Jaukak Gulton, a farmer activist aged 66, who was actively in the struggle over a land conflict in Mariah Hombang village, Hutabayu sub district, North Sumatra province, was found lifeless on nearby land on February 13. His head and chest was covered with grass.

The National Peasants Union (STN) as well as Peasant Forum of Nagori Mariah Hombang (FNMH) strongly believe he was assassinated because unusual evidences was found on victims body.

Scars from a sharp object was found on the back of his head, lips and stomach. The killer most likely scratched the number 5 on victims’ stomach as well as pouring hot water over his body. His sandals were still wear on his feet but burn marked on his body and bruises on his feet indicate an unusual caused of death.

Despite all those fact, Simalungun district police chief Rudi Hartono confirmed that his death was caused by a heart attack.

Head of North Sumatra National Peasant Union strongly believes that Jaukak’s active involvement in the land conflict, which has been going on for the last two years was behind his death. Jaukak had reported earlier threats to police but received no response whatsoever.

Jaukak was one of several farmers actively involved in a struggle over a land conflict between Mariah Hombang Farmers with Kualung Gunung Lco. His struggle resulted in him being sentenced to several years in prison in 2002. He was also arrested along with 16 other farmers in 2007.

Send your support to demand impartial and just investigation to:

Indonesia National Police Headquarter
Fax: + 62-21-7218144
Email: info@polri.go.id

National commission on Human Rights
Fax: +62-21- 3925227
Email: info@komnasham.go.id

Please send a copy of the message to:

National Peasant Union (STN)
Fax +62218354514
Email: serikat.tani.nasional@gmail.com and papernas@yahoo.com

Papernas – The National Liberation Party of Unity
Jln. Tebet Dalam IIG No. 1, Jakarta Selatan, 12820.
Telp/Fax: 021-8354513. Email: papernas@yahoo.com

[Edited slightly for readability.]