TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta:The Indonesian military are still involved in cases of abuse, the Commission for Missing Persons & Victims of Violence (Kontras) announced before the Indonesian military’s 66th anniversary on October 5.

Between July and September, Kontras recorded 16 cases of abuse, 15 shootings, five cases of intimidation, 11 cases of maltreatment and two murders.

In Papua, Kontras said that military violence had killed 23 people, including 22 civilians. The violence also injured 8 military personnel and 10 civilians.

The commission said the violence in Tambua, Nusa Tenggara, killed a man named Charles Mali on March 13. According to Kontras, the military has used violence in land disputes in several areas. A shooting took place in Kebumen on April 16, while similar incidents also took place in Alas Tlogo, East Java, and Rumpin, Bogor.

Kontras coordinator Haris Azhar said the military still employs terror, threats and force to make retired soldiers leave their official homes. In Jakarta, efforts to clear these homes have been conducted since December last year.

According to Haris, the military is trying to improve its credibility and professionalism. “That should be appreciated,” he said, adding that its reform agenda must also be carried out.

In regard to Kontras’ assessment, the military has not given an official response.