The former Indonesian Military (TNI) chief has sought to clarify the human rights abuse allegations and has asked people to point out his alleged wrongdoings.

“I want them to clearly point out when and where exactly my involvement was. Only then will I explain, one by one,” Wiranto told journalists on Thursday after a handover ceremony at his office with his predecessor and newly inaugurated Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan.

(Read also : US notes Wiranto's appointment with human rights concerns)

Criticism was a typical response every time he served a new position in government, the chairman of the Hanura Party said. The important thing was, Wiranto added, that his assignment as a minister proved he had a clean track record, outlining his capabilities as a government official.

Wiranto, who also served as a minister during the administrations of former presidents Soeharto and Abdurahman Wahid, vowed to continue Luhut’s efforts in resolving Indonesia’s past gross human rights abuses in a fair and transparent manner, without endangering national security.

The retired military general was among nine new ministers introduced by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo in his second Cabinet shake-up announced on Wednesday. Human rights watchdogs have slammed Jokowi’s decision, citing Wiranto’s alleged involvement in human rights violations during the referendum of East Timor, now Timor Leste, in 1990 when he served as TNI commander. He has been barred from entering the US and Timor Leste for alleged abuses. (rin)

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