Dear Friends,
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received information regarding a brutal attack against a local famer in Rokan Hilir Regency, Riau Province. Mr. Rajiman, a local palm oil farmer along with his wife and child are victims of torture, ill-treatment, terror and intimidation. These actions were committed by an employee of Mr. Asil Bangun, a businessman and member of the local Parliament of South Labuhan Batu Regency North Sumatera (DPRD TK II Labuhan Batu Sumatera Utara). Asil’s employees intimidated and forced Rajiman and other local peasants to hand over their land to Asil Bangun without compensation. Despite the fact that the victims have filed a Police Report, investigation of the case has not yet shown any significant progress.
CASE NARRATIVE:
Mr. Rajiman and Mrs. Mariyatun is the couple who filed a report with the Police regarding ill-treatment and stealing of palm oil in the Pasir Limau Kapas Rokan Hilir Regency. On March 5, 2013 Rajiman, his wife and 7 year old son, Ara Zaqul, were riding their motorcycle. Suddenly they were attacked by three people with head coverings. The attackers forcibly stopped the motorcycle and brutally attacked Rajiman, his wife and son.
As a result of the attack, Mr. Rajiman received 25 stab wounds. This included his face and his body. There were five stab wounds in the head alone and two in the thigh. Considerable bruises were seen due to the beating by a wooden instrument. He was also trampled by the three attackers until he lost consciousness. His body was then thrown into a canal ditch. Rajiman’s wife, Mrs. Mariatun suffered stab wounds on the hands, a broken thumb, bruises on her head and entire body due to a beating with a piece of wood. She, too, was trampled on by the attackers.
After attacking Rajiman and his wife, the attackers proceeded to brutally assault the young 7 year old Ara Zaqul. The attackers beat his about the head and trampled on his. As a result, Ara suffered serious internal organ damage. He now cannot eat rice or other foods. He is only fed milk through a permanent stomach tube.
As the brutal attack took place, Mariatun succeeded in pulling off the head covering of one of the perpetrators. She recognized the perpetrator as Mr. Muhammad Karo-Karo. Subsequently, in another area, Sumardi alias Gading, a son of Rajiman and Mariyatun, saw the two perpetrators when they took off their head coverings. They are identified as Muhammad Karo-karo and Sembiring. They left the site where the attack took place. Mr. Rajiman was able to recognize another perpetrator, Mr. Zebua, because he had a pronounced hobble when he walked.
According to Rajiman and his wife, they knew all the perpetrators very well because they frequently met and also passed one another on the street. The attackers often went by the plantation area because they are employees of Mr. Asli Bangun and work for him.
Up to this point, the three perpetrators, along with another employee of Mr. Asil Bangun, frequently intimidated the farmers including Mr. Rajiman to give their lands over to Mr. Asil. Needless to say, the demand was rejected by Rajiman. As revenge, Rajiman and his family were brutally assaulted, sustaining serious injuries.
Despite the fact that the case had been reported to the Panipahan Police Station (Polsek Panipahan), Rajiman and his family received no official letter of acknowledgement from the Police. After the brutal attack, the AHRC was informed that some cases occurred allegedly related to the previous cases. The cases are the burning of five houses of local farmers who refused to give their land to Mr. Asil Bangun.
Further, Asil’s employees had confiscated palm oil belonging to Rajiman and other local peasants. There is a strong allegation that Asil Bangun’s workers poisoned palm oil trees belonging to local peasants. This resulted in 278 palm trees being destroyed. According to Rajiman, on March 4, 2016 as he was harvesting, suddenly he was stopped by Asil’s employees. There ensued a debate and a fight between Rajiman and Asil’s employees.
Between April 8, 2015 and September 9, 2015, Asil’s employees had illegally confiscated the palm oil harvest belonging to Rajiman and other local farmers. They poisoned the palm oil trees, resulting in the death of the trees. On October 27, 2016 Mariyatun filed a Police Report with the Rohil Police Station. She alleged violence committed by Asil’s employees. The report was registered by the Police with the No. LP/151/IX/2016/Riau/Res Rokan Hilir.
On November 14, 2016 Rajiman also filed a report with the Integrated Women and Children’s Centers (P2TP2A). Of note is that Rajiman’s 7 year old son, Ara Zaqul, was also a victim of the brutal attack, suffering serious injuries. The report to P2TP2A is a requirement to obtain medical treatment for the child.
On December 14, 2016 and February 11, 2017 Asil’s employees stole palm oil located at the Pasir Limau sub-district Kapas, Rokan Hilir Regency. This was reported to the Panipahan Police Station (Polsek Panipahan) and Rokan Hilir Police Station (Polres Rokan Hilir). After filing the Police Report, the Police investigators issued two case registrations, No. LP/13/II/2017/Riau/Res Rokan Hilir and No.STPL/05/II/2017. The allegation made was Asil’s employees stealing palm oil.
