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Jokowi's decision 'key to reach national reconciliation' after past abuses
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Former ambassador Makarim Wibisono (right) and Zumrotin K. Susilo in a press conference about resolving human rights abuses on Oct. 11. (Antara/Rivan Awal Lingga)
P
resident Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's role in pushing for both judicial and non-judicial processes to resolve historic human rights abuses, particularly the 1965 tragedy, is key to reach national reconciliation as well as to provide justice for victims and survivors, rights activists said on Tuesday.
Even though the Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto had planned to push for a non-judicial settlement, the committee to accommodate the process should be established under the President, former Indonesian ambassador Makarim Wibisono said.
"The government, perpetrators, survivors and NGOs should be involved. The commission should have a working timeline and work calmly without excessive publication. After [the non-judicial process] has been concluded, then the government can announce the result to public," Makarim said on Tuesday.
He gave an example of a successful reconciliation in Chile, where former Chilean president Patricio Aylwin set up a similar committee, which resulted in a recommendation that created a win-win solution for everyone, before he publicly apologized for the killings and torture committed under the Pinochet dictatorship.
While delivering a state apology was important, rights activist Usman Hamid said Jokowi should still push for a judicial process and provide legal justice for victims and survivors in accordance with the country's Constitution through establishing a team of ad hoc prosecutors under the Attorney General's Office.
The ad hoc team should involve the House of Representatives, Constitutional Court and the National Commission of Human Rights (Komnas HAM), he said.
"[Pushing for judicial process] is not impossible since President Jokowi has more chances than obstacles to make things right," Usman said. (evi)
