HC Deb 12 March 2002 vol 381 c867W
Ann Clwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the progress the Indonesian Government have made towards reform of the security sector in Indonesia, with specific reference to the(a) accountability of the armed forces to the civilian authorities, (b) territorial structure of the armed forces, (c) accountability of security forces personnel for human rights violations and (d) business interests and non-budgetary funding of the armed forces. [40680]

Mr. Bradshaw

The Indonesian Government have made progress in the reform of the security sector since the democratic elections of 1999.

Civilian oversight of the armed forces has been put in place by the nomination of a civilian Defence Minister and the agreement to end military representation in the DPR (Parliament), by 2004 and the MPR, (Parliament, regional representatives and professional leaders) by 2009.

With the exception of the recent establishment of KODAM (the regional military command) in Aceh, there has been no significant changes in the structure of the military.

Accountability of the security forces for committing human rights abuses has increased by the establishment of ad hoc human rights courts.

The KPN (Supreme Audit Authority) are now starting to audit charitable foundations controlled by military.

There is now active debate in the Indonesian media and civil society about the need for security sector reform. We remain engaged through our Global Conflict Prevention Pool Security Sector Reform programme.

We also continue to apply pressure on the Government of Indonesia bilaterally and with our European partners, particularly on the issue of human rights.

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