SUGGESTED ACTION:
Please write to the Authorities listed below. Ask them to ensure that the case of the brutal attack against Mr. Rajiman, his wife and son be properly and transparently investigated. Police Investigators must examine and dismantle the nexus of crime between Asil Bangun, a member of Parliament and his employees. The Witness and Victims Protection Agency (LPSK) along with the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) should see to it that all victims receive adequate compensation.
The AHRC will write a separate letter to the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment calling for his intervention in this matter.
To support this case, please click here: SEND APPEAL LETTER
SAMPLE LETTER
Dear ___________,
INDONESIA : Peasants in Rokan Ilir brutally attacked to force them to hand over their land
Name of victims:The family of Mr. Rajiman, his wife Mrs. Mariyatun and 7 year old son, Ara Zaqul.
Names of alleged perpetrators: Mr. Asil Bangun, a member of Parliament, a businessman, a Parliament member of local parliament of South Labuhan Batu-North Sumatera (DPRD TK II Labuhan Batu Sumatera Utara) and his employees
Date of incidents: Between 2013 to 2017
Place of incident: Rokan Hilir, Riau Province
I am writing to voice my deep concern regarding a brutal attack against a local famer in Rokan Hilir Regency, Riau Province. Mr. Rajiman, a local palm oil farmer along with his wife and child are victims of torture, ill-treatment, terror and intimidation. These actions were committed by an employee of Mr. Asil Bangun, a businessman and member of the local Parliament of South Labuhan Batu Regency North Sumatera (DPRD TK II Labuhan Batu Sumatera Utara). Asil’s employees intimidated and forced Rajiman and other local peasants to hand over their land to Asil Bangun without compensation. Despite the fact that the victims have filed a Police Report, investigation of the case has not yet shown any significant progress.
Mr. Rajiman and Mrs. Mariyatun is the couple who filed a report with the Police regarding ill-treatment and stealing of palm oil in the Pasir Limau Kapas Rokan Hilir Regency. On March 5, 2013 Rajiman, his wife and 7 year old son, Ara Zaqul, were riding their motorcycle. Suddenly they were attacked by three people with head coverings. The attackers forcibly stopped the motorcycle and brutally attacked Rajiman, his wife and son.
As a result of the attack, Mr. Rajiman received 25 stab wounds. This included his face and his body. There were five stab wounds in the head alone and two in the thigh. Considerable bruises were seen due to the beating by a wooden instrument. He was also trampled by the three attackers until he lost consciousness. His body was then thrown into a canal ditch. Rajiman’s wife, Mrs. Mariatun suffered stab wounds on the hands, a broken thumb, bruises on her head and entire body due to a beating with a piece of wood. She, too, was trampled on by the attackers.
After attacking Rajiman and his wife, the attackers proceeded to brutally assault the young 7 year old Ara Zaqul. The attackers beat his about the head and trampled on his. As a result, Ara suffered serious internal organ damage. He now cannot eat rice or other foods. He is only fed milk through a permanent stomach tube.
As the brutal attack took place, Mariatun succeeded in pulling off the head covering of one of the perpetrators. She recognized the perpetrator as Mr. Muhammad Karo-Karo. Subsequently, in another area, Sumardi alias Gading, a son of Rajiman and Mariyatun, saw the two perpetrators when they took off their head coverings. They are identified as Muhammad Karo-karo and Sembiring. They left the site where the attack took place. Mr. Rajiman was able to recognize another perpetrator, Mr. Zebua, because he had a pronounced hobble when he walked.
According to Rajiman and his wife, they knew all the perpetrators very well because they frequently met and also passed one another on the street. The attackers often went by the plantation area because they are employees of Mr. Asli Bangun and work for him.
Up to this point, the three perpetrators, along with another employee of Mr. Asil Bangun, frequently intimidated the farmers including Mr. Rajiman to give their lands over to Mr. Asil. Needless to say, the demand was rejected by Rajiman. As revenge, Rajiman and his family were brutally assaulted, sustaining serious injuries.
Despite the fact that the case had been reported to the Panipahan Police Station (Polsek Panipahan), Rajiman and his family received no official letter of acknowledgement from the Police. After the brutal attack, the AHRC was informed that some cases occurred allegedly related to the previous cases. The cases are the burning of five houses of local farmers who refused to give their land to Mr. Asil Bangun.
Further, Asil’s employees had confiscated palm oil belonging to Rajiman and other local peasants. There is a strong allegation that Asil Bangun’s workers poisoned palm oil trees belonging to local peasants. This resulted in 278 palm trees being destroyed. According to Rajiman, on March 4, 2016 as he was harvesting, suddenly he was stopped by Asil’s employees. There ensued a debate and a fight between Rajiman and Asil’s employees.
