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our comments on the incident that killed two people and wounded dozens as police used force to end a protest by local residents rallying against a mining company in Bima regency, West Nusa Tenggara:

When asked by reporters about his comments on the alleged mass killing in Mesuji, Lampung, Minister Amir Syamsuddin indicated human rights were not his strongest point.

“I should not talk about human rights. They are something that I’m not good at,” Amir told journalists at the House of Representatives.

Well why the hell is he the minister of human rights? SBY sack this incompetent minister along with the others.

Siti

If the whole tragedy was a result of police incompetence, a breakdown in command or wrong engagement policies, do we expect the police to admit any of that?

A tragedy like this showing a disturbing video of the event, it is pretty clear there must be independent investigation of the police and not police investigating police, which has never worked.

It is time for some decisive leadership on the shot on sight response to civilian demonstrations.

Any wrongdoing on the part of the police must be prosecuted but the more important issue is the “shoot to kill” policy, which police are increasingly using as a first response all over Indonesia.

Nairdah

It is a pity, every time there is a clash like this, the police take the blame.

When the police get injured or killed, it seems nobody cares. I think it is time for all of us to rethink.

HBS
Jakarta

The clash in Bima could be prevented by two policies: First, make room to hold a constructive and equal dialogue between the company (PT Sumber Mineral Nusantara) and the residents (mediated by the local regent to come up with the best solution), and second, the police should not be equipped with rifles when facing protesters.

Ronald
Jakarta

As quoted in the Post, Dec. 28, the Law and Human Rights Minister told journalists: “I should not talk about human rights. They are something that I’m not good at”. Hey Mr. President, you gave the wrong man the wrong job. As a law and human rights minister, he does not know what “human rights” are?

Haryanto
Batam, Riau Islands

The authorities have to find out the real reasons for conflict between local residents and large companies and take appropriate action to solve the problem.

These companies, usually mining companies and plantations, occupy and operate in vast areas. Obviously, local people have to be satisfactorily compensated and the development has to provide work opportunities for local people.

The companies should create peaceful and conducive working environments. When conflict arises, violence is inevitable.

Soebagjo Soetadji
Jakarta

From the outset, the police must be instructed that they are here to guide and protect the public in accordance with our Pancasila.

As a police force they should have the dignity never to accept bribes. Instead of using force, the police should use diplomacy to calm and convince the people rallying against the mining company in Bima regency, West Nusa Tenggara. The police are here to protect the people; not the other way around!

The police officer’s job is supposed to be a profession of dedication; and as such their entrance examinations are supposed to show how much of a desire to dedicate one self to the general public; and certainly not how much a candidate can pay the examiner!

The Post’s Dec. 28, 2011 page’s article “Bima protesters shot from close range” is a stark reminder to all of us concerned with how serious our situation has become.

I personally suggest that investors in mining companies should get in touch with all institutions concerned before embarking on such a huge program, especially when it would involve the general public.

I hope, in the future, further economic development doesn’t need any more human sacrifices like we experienced in Bima.

Moeljono Adikoesoemo
Jakarta