Chris Smith: “I rise in favor of the Hefley Amendment to reduce IMET funding for Indonesia. Mr. Hefley has recounted the tragic story…”

“I rise in favor of the Hefley Amendment to reduce IMET funding for Indonesia. Mr. Hefley has recounted the tragic story of brutal ambush last August, that resulted in the brutal murders of Edwin Burgon and Ricky Lynn Spier, two American school teachers in Indonesia. Eight other Americans were injured in this attack, including a six-year-old child. The Indonesian Police, human rights NGOs, and independent journalists have all concluded that it is very likely Indonesian military personnel were involved in this brutal ambush. With this case still unresolved after almost a year, now is not the time to reward Indonesia with IMET funding. The perpetrators of these brutal crimes still have not been brought to justice. We know that possible involvement in killing of Americans is not the only instance of involvement by the TNI, Indonesia's military, in the killing of innocent civilians. This is a corrupt and troubled military with a very poor human rights record that we should not legitimize through IMET funding. On May 19, the Indonesian government launched its largest military offensive since the 1975 invasion of East Timor with a declaration of martial law in Aceh. The ongoing brutal TNI military operation in Aceh, has been marked by reports of extrajudicial executions, torture, rape, and mass displacement of civilians. Thousands of civilians have been forced by the military into camps, where they face threats, inadequate rations and poor health care.”