Jakarta, Infopublik - On behalf of the country, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) admitted and regretted past serious human rights (HAM) violations recommended by the Nonjudicial Settlement Team for Serious Human Rights Violations (PPHAM).

PPHAM was formed based on Presidential Decree (Keppres) Number 17 of 2022.

"I, as the Head of State of the Republic of Indonesia, admit that serious human rights violations do occur. And I deeply regret the occurrence of these incidents," President Jokowi said in a virtual press statement at the State Palace on Wednesday, 11 January. 

Twelve incidents fall into the category of serious human rights violations that occurred decades ago. The first is known as the 1965-1966 killings. The second is the mysterious shootings from 1982 to 1985. The third is the Talangsari incident in Lampung in 1989. The fourth is the Geudong House and Tactical and Strategic Unit Post (Post Sattis) incidents in Aceh in 1998. The fifth is the forced disappearances from 1997 to 1998. The sixth is the May Riot in 1998. 

The seventh is Trisakti and Semanggi 1 and 2 events in 1998 and 1999. The eighth is Dukun Santet (witchcraft shamans) massacre in 1998 and 1999. The ninth is the Simpang KKA incident in Aceh in 1999. The tenth is the Wasior incident in Papua in 2001. The eleventh is the Wamena incident in Papua in 2003. The last is the Jambo Keupok incident in Aceh in 2003. 

"I offer my deep sympathy and empathy for the victims and the families," the President