[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 146 (Monday, September 15, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8524-S8525]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     REMEMBERING MUNIR SAID THALIB

  Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, last week marked the fourth anniversary 
of the tragic death of Munir Said Thalib, one of Indonesia's leading 
human rights defenders. Munir was powerful voice who brought attention 
to the human rights violations committed by Indonesia's military in 
East Timor, Papua, and Aceh Province during and after the rule of 
President Suharto. He founded the Commission for Disappearances and 
Victims of Violence (Kontras) and championed accountability and justice 
on behalf of the victims of ``disappearances'' during the final days of 
the regime in the late 1990s. Munir, 37, was poisoned with arsenic 
while traveling from Jakarta to Amsterdam to study international 
humanitarian law.
  Munir as a singular figure who inspired crowds with his impassioned 
pleas for nonviolence, worked with progressive elements in the military 
even while challenging army abuses, and made a point of using himself 
as an example to inspire others. By refusing to show fear in the face 
of threats and intimidation, including several attempts on his life, he 
served as a model for those otherwise afraid to stand up to human 
rights violators.
  Now, 4 years after Munir's untimely death, there is promise that 
those responsible for his murder will be brought to justice. Despite 
delays and setbacks, two of those charged have now been convicted, but 
those who planned the assassination remained at large. Now, 3 years 
after a fact-finding team established by current President Yudhoyono 
discovered evidence of involvement by officials of the State 
Intelligence Agency, a retired general and former senior intelligence 
officer is on trial for his alleged role in the crime. This trial is an 
opportunity for Munir's friends and family, for the Indonesian 
Government, and for the citizens of Indonesia, to obtain a fair 
accounting of the facts and application of the law. I note with 
appreciation the work of the investigators in the case so far and 
convey my strongest support for a fair, timely and transparent process 
and a just outcome for all concerned.
  President Yudhoyono has called the case a test for Indonesia, and 
Munir's supporters similarly argue that ``justice for Munir is justice 
for all.'' The willingness of the government to investigate the role of 
senior staff at the State Intelligence Agency is a significant step 
forward, and I hope it is an indication of increased accountability 
more generally. Those who committed human rights abuses must be 
identified and brought to justice, both to provide a sense of closure 
for victims who suffered these atrocities as well as to set the 
important precedent that human and political rights play an important 
role in today's Indonesia. I encourage the Indonesian Government to 
undertake similar investigations for other crimes, and urge them to do 
so in a timely and fair manner.
  The decision to undertake this trial is an important indicator of the 
government's commitment to address ongoing human rights abuses, and to 
protect human rights activists. I am hopeful this will be the beginning 
of a more systematic process that prioritizes basic human rights and 
the rule of law and recognizes that Indonesia has yet to deal 
effectively with past human rights violations in Aceh, East Timor, 
Papua, Jakarta, and elsewhere. I hope the resolution of Munir's case 
will be a blow against impunity and provide an opportunity to promote 
much-needed military and intelligence reform. Indonesia has made 
positive reforms since the end of the Suharto regime, but must continue 
to develop proper mechanisms for accountability, to ensure that such 
human rights abuses are not repeated.
  Indonesia continues to be an important ally of the United States and 
we must work toward a strong and effective partnership, particularly as 
we

[[Page S8525]]

seek to combat extremism around the globe. It is in the national 
interest of both countries for Indonesia to successfully complete its 
process of reform and democratization. However, this strengthening 
relationship must not come at the expense of a principled stance on 
human rights and accountability. As we commemorate Munir's death, we 
must remember that part of this commemoration includes addressing the 
continuing legacy of Indonesia's recent authoritarian past.

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