Nur Raihan, Jakarta – The Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) Aceh has asked the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) to follow up the finding of graves of victims of the conflict in Aceh. Twenty-two graves have been recorded containing 37 skeletons that have been found since the Helsinki agreement was signed in August.

This was related to journalists by the coordinator of Kontras Aceh’s working body, Asiah, at the Kontras offices in Aceh on Wednesday February 2. Kontras has asked police to follow up the findings and that they be involved in the process of unearthing the graves.

“Our assumption is that the human rights violations that occurred during the period of martial law in Aceh are related to the finding of these graves of victims of the Aceh conflict”, said Asiah.

The question is said Asiah, that in a number of cases, the graves were found at former security posts that had been occupied by non-organic TNI (Indonesian military) troops and in a number of other cases, the victims had been arrested or abducted when the state of martial law was in force.

“The condition of the skeletons that were found generally indicate that there had been acts of violence or torture. Of those who have been identified they are usually reburied properly by their families, but if not then hospital staff bury them”, he added.

Police have been asked to immediately secure grave locations after receiving reports from local people. “Moreover during the period of martial law, Komnas HAM had already obtained reports of a number of cases of abductions and arrests”, added Asiah.

This time the skeletons have been found spread across various parts of Aceh such as Greater Aceh, North Aceh, East Aceh, Aceh Tamiang, Bireun and Central Aceh. (wiq)

[Translated by James Balowski.]