Between April 8, 2015 and September 9, 2015, Asil’s employees had illegally confiscated the palm oil harvest belonging to Rajiman and other local farmers. They poisoned the palm oil trees, resulting in the death of the trees. On October 27, 2016 Mariyatun filed a Police Report with the Rohil Police Station. She alleged violence committed by Asil’s employees. The report was registered by the Police with the No. LP/151/IX/2016/Riau/Res Rokan Hilir.
On November 14, 2016 Rajiman also filed a report with the Integrated Women and Children’s Centers (P2TP2A). Of note is that Rajiman’s 7 year old son, Ara Zaqul, was also a victim of the brutal attack, suffering serious injuries. The report to P2TP2A is a requirement to obtain medical treatment for the child.
On December 14, 2016 and February 11, 2017 Asil’s employees stole palm oil located at the Pasir Limau sub-district Kapas, Rokan Hilir Regency. This was reported to the Panipahan Police Station (Polsek Panipahan) and Rokan Hilir Police Station (Polres Rokan Hilir). After filing the Police Report, the Police investigators issued two case registrations, No. LP/13/II/2017/Riau/Res Rokan Hilir and No.STPL/05/II/2017. The allegation made was Asil’s employees stealing palm oil.
Therefore, I respectfully request you to ensure that the brutal attack against Mr. Rajiman and his family must be properly and transparently investigated. Police Investigators must examine and dismantle the nexus of crime between Asil Bangun and his employees. The Witness and Victims Protection Agency (LPSK) along with the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) must make certain that all victims receive adequate compensation.
Yours Sincerely,
……………….
PLEASE SEND YOUR LETTERS TO:
1. Mr. Joko Widodo
President of the Republic of Indonesia
Jl. Veteran No. 16
Jakarta Pusat
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 21 3458 595
Fax: +62 21 3484 4759
E-mail: webmaster@setneg.go.id
2. Mr. Yasonna Laoly
Minister of Law and Human Rights
Jl. HR Rasuna Said Kav. 6–7
Kuningan, Jakarta 12940
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 21 525 3006, 525 3889
Fax: +62 21 525 3095
3. Dr. Mualimin Abdi SH., MH
Director General of Human Rights
Office of the Director General of Human Rights
Jl. HR Rasuna Said Kav. 6–7
Kuningan, Jakarta 12940
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 21 5253006
Fax: +62 21 5253095
4. General Pol. Drs. H.M. Tito Karnavian, M.A., Ph.D
Chief of National Police (KAPOLRI)
Jl. Trunojoyo No. 3 KebayoranBaru, Jakarta Selatan 12110
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 21 384 8537, 726 0306
Fax: +62 21 7220 669
E-mail: info@polri.go.id
5. Ms. Poengky Indarti
Commissioner of the National Police Commission
Jl. Tirtayasa VII No. 20
KebayoranBaru, Jakarta Selatan
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 21 739 2315
Fax: +62 21 739 2352
E-mail: secretariat@kompolnas.go.id, skm@kompolnas.go.id
6. Professor. Amzulian Rifai S.H, LL.M, PhD
Chairperson of Ombudsman of Republic of Indonesia
Jl. HR. Rasuna Said Kav. C-19 Kuningan (GedungPengadilan TIPIKOR) Jakarta Selatan
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 21 52960894/95
Fax: +62 21-52960904/05
7. Mr. Kahar Muzakir
Chairperson of the Commission III of The House of Representative
Ketua Komisi III DPR RI
Gedung Nusantara II DPR RI, Lt I
JalanJenderalGatotSubroto, Jakarta,
INDONESIA
Telp : +62 21 -5715566, +62 21-5715569, +62 21-5715864
Fax : +62 21 5715566
8. H. Bambang Soesatyo, S.E., M.B.A
Chief of the Indonesian House of Representative
Gedung DPR/MPR RI
Jl. Gatot Subroto No. 6
Jakarta
INDONESIA
Tel: + 62 21 5715509; 5715344; 5715621
Fax: + 62 21 5714469, 5734389
9. Mr. Abdul Haris Semendawai
Chairperson of the Agency for Victims and Witness Protection
Lembaga Perlindungan Saksi dan Korban (LPSK)
Jalan Raya Bogor KM. 24 No. 47-49, Susukan, Ciracas, RT.6/RW.1, Susukan, Ciracas, Kota Jakarta Timur, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 13750
Tel: +62 21 29681560
Fax: +62 21 29681551 / +62 21 29681557
10. Mr. Ahmad Taufan Damanik
Chairperson of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM)
Jl. Latuharhary No. 4-B
Jakarta 10310
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 21 392 5227-30
Fax: +62 21 392 5227
E-mail: info@komnas.go.id
11. Mr. HM Prasetyo
Attorney General of Republic of Indonesia
Kejaksaan Agung RI
Jl. Sultan Hasanuddin No. 1
Jakarta Selatan
INDONESIA
Tel: + 62 21 7221337 , 7397602
Fax: + 62 21 7250213
Thank you.
Urgent Appeals Program
Asian Human Rights Commission (ua@ahrc.asia)
