Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo After the Launching of the Program for the Implementation of Non-Judicial Recommendations on Past Gross Human Rights Violations in Indonesia, at Rumoh Geudong, Pidie Regency, Aceh Province, June 27, 2023

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Well, as an initial step, there are twelve events. This is an initial step starting from Aceh province, from Pidie because there were three tragedies here: the Pidie Rumah Geudong, Simpang KKA, and Jambo Keupok. So after this, the program will continue. This is the initial step. Once again this is just the initial step.

Journalists
Until December?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Well, it can be extended later, next year if it is not finished yet. Hopefully, by December it will be done because indeed this is not an easy job as. This is not just about providing social assistance, providing skills, providing scholarships.

Journalists
Will the judicial steps be pursued?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Judicial measures can only be taken upon strong evidence. The National Commission on Human Rights must submit it to the Attorney General’s Office. Afterwards, we need a green light from the House of Representatives and only then can it be carried out. I believe both can proceed, but we aim to take non-judicial measures first so that we can immediately proceed to resolve.

Journalists
(Inaudible)

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Later, the living park will be established as a memorial through things that were left there. Nevertheless, the park has its benefits. Therefore, the park is designed to be used by the community here for them to remember in a positive perspective, not a negative one. That is the aim of the living park.

Journalists
What will be built at Simpang KKA and Jambo Keupok, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

We will finish one by one first and this will only start in September. The other ones, we will design them first and also … We will also ask the community on what they want. For instance here, what it is that they want, “Sir, we want a mosque to be built”. Okay, there will be a mosque in the park for example. So, we don’t immediately build anything, build anything without conforming to the wishes of the community, we can…

That’s all.

Journalists
Sir, regarding the bill on asset forfeiture?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Not once or twice have I pushed for the bill on the forfeiture. Currently, it is in the House of Representatives. Should I keep repeating it, repeating it, and repeating it? Of course not. It is already in the House, now just push them.

(FI/EP)