President Jokowi Launches Program to Repair Rights of Past Gross Human Rights Violation Victims

President Jokowi launches Implementation Program of Non-Judicial Recommendations for Past Gross Human Rights Violations in Indonesia in Pidie regency, Aceh province, Tuesday (06/27). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Tuesday (06/27) launched Implementation Program of Non-Judicial Recommendations for Past Gross Human Rights Violations in Indonesia at Rumoh Geudong in Pidie regency, Aceh province.

“Today we gather in person as well as virtually in Pidie regency, Aceh province to heal the wound of the people due to past gross human rights violations that placed a heavy burden on the victims and their families,” he said.

Previously in January, the Government has decided to take a non-judicial process to settle past gross human rights violations in Indonesia by prioritizing the reparation of the rights of victims without negating judicial mechanisms.

“We are grateful, thank God, that we can begin to repair the rights of victims of past gross human rights violations that occurred in 12 tragedies. It also marks our joint commitment to taking preventive measures in order to avoid similar tragedies in the future,” he said.

President Jokowi admitted that the process of non-judicial settlement of past gross human rights violations is long drawn out. Thus, the President thanked the victims and their heirs for their patience to accept every ongoing process.

“I am sure that nothing goes in vain. I hope the start of this good process opens a way to heal the wounds of the people, and becomes the start of a just, peaceful, and prosperous life based on protection and respect of human rights and humanity,” he said.

In the meantime, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud MD stated that Aceh province was chosen to be the place to begin the reparation of rights of human rights violation victims because the government and people of Aceh made contributions to the history of Indonesia.

Mahfud added that it is also a form of respect of the state to the peace process underway in the province and to the tsunami humanitarian crisis in 2004.

“Those three things give a strong humanitarian dimension that is relevant to the agenda of fulfilling the rights of victims and preventive measures that have been, are being, and will continue to be taken,” he said.

On that occasion, President Jokowi symbolically gave the rights of victims and their heirs to eight representatives. (TGH/ANA/UN) (DH/RAS)