A Stretcher for Democracy" was in response to the lack of clarity regarding the handling of Yunus' case by the TNI’s Military Police Centre (Puspom), despite the investigation having been underway for a month.
"The tent for Andrie represents a symbol that human rights defenders must receive concrete protection, both from the state and through the solidarity of civil society", said Merpati Collective's public relations officer Dendy in a written statement on Monday April 6.
Dendy said that the "Stretcher for Democracy" is also a signal that the current state of democracy is in a critical condition. This is because the lives of activists can become bargaining chips in the interests of the political elite, and the people continue to be the victims.
On the other hand, the Coalition believes that the handling of Yunus' case by the Puspom TNI has not proceeded transparently. To date, the investigation has yet to identify the masterminds or the chain of command behind the attack.
"Transferring the case to the military justice system add to concerns about the practice of impunity, moreover that the perpetrator originate from the same institution", he stated.
"This situation shows that there is a serious conflict of interest and threatens the principle of accountability. We view the Andrie Yunus case and the process in which it is being handled as an indication of an ongoing democratic crisis", he added.
Therefore, he said, the Merpati Collective is demanding the establishment of an Independent Fact-Finding Team that involves civil society representatives in order to ensure transparency in uncovering the Yunus case.
Second, the alliance is advocating for the case to be tried in a general (civilian) court rather than a military court, in order to guarantee independence and justice for the victim.
Third, they are urging the House of Representatives (DPR) to expedite the deliberation and ratification of legislation guaranteeing the protection of human rights defenders.
Fourth, urging a comprehensive audit of BAIS to ensure there is no abuse of authority and to guarantee the reform of security institutions.
Dendy emphasised the presence of Merpati Collective in front of the Komnas HAM offices is to ensure that the Commission does not hesitate in pushing for the handling of the Yunus to proceed in a transparent and accountable manner, without any cover-ups.
"The attempted murder of Andrie Yunus is not just an ordinary criminal matter, rather it is a test of the state's commitment to democracy and human rights", he stated.
"Without fully revealing the truth and fair accountability, impunity will continue to be maintained. Justice for Andrie is a part of the struggle to safeguard democracy itself", he concluded.
The Merpati Collective comprises students from the Trisakti University, the National University, the Driyarkara School of Philosophy, the Jakarta School of Philosophy and Theology, the Atma Jaya Indonesian Catholic University (Unika), the Jakarta State University (UNJ) and the Jakarta Indraprasta University.
In addition to this, the collective includes the Jentera School of Law (STIH), the Eleven March University (UNS), the Jakarta Islamic State University (UIN), the Jakarta State University (UNJ), the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB), the Nahdlatul Ulama Indonesia University, the Budi Luhur University and the Moestopo University. (tfq/dal)
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Mahasiswa Dirikan Tenda di Komnas HAM: Usut Tuntas Kasus Andrie Yunus".]
