President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo acknowledged 12 serious human rights violations that took place in the past and expressed his regret over the tragedies, according to a report submitted to him by the Team for the Non-Judicial Settlement of Past Serious Human Rights Violations in the Presidential Palace on January 11, 2023.
“With a clear mind and a sincere heart, I, as the Head of State of the Republic of Indonesia, acknowledge that human rights violations did occur in various incidents,” Jokowi said. “I have deep sympathy and empathy for the victims and their families. Therefore, the government must recover the rights of the victims in a fair and wise manner without negating a judicial settlement.”
Restoring the victims’ rights
The government is trying to restore the rights of the victims in a fair and wise manner without negating a judicial settlement. It also tries really hard so that the human rights violations will not happen again in the future.
Jokowi also appointed Coordinating Minister for Politics, Law and Security Mahfud MD to supervise the government’s actions to make sure that those plans are implemented properly.
The president has signed Presidential Decree (Keppres) No. 17/2022 concerning the Formation of a Team for the Resolution of Non-Judicial Past Serious Human Rights Violations to carry out disclosures and efforts to resolve non-judicial past gross human rights violations based on data and recommendations set by the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) until 2020.
12 human rights violations
These are the 12 biggest human rights violations that Jokowi apologized for:
- The 1965-1966 mass killings
It is the anti-communist purges that took place in Indonesia between 1965 and 1966, following a failed coup attempt by a group of military officers linked to the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI). The purges resulted in the deaths of an estimated 500,000-1 million people, mostly suspected communist sympathizers and members of the PKI.
The mass killings were carried out by the military, police and civil militias, and were supported by the government and Muslim organizations. The majority of the perpetrators of this incident have not been brought to justice. There were no serious attempts by the government, led by former authoritarian Gen. Suharto and his New Order regime, to execute those responsible for the killings.
The killings led to the collapse of the now-defunct PKI, which used to be among the biggest in the world behind China and the Soviet Union.
- Petrus (mysterious shooting) incident in 1982-1985
It refers to a series of extrajudicial killings that occurred during the early 1980s, primarily in Jakarta and surrounding areas, in which unidentified gunmen targeted petty criminals and street vendors. It was allegedly conducted by a government-backed death squad known as “Petrus”. The number of victims is estimated to be around 1,000.
Despite the widespread belief that the government was involved in the killings, no serious efforts or any compensations have been made by the government to execute those who are responsible.
- Talangsari tragedy in 1989
It refers to a mass killing of villagers by the Indonesian Military (TNI) in Talangsari village, West Lampung, in February 1989. The military accused the villagers of being associated with Islamic extremist group.
It is estimated that around 300 people were killed during the operation and many more were arrested and tortured. The military denied any wrongdoing and the government downplayed the incident and made no serious efforts to prosecute those responsible for the killings.
- Rumoh Geudong and Pos Sattis killings in 1989
It refers to two mass killings that occurred in 1989 in Aceh. The Rumoh Geudong village tragedy saw at least 30 villagers were killed by the military. Meanwhile the Pos Sattis village shooting referred to the killing of at least 50 people.
Both incidents were part of a wider conflict between the government and separatist groups in Aceh. The military accused the villagers of supporting the separatist movement. There were no serious efforts to prosecute those responsible for the killings.
- Enforced disappearances in 1997-1998
It is a series of kidnappings and killings of pro-democracy activists, Chinese ethnic group and other perceived opponents of the government during the transition from the Soeharto regime to a democratic government.
The military and the police allegedly executed the kidnappings and the killings. The victims were often taken into custody and killed, with their bodies disposed of in an effort to conceal the crime. It is estimated that around 100-500 people have disappeared. There have been no serious efforts to prosecute those responsible for the enforced disappearances.
- The May riots incident in 1998
It is a series of violent protests and ethnic clashes that occurred in Indonesia. The clashes were sparked by the economic crisis and political turmoil in the country. They targeted Indonesian-Chinese communities and businesses. The riots resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 people, mostly from Chinese descents. They also led to the destruction and burning of thousands of buildings and homes.
The violence was exacerbated by the involvement of military and civilian groups. The Soeharto’s regime was criticized for its slow response and inadequate measures to stop the riots and protect the Chinese ethnic communities. Despite this, no serious efforts have been made to prosecute those responsible for the May riots.
- Trisakti and Semanggi I-II incidents in 1998-1999
The Trisakti incident refers to the shooting of four students by the military during a peaceful protest at Trisakti University in Jakarta on May 12, 1998. The Semanggi I and II tragedies refer to two separate shootings by the military. University students gathered in Semanggi cloverleaf area Jakarta on September 24 and November 13, 1999, respectively, and staged protests before being shot by the authority.
Both incidents were part of a wider crackdown on pro-democracy protests by the military and the police. They were triggered by the fall of Soeharto’s regime and the rise of democratic movement in the country. The shootings resulted in the deaths of dozens of people and injured many more.
Despite widespread condemnation of the shootings, there have been no serious efforts to execute those who are responsible.
- The murder of ‘dukun santet’ in 1998-1999
It is the killing of people who were accused of being dukun santet or black magic practitioners in Indonesia, specifically in Sulawesi island in 1998-1999. Vigilante groups, with supports from local officials and the police, carried out the killings. They accused the fatalities of causing various problems in the community.
The number of victims is estimated to be around 100-200 people. The government failed to intervene effectively to stop the killings, and many of the vigilantes were never brought to justice.
- Simpang KKA incident in 1999
It is a series of clashes between the military and separatist groups in Aceh in 1999. It began with a military operation in the Simpang KKA area, where the military accused separatist groups of being active. The clashes resulted in the deaths of dozens of people, mostly civilians, and the displacement of thousands more.
The military was criticized for its heavy-handed tactics and for failing to protect civilians during the operation. There have been no serious efforts to prosecute those who are responsible for the Simpang KKA incident.
- Wasior incident in 2001-2002
It is a series of killings that occurred in Wasior, a district in Papua, in 2001-2002. It was carried out by the military and the police. They targeted members of the local community, including activists and civil society leaders.
The official number of victims is around 100 people, but it is believed that the actual number is higher. There have been no serious efforts from the government to bring the perpetrators to justice.
- Wamena incident in 2003
It refers to a violent incident that occurred in Wamena, Papua, in 2003. It began with a peaceful protest by Papuan students, which was met with a violent repression by the national guard. The clashes resulted in the deaths of at least 27 people and injured many more.
The military were criticized for their uncontrolled use of threats and for failing to protect the safety of the protesters. The government was also criticized for its slow response and lack of action to investigate and execute. Despite this, there have been no serious efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
- Jambo Keupok incident in 2003
A violent incident took place in Jambo Keupok, a village in Aceh, in 2003. It began with a military operation in the village when they accused separatist groups of being active. The operation resulted in the deaths of several villagers, including women and children, and the displacement of many more.
The military was criticized for its inconsiderate tactics and for failing to protect citizens during the operation. There have been no serious efforts to prosecute those responsible for the violence.
