Singgih Wiryono, Jakarta – Amnesty International Indonesia has reminded the government not to forget its commitment to resolve cases of gross human rights violations in Indonesia through judicial mechanisms.
This was conveyed by Amnesty International Executive Director Usman Hamid in response to the kick-off of the Implementation of Recommendations on the Non-Judicial Settlement of Gross Human Rights violations by President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo in Pidie regency, Aceh, on Tuesday June 27.
Hamid emphasised that a non-judicial resolution must not negate the state's obligation to fulfill the victims' right to the truth in the case they have suffered.
"Lest the state just prioritise a non-judicial resolution, but neglect the commitment to reveal the truth and punish the perpetrators. The accountability of the perpetrators is an important part in settling cases of gross human rights abuses", said Hamid on Tuesday.
Hamid said that Widodo has already acknowledged 12 cases of gross human rights violations and pledged to rehabilitate the rights of victims fairly and wisely. Including, not negating the settlement of these abuses through judicial mechanisms.
"The president's visit to the [site of the former] Geudong [torture] House [in Pidie] should be used as a moment not just to endeavor to resolve past gross human rights abuses through non-judicial mechanisms", said Hamid.
"But, it must also show a firm stand by the state to fight impunity and a seriousness to uphold human rights in Aceh and throughout Indonesia as well", he reiterated.
Earlier, Widodo officially launched a program to implement a non-judicial settlement of 12 gross human rights violations.
"In expressing bismillahirrahmanirrahim [in the name of God, most gracious, most merciful], I hereby launched the program for the implementation of a non-judicial settlement of human rights violations in Indonesia", said Widodo in Aceh on Tuesday.
According to Widodo, this non-judicial resolution is aimed at healing the nation's wounds as a consequence of past violations. In addition to this, it will give due attention to the victims and families of victims.
"Today we are gathered together directly as well as virtually in Pidie regency, Aceh province, to heal the nation's wounds as a consequence of past gross human rights violations that have left behind a heavy burden for the victims and the families of victims", asserted Widodo.
"Therefore, these wounds must be healed quickly so that we can move forward", said Widodo.
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was ""Kick-Off" Penyelesaian Non-Yudisial Kasus HAM Berat, Pemerintah Diminta Tak Lupa Penyelesaian Yudisial".]
