HC Deb 06 July 1994 vol 246 c208W
Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has received regarding the warrant issued by the Indonesian Government for the arrest of the human rights lawyer Adrian Buyung Nasution; and if he will make representations to his Indonesian counterpart concerning the human rights situation in Indonesia.

Mr. Goodlad

Rumours of Mr. Nasution's impending arrest have proved unfounded. The Indonesian authorities are well aware of the importance that we attach to respect for human rights. We draw it to their attention on a regular basis.

Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to his Indonesian counterpart with regard to the banning ofTempo, Editor and De Tik on 21 June and the confrontation between Indonesian security forces and a peaceful demonstration in Jakarta on 27 June; and if he will make a statement on the current human rights situation in Indonesia.

Mr. Goodlad

None as yet, but we will seek an early opportunity to make representations on this issue. We welcome the Indonesian Government's efforts over the past year to improve their human rights record. It is, therefore, with surprise and concern that we learned of the banning of the three journals by the Indonesian Government. The decision appears inconsistent with the greater spirit of openness prevailing in Indonesia recently.