Farmer activist assassinated; police claim it was a heart attack

Jaukak Gulton, a farmer activist, aged 66, who was actively involved in struggles over a land conflict in Mariah Hombang village, Hutabayu sub district, North Sumatra Province was found lifeless on nearby land on 13 February 2008. He was covered with grass from his head to chest.

The Peasant National League (STN) as well as the Peasant Forum of Nagori Mariah Hombang (FNMH) firmly believed that he was assassinated as unusual evidence was found on his body.
There were wounds from a sharp object on the back of his head and on his lips and stomach. The killer appeared to have scratched “5” on the victim’s stomach as well as poured hot water on his body. His slippers was still on his feet but burn marks on his ankle and bruises on his
feet also indicated an unnatural cause of his death.

Despite all these facts, Simalungun Chief of Police Rudi Hartono confirmed that his death was caused by heart attack. The head of National Peasant Union of North Sumatra province strongly
believes that Jaukak’s active involvement on the land conflict that has lasted for the past two years was behind his death. Jaukak had reportedthreats made against him to police but had received no response at all.

Jaukak is one of the farmers who was actively struggling in the land conflict between Mariah Hombang Farmers and Kualung Gunung Lco. He was imprisoned for a year in prison in 2002 for his role in this struggle and he was arrested with 16 other farmers in 2007.(*Haris Sitorus)

Send your support to demand impartial and just investigation to
Indonesia National Police Headquarters

Fax: + 62-21-7218144

Email: info@polri.go.id

National Commission on Human Rights

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Email : info@komnasham.go.id

Please send the solidarity to

National Peasant Union (STN)

Fax +62218354514

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The National Liberation Party of Unity (PAPERNAS)