Jokowi Admits 12 Serious Human Rights Violations Occurred in Indonesia

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo admitted and expressed regret over 12 serious human violations that occurred in the past.

“With a clear mind and a sincere heart, I as the leader of the Republic of Indonesia, admit that serious human rights violations have indeed happened in several incidents,” he said in a speech at the Jakarta State Palace, Wednesday, January 11, 2023.

The statement was made after reading the report submitted by the Team of Non-judicial Settlement of Past Gross Human Rights. Although the non-judicial team was established, the government will conduct the judicial settlement.

“I have sympathy and empathy for the victims and their families. So the government and I will restore the rights of the victims fairly and wisely without negating the judicial resolution,” Jokowi added.

Members of the team include Makarim Wibisono, Ifdal Kasim, Suparman Marzuki, Mustafa Abubakar, Rahayu, As ad Said Ali, Letjen TNI Purn Kiki Syahnarki, dan Komarudin Hidayat. The President received the report while being accompanied by Coordinating Law, Political, and Security Affairs Mahfud Md.

To date, the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) is still addressing 12 cases of past gross human rights violations including the 1965 massacre, the 1989 Talangsari massacre, the disappearances of pro-democracy activists in 1997-1998, the 1998 Rumoh Geudong case in Aceh, the May 1998 Riots, Trisakti Shooting Tragedy, Semanggi I and II Shooting Tragedy, the Banyuwangi Massacre in 1998-1999, the 1993 Simpang Kertas Kraft Aceh (KAA) incident in Aceh, Wasior and Wamena incident in 2001, Jambo Keupok Aceh incident in 2003, Munir’s murder, and the Bloody Paniai case.

Komnas HAM chairman Ahmad Taufan Damanik has submitted the report to Attorney General Sanitiar Burhanuddin to be followed up as the investigation had been completed.

“Komnas HAM keeps urging and coordinating with the Attorney General to follow up the 12 cases that have been investigated by Komnas HAM based on Law No. 26 of 2000 on Human Rights Courts,” said Taufan.

M JULNIS FIRMANSYAH

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