TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) will investigate the case of the recent assasination of environmental activist Jopi Peranginangin so as to find out the motive and the mastermind behind it.

Komnas HAM commissioner Siti Noor Laila said the case had reminded the public of the absence of regulations protecting human rights activists. “They work for the interest of those who are in trouble. They defend human rights,” said Siti on Monday.

Siti said there had been many reports on the criminalization of rights activists. “This is because there is no regulation that protects them,” said Siti.

She added that these activists were helping the government uphold human rights in the country, thus they should be protected by the law.

She then pointed out a case where rights activists in Yogyakarta were charged for damaging a billboard worth Rp200,000. “Based on the SKB (joint ministerial decree) of the Attorney General’s Office, the Supreme Court and the Indonesian National Police, losses under Rp2.5 million should be settled out of court,” said Siti.

The death of Jopi adds to the long list of activists who fell victim to violence amid the absence of a police announcement as to whether his death was attributed to his activities.

Siti said the Komnas HAM would continue looking into the case. “We have received reports from Jopi’s colleagues and we will clarify them with related parties,” she said.

NINIS CHAIRUNNISA