SURABAYA: ICITAP-FUNDED DNA LAB OPENED WITH ENTHUSIASM

UNCLAS SURABAYA 000097 SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP/MTS, INL, EAP/PD E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL EAID ASEC ID SUBJECT: SURABAYA: ICITAP-FUNDED DNA LAB OPENED WITH ENTHUSIASM This message is sensitive but unclassified. Please protect accordingly. ¶1. (SBU) Summary: The opening of a Surabaya DNA forensics lab established with assistance from the U.S. Department of Justice's International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP) generated positive press in East Java and the continued appreciation of provincial police. The press coverage focused on the role of U.S. assistance and ICITAP advisors and noted that the lab will play an important role in future investigations cases, including investigations into the recent serial killings in Jombang, East Java. The DNA lab serves as a catalyst for the transition from the previous confession-based system to an evidence-based system of criminal investigation, the trademark of a professional law enforcement agency. The opening of this DNA lab is latest example of positive U.S.-Indonesian cooperation through an ICITAP program to strengthen the professionalism and effectiveness of the Indonesian National Police. End Summary. ¶2. (SBU) Senior police officials from throughout Eastern Indonesia gathered at the East Java provincial police headquarters for the opening of the ICITAP funded DNA forensics lab on August 6. Cooperation between the East Java Regional Police and ICITAP, a Department of Justice program that offers training and infrastructure to foreign police forces, began in July 2003 and has included investigative training for police officers and NGOs and the opening of a cyber crimes lab. Local press highlighted the benefits of the East Java Regional Police Department's new DNA-testing equipment, providing only the second with DNA-testing capacity in the country and handling cases from East Java and Kalimantan. Previously, DNA samples from around the country had to be sent to the National Police Headquarters in Jakarta. Most media reported plans for a DNA data bank containing DNA samples from convicted criminals that will be used to make policework easier. ¶3. (SBU) The press pointed to an on-going serial murder investigation to illustrate the benefit of the lab. Feri Idham Henyansah is suspected of killing at least 11 in Jombang and has been the center of media attention throughout East Java. The local press noted that the DNA tests could have been conducted at the new East Java Forensics Lab, but because the equipment had not been officially inaugurated, the initial tests had been done in Jakarta. All press reports mentioned the crime as an example of a situation in which DNA testing is necessary, thereby making the lab more relevant to the public. East Java's leading newspaper, Jawa Pos, quoted the Chief of Police for East Java, Herman S. Sumawiredja, praising the equipment's value to criminal investigation and emphasizing the need to upgrade forensic technology at a time when criminals are sophisticated and no longer leave obvious tracks. Other papers added that Herman issued thanks to the United States for the gift as it would be helpful to the Indonesian government. ¶4. (SBU) The United States and ICITAP received unanimously positive press coverage from the event. The opening ceremony was open to the press and featured remarks by Pak Herman, the lab's senior officials, Surabaya PO and ICITAP advisors. The Memorandum referred to cooperation between the East Java Regional Police Department and ICITAP. Most press referred to the equipment as aid from the United States government. Several online media sources also quoted ICITAP senior consultant David ¶N. Gidley as saying the equipment met internationals standard and was meant to reinforce an evidence-based crime fighting system. Suara Surabaya online also noted that the United States had not only donated the equipment but provided training, adding up to a total contribution of approximately US$ 700,000. MCCLELLAND