T

he process to bring peace in Poso, Central Sulawesi, continues with the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) and the Medical Emergency Rescue Committee (Mer-C) now working in the conflict-ridden province that saw a years-long manhunt for a terrorist group.

The two organizations are working to facilitate the surrendering of the 14 remaining members of the Eastern Indonesia Mujahidin (MIT) terrorist group to security forces.

To achieve this, Nur Kholis of Komnas HAM had met and talked with the Operation Tinombala task force head, National Police Brig. Gen. Rudy Sufahriadi, as well as Army Col. M. Saleh Mustafa and the Central Sulawesi governor on Thursday.

During the meeting with Governor Longki Djanggola, Nur Kholis said Komnas HAM had built communications with the families of MIT members in Tamanjeka hamlet and other areas to build trust.

The meeting also agreed to let Komnas HAM and Mer-C start the reconciliation process in the province.

“Komnas HAM will have talks to decide on locations to pick up the 14 terrorists and encourage the deradicalization program involving the provincial administration and other parties,” said Kholis.

In essence, he added, the efforts being made were aimed at urging the remaining MIT members to leave the mountain and surrender with the help and mediation of Komnas HAM.

“Definitely, everything being done is within the framework of respecting basic human rights without violence. Komnas HAM and Mer-C will set up humanitarian posts there,” said Kholis.

He added that after their surrender, they would be brought to court for trial based on prevailing laws, accompanied by independent lawyers, and that the wives and children of the terrorists would be put into consideration too.

“What will they eat when their husbands are on trial? Should their children attend school during their fathers’ legal process? There are also questions as to whether or not they would be punished and so forth,” he said.

In the meeting with Governor Longki, Komnas HAM team offered two options of reconciliation and amnesty. However, they would have to be discussed with numerous relevant parties, including the police, the military and the Central Sulawesi provincial and Poso regency administrations.

Longki said the Poso resolution must be carried out comprehensively, and that everything would have to be conducted carefully with multiple parties sitting together to resolve the issue.

“We appreciate the steps already undertaken by Komnas HAM and Mer-C. Komnas HAM’s expectations are also that of the provincial administration, the military and police. We want this problem settled immediately,” said Longki.

Regarding the amnesty and reconciliation options, Longki asked that they be carried out with caution. If the option is amnesty, they must also consider the fulfillment of justice to those who have become victims of the MIT.

“We cannot ignore those who have yet to descend the mountain, but we also cannot ignore the feelings of those who have become victims,” said Longki.

Brig. Gen. Rudy said efforts to resolve the issue of terrorism in Poso would continue, and the National Police and the military would protect the mediation team. Despite this, Operation Tinombala, involving military and police personnel, would continue.

Operation Tinombala, added Rudy, who is also the Central Sulawesi Police chief, would continue without ignoring aspects of humanity, having urged the remaining MIT members to immediately surrender and undergo legal process.

“If they surrender, we will protect and provide assistance in accordance with dignity and humanity,” said Rudy.