M. Munab Islah Ahyani, Bandung – An activist from Aceh Papua Solidarity (Solidaritas Aceh Papua, SAP) who was arrested and detained in Bandung (West Java) and who is suspected of being linked with the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), is now being processed by the national police headquarters. National police are working in coordination with the Acehnese police to continue to process the case, including investigating if there is link between GAM and activities of the activist.
This was related to journalist by the head of the West Java police, Inspector General Dadang Garnida, in relation questions on the developments in the case of a SAP activist who was arrested on suspicions that he is the aide to the GAM minister of finance. Garnida was questioned by journalists following a joint prayer meeting for peaceful elections at Gasibu Square in Bandung on Thursday March 4.
As has been reported, M Toyib (26), alias De Muhamad alias Tengku Morad, a student of the Ar-Raniry State Institute of Islamic Studies in Banda Aceh, was arrested by officers from the West Bandung police on Monday March 1. The arrest was said to have taken place based on a report received by police from the administrator of the Aceh Students Family Boarding House in Bandung located on Jalan Cicendo. However the manager of the boarding house later denied making a report to police regarding the whereabouts of Toyib.
Responding to this, police explained that the actions taken by police were a pro-active step to safeguard security and order. “Because there was a report by [a member of] the public, we have secured and are investigation the person in question. Because his case touches on other areas, we have handed him over to the national police. From there the national and Acehnese police will follow up the case”, he explained.
He said that the actions by police do not mean that they are restricting the rights of Acehnese citizens who visit other parts of the country. “Don’t put it in those terms. The pro-active actions by police were to safeguard security [and were taken] in accordance with procedures and the legal stipulations which are in force”, he reiterated.
He also made it clear that the West Java local police greatly appreciate the attitude of citizens who take a pro-active position and are wary of suspicious people who are in their neighborhood. Furthermore, he said we are already approaching the general elections so the “political temperature” is expected to rise and become susceptible to disturbances.
In order to safeguard the 2004 general elections themselves, the West Java police have a force of around 22,000 personnel, two thirds of which will be mobilised for this momentous task. “The police have also obtained assistance from TNI [armed forces] personnel and operational units at the district level. That doesn’t include civilian groups and the political parties themselves. Don’t forget, that in West Java there are also around 80,000 motorcycle taxi drivers who have declared their commitment to safeguard security in the province. God willing, it will be safe in West Java”, he reiterated.
Political not legal
Meanwhile, when contacted by Detik.com, SAP spokesperson Lusiana explained that the arrest of one of their activists was not because they had broken the law. “The arrest of our colleague is clearly political, and has been doctored up to appear to be legal matter”, she said.
Because of this, in addition to preparing a number of lawyers to assist in Toyib’s legal case, SAP will continue to take political steps to obtain his release. However she did not explain the precise form this would take.
Lusiana also said that they had obtain news that their colleague has now been transferred to Aceh. “Certainly, it will be more harder and more difficult [for the campaign] if he has already been transferred to Aceh. But we will continue to struggle [for his release]”, she reiterated.
One thing she hoped would not be done anymore is the stigmatisation of activists who carry out such activities. “At the moment, some [pro-democracy activist] are being directly accused of being members of GAM which means they can be arrested. This is exactly the same as suppressing the [very] democracy which [we are] struggling for at the moment”, she said. (mmi,nrl)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
