[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 25 (Thursday, February 11, 1999)]
[House]
[Page H588]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               INDONESIA

  (Mr. PITTS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PITTS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express deep concern over 
the continuing human rights abuses in Indonesia. This week I chaired a 
Congressional Human Rights Caucus briefing in which expert witnesses 
from Indonesia showed photographic evidence and reported on the 
situation facing their people.
  Attacks on ethnic and religious minorities, particularly Chinese 
minorities, are continuing, and in some instances appear to be 
orchestrated. Ninety-five churches have been burned or destroyed since 
May of last year. One photograph showed a security officer standing by 
while a person's decapitated head was paraded around on a stick.
  Violence and human rights abuses continue in regions. Rape victims 
from last year's riots are intimidated. Churches and mosques are 
burned. Christians and Muslims from rural communities are afraid to 
return to their destroyed homes.
  Madam Speaker, I urge the Indonesian government to immediately take 
steps to protect the fundamental human rights of all people in 
Indonesia, promptly bring to justice all individuals violating those 
rights.

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