Yudhoyono Expects Investigation into Munir Case to Continue

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The sixth president of the Republic of Indonesia Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) said he is backing President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s efforts to resume investigation into the murder of human rights activist Munir Said Thalib. According to him, Munir’s death is a serious issue which has put a dent into Indonesia’s democracy.

“There is always a way to find the real truth... Therefore, I support President Jokowi’s efforts to resume [investigation into] the case,” Yudhoyono said yesterday during a press conference on the missing documents of the Fact-Finding Team of Munir’s death. He was accompanied by former officials of his administration, namely former state secretary minister Sudi Silalahi, former police chief Bambang Hendarso Danuri and former coordinating minister for political, legal and security affairs Djoko Suyanto.

The issue of missing documents of TPF came into the spotlight following the Central Information Commission (KIP) ruling on October 10 in favor of the Commission on Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) on the discolsure of the documents. The President had instructed the Attorney General to trace the documents.

According to Yudhoyono, his administration had followed up the TPF’s reports. A number of individuals had been brought to court, such as the National Armed Forces (TNI) general Muchdi Pr. and flag-carrier Garuda Indonesia co-pilot Pollycarpus Budihari Priyanto. “In relation to the follow up to the recommendations of Munir TPF, I, as the then-president, am responsible. I am responsible for enforcing law in Munir’s death and following up the TPF’s recommendations,” he said.

Sudi Silalahi said he has been tracing the original documents of the TPF report. According to him, prior to the end of the Yudhoyono administration, all of the important state documents had been handed over to the National Archive of the Republic of Indonesian (ANRI). However, the documents are not yet found. He only found the copy of the documents. “The copy of the documents will be delivered to Mr. President through the State Secretary Minister to be used as appropriate,” he said yesterday.

Kontras coordinator Haris Azhar has applauded SBY for his public explanation on the document. Haris Azhar said that the investigation into Munir’s death is now in President Joko Widodo’s hands. “It is now time to stop passing the buck. If Jokowi is committed, he shall disclose the TPF’s report in accordance with the KIP ruling,” he said.

As of press time, the Palace has not made official statement. Presidential spokesman Budi Sapto Pribowo, however, had confirmed that the President will reopen investigation into Munir’s murder.

ANTARA | ANGGA SUKMAWIJAYA