Jokowi Responds to Past Activist Kidnappings Issue: Faisol Riza

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Faisol Riza, a victim of the 1998 activist kidnapping, said that President Joko Widodo or Jokowi has responded to his letter on the 1998 activist kidnappings and disappearances issue. Riza claimed that he was called to visit the State Palace to talk about his demands.

“They commit to helping the victims’ families in dealing with the daily struggle on the economy and education,” said Riza Wednesday, March 13, at Grand Cemara Hotel, Jakarta.

The politician of the National Awakening Party (PKB) earlier sent a letter to the House of Representatives (DPR) speaker Bambang Soesatyo and President Jokowi, reminding the recommendation issued by the special team of the 1997/1998 activist kidnapping case that was concluded in the DPR plenary meeting on September 28, 2009.

Read also: Prabowo Camp Respond to Defiance Shown by 1998 Kidnapping Victims

The four recommendations are forming the ad hoc human rights court, search for the victims, rehabilitation and compensation for victims’ family, and the ratification of the Convention on Enforced Disappearances. Riza mentioned that the government would fulfill the demand.

Riza is one of nine pro-democracy activists who was survived from the 1998 activist kidnapping. The others are Mugiyanto, Aan Rusdianto, Andi Arief, Nezar Patria, Haryanto Taslam, Desmond J. Mahesa, Pius Lustrilanang, and Rahardjo Waluyo Jati.

At least 13 activists are still missing to the present day, namely Wiji Thukul, Petrus Bimo Anugerah, Suyat, Yani Afri, Herman Hendrawan, Dedi Hamdun, Sony, Noval Alkatiri, Ismail, Ucok Siahaan, Yadin Muhidin, Hendra Hambali, and Abdun Nasser.

Riza, Aan, and Mugiyanto accompanied by several relatives to the victims of the 1997/1998 activist kidnappings and disappearances declared to not vote for presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto, who they deemed as a severe human rights violator.

BUDIARTI UTAMI PUTRI