Comr. Gen. Budi Gunawan (Antara)

National Police deputy chief Comr. Gen. Budi Gunawan has said that the police have identified the men behind the rumor that President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo is going to offer an official apology to the families of the members of the Indonesia Communist Party (PKI) for the alleged massacre in 1965.

"We have identified the slanderer," Budi said, as quoted by kompas.com.

He refused to give details on the men'€™s identities, but he confirmed that there were several people, who were involved in spreading rumors through social media and viral messages.

"Some people allegedly spread the news by writing about the rumor in social media, and through pictures," Budi added.

Previously, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung had also denied that the President would offer an apology.

Human rights activists have said that at least 500,000 were killed, while thousands more were imprisoned illegally, tortured or subjected to forced disappearance, following the failed coup, which according to Indonesian history books was masterminded by the PKI.

The government has not been able to find a solution on how to deal with the 1965 tragedy and other human rights abuses, although some efforts have been made. (ags/bbn).(++++)

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