Komnas HAM: ISIS Militants Must be Held Accountable Under the Law

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) addressed President Jokowi’s decision to no longer go forward with the repatriation plan of over 600 former Indonesian ISIS militants.

Komnas HAM commissioner Amiruddin Al Rahab argues that such a decision is too premature and that these former ISIS fighters from Indonesia must be held accountable for their actions punishable under the Indonesian law. 

“There is yet certainty to lawfully process them [in Indonesia], that is where human rights enter the discussion,” said Amir to Tempo on Thursday, February 13. He argues that the heated talks about the terrorist repatriation provoked a premature statement from the president. 

He strongly pushes for former Indonesian ISIS members to undergo the court justice as the terrorist network committed multiple terror acts that are internationally viewed as criminal acts. 

On the other hand, the ill-informed talks about their repatriation have created an impression as if the terrorists would be repatriated and be freed in Indonesia.

Amir opines that Indonesia, as a member of the United Nations security council, must decide whether the former Indonesian ISIS members would be tried under international law or Indonesia’s law. He also said that despite no longer considered as Indonesian citizens, the former terrorists have the right to submit citizenship. 

The Komnas HAM commissioner said Indonesia could use this momentum to push for an international forum and help create an international tribunal for the hundreds of former ISIS militants. “Prepare the concept. Push for it in the international forum which would champion Indonesia in the field of overcoming terrorist crimes.”

FIKRI ARIGI