Komnas HAM commissioner, Nur Kholis, said the meeting, which was initiated by the commission, was conducted as part of efforts to solve past abuses. He said the PPAD was chosen as a dialogue partner because many of its members had witnessed the 1965 tragedy.

"Our discussion was focused on how to solve gross human rights violations, especially the 1965 tragedy,” Nur Kholis said. He added that Komnas HAM would also ask for opinions on the same issue from several other organizations, including the Veterans Association (Pepabri).

The commissioner said the PPAD had suggested that reconciliation be reached through a non-judicial process.

“It can be achieved through a non-judicial process but it will take a long time. To make that happen, there should be a national consensus agreed on by both 1965 victims and the Indonesian Military,” he said.

PPAD spokesperson, retired Army general Kiki Syahnakri, said the best solution for the reconciliation was through natural reconciliation process. He pointed to the removal of ex political detainee marks on identity cards (KTP) as an example of what he called natural reconciliation.

“[...] If we take a judicial approach in handling the case, it will open up an old wound that could lead to bloodshed,” he said. (rdi/ebf)

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