President Jokowi Rolls Out Program for Resolution of Human Rights

VIVA – The Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has officially launched a program to implement the non-judicial resolution of past gross human rights violation incidents in Indonesia, starting from Aceh, on Tuesday. This aims to fulfill the rights of victims. 

"Today, I officially launch the program for the implementation of the recommendations for non-judicial resolution of past gross human rights violation incidents in Indonesia," President Jokowi stated in Rumoh Geudong, Bili Aron Village, Pidie District, Aceh, on Tuesday.

Previously, in January, the Government had decided to take a non-judicial path in resolving gross human rights violations in Indonesia by prioritizing the restoration of victims' rights without negating the judicial mechanism.

"We are grateful that, the restoration of the rights of victims of gross human rights violations in 12 incidents can begin to be realized, which also marks a joint commitment to make efforts to prevent similar things from happening again in the future," the President said. 

The President acknowledged that the process of resolving gross human rights violations in the country has gone through a long and very long process. For that reason, the President expressed his gratitude for the generosity of the victims and the heirs of the victims to accept every process that runs.

"I believe that no process is in vain. Hopefully, the beginning of this good process will pave the way for efforts to heal existing wounds. The beginning of building a just, peaceful, and prosperous life on the foundation of protection and respect for human rights and humanity," he said.

Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud Md, in his report, conveyed the reason for choosing Aceh as the beginning of the realization of the program to restore the rights of victims of gross human rights violations. 

According to the minister, the government and people of Aceh have contributed to the history of Indonesia.

In addition, the Minister also said that this is a form of state respect for the peace process that occurred in Aceh, as well as respect for the humanitarian disaster of the tsunami that occurred in 2004.

"These three things have a strong humanitarian dimension, relevant to the agenda of fulfilling the rights of victims and prevention that have been, is being, and will continue to be carried out," he said. 

On that occasion, President Widodo symbolically handed over the rights of victims and heirs to eight representatives of the recipients. In addition, the President also reviewed the booths of ministries/institutions that contribute to providing victims' rights.

Accompanying the President at the event were the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs; Mahfud Md, Minister of State Secretary; Pratikno, Minister of Law and Human Rights; Yasonna Laoly, Minister of Home Affairs; Tito Karnavian, Minister of Social Affairs; Tri Rismaharini. 

Also present were Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Minister of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises; Teten Masduki, Presidential Chief of Staff; Moeldoko, TNI Commander Admiral Yudo Margono, National Police Chief General; Listyo Sigit Prabowo, and Acting Governor of Aceh; Achmad Marzuki.