Jakarta – Threats against workers, democracy and human rights activists have increased in 2010. This includes threats against journalists, which have begun to face threats to their lives. Conversely, cases of threats and violence against human rights and democracy activists are never able to be resolved.

The Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) 2010 annual report on the human rights situation in Indonesia notes that attacks on human rights and democracy activists have risen sharply.

“From the data we have, there are several important notes. First, violence against human rights and democracy workers has increased, almost touching on a figure of 100. Journalists and those defending the rights of farmers or fisherpeople, are always the victims. In addition to this, there are also anti-corruption activists”, said Kontras Coordinator Haris Azhar at the launch of the annual report, which coincided with the commemoration of Kontras’ 13 anniversary in Jakarta on Sunday March 20.

According to Azhar, although there has been an increase and escalation in threats against human rights and democracy activist, the irony is that these cases are never solved by law enforcement agencies. “What is most typical is violence against human rights and democracy defenders. Cases of violence against journalists are not resolved, the murder of journalists is not solved. Likewise in cases involving the shooting of farmers and fisherpeople, none are ever solved”, he said.

This is despite the fact that according to Kontras’ records, threats of violence against human rights and democracy activists frequently end in death. Kontras’ annual report also notes that journalism is one of the professions that are most vulnerable to the loss of life because of the nature of their work. The most recent case was the murder of Pelangi Maluku (Maluku Rainbow) journalists Alfrets Mirulewan, which is suspected to be linked to his investigative reporting.

Former National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) member MM Billah claimed that the perpetrators of violence have begun to shift from state institutions to civilians. (bil)

Source: Laporan Tahunan: Ancaman kepada Aktivis HAM Meningkat – Kompas. Senin, 21 Maret 2011

[Translated by James Balowski.]