Australian Human Rights Researcher 'Facing Deportation'

Ulma Haryanto & Nivell Rayda

An Australian human rights researcher detained by Indonesian authorities on Monday remains in detention awaiting what is likely to be her imminent deportation.

The researcher and Human Rights Watch activist Andreas Harsono were taken into custody by police in Sampang, East Java, as they attempted to investigate the local Shia Muslim population.

The Shia and Ahmadiyah, another minority Muslim sect, face increasing persecution in Indonesia.

Ismail Hasani, a researcher at the Setara Institute for Peace and Democracy, told the Jakarta Globe on Wednesday that he had received a text message from Andreas informing him of their situation.

“Two hours ago he sent me a text message telling me that the Immigration officers are done with their interrogations, and their conclusion was to deport [the Australian researcher],” Ismail said, adding the Surabaya office was still waiting for confirmation from Jakarta.

The reason being used by Immigration officials was that the Australian did not have a research permit, only a visa on arrival.

“She thought she didn’t need one since she was only here for a short while. Andreas had also asked the officers to let her go without deportation because she’s going home anyway,” Ismail continued.

The Shia and Ahmadiyah, another minority Muslim sect, face increasing persecution in Indonesia. The growing intolerance against them has drawn international condemnation, including from Human Rights Watch.


(2011-9-21/TheJakartaGlobe)