Govt no longer look for May riots culprits: Minister

Hans David Tampubolon, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Wed, 05/12/2010 11:37 AM | National

Law and Human Rights Minister Patrialis Akbar says the the government is no longer prioritizing the search for the culprits responsible for the so-called May 1998 riots.

"It's a bit difficult for us to look for who is responsible. However, we agree for giving out compensation [for the victims and their families], such as the chance to get a job. I even guarantee a job at the law and human rights ministry for them," Patrialis told reporters at the House of Representatives in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Responding to Patrialis' remarks, Greater Indonesian Movement Party (Gerindra) legislator Desmond J. Mahesa, said that he was disappointed with the government's performance in resolving the tragedy.

"In 12 years, we have yet to see a concrete implementation to uphold the human rights principles," he said.

"I deem the government as slow and insensitive," he added.

The May Tragedy took place at the dawn of the New Order era under the regime of dictator Soeharto.

On May 12, 1998, soldiers allegedly shot and killed four students -- Hendriawan Lesmana, Hafidin Royan, Heri Hartanto and Elang Mulya -- at Trisakti University during a student protest demanding the resignation of then president Soeharto.

The incident was followed by anti-Chinese riots from May 14 to 15, in which at least 1,200 people were killed.

Various reports also say that there were organized mass-rape, lootings and riots conducted by military-looking men.

Former Indonesian military generals, such as Wiranto and Prabowo Subianto, have been speculated as two of the main culprits behind the tragedy.

Wiranto is now the chairman of the People's Conscience Party (Hanura), while Prabowo is the chief patron of Gerindra.

Desmond said that one of the most crucial points that the government needed to do to resolve the case was by formally establishing an ad-hoc human rights court.