28-6-2023 (JAKARTA) President Joko Widodo, widely known as Jokowi, took a significant step on Tuesday by introducing an unprecedented reparation programme aimed at addressing the historical human rights abuses committed by the state. However, critics express concerns that the programme may only provide compensation to a fraction of those who have suffered.
In January, President Jokowi expressed profound regret over a series of tragic incidents that occurred between 1965 and 2003. These events included a military-led purge targeting suspected communists and sympathizers, resulting in the death of at least 500,000 individuals and the imprisonment of over a million people, as confirmed by historians and activists.
The reparation programme also acknowledges human rights violations committed by security forces during separatist conflicts in the Aceh and Papua regions, as well as the killing and abduction of students in 1998 following protests against the autocratic rule of former President Suharto, which lasted for three decades. Activists estimate that approximately 1,200 individuals lost their lives in subsequent riots.
Details regarding the number of eligible individuals for reparations and the application process remain undisclosed, leaving victims uncertain about their prospects for compensation.
During the launch, President Jokowi declared, “Today, we can begin to restore the rights of the victims,” emphasizing the government’s commitment to prevent similar abuses in the future. The compensation offered will encompass various forms of support, such as educational and health incentives, house renovations, and visas for victims residing abroad. However, Sri Winarso, a coordinator representing survivors of the 1965 crackdown, voiced concerns that only victims recognized by government entities have been included thus far. “They must broaden the scope of coverage,” Winarso urged.
Collaborative research conducted by Indonesia’s human rights commission, in conjunction with civil society groups, estimates that there are between 500,000 and 3 million victims and survivors of the 1965 atrocities. Commissioner Anis Hidayah disclosed that only 6,400 victims from the twelve distressing events have been verified so far, highlighting the challenges of identifying individuals involved in incidents that occurred many years ago. “We will make every effort to reach more victims,” assured Commissioner Anis.
Maria Catarina Sumarsih, a mother who lost her child during the 1998 protests, expressed her skepticism towards the compensation, emphasizing that it holds little value if those responsible for the abuses are not held accountable. “The president has stated that the government will not neglect legal resolution, but concrete measures have yet to be taken,” Sumarsih remarked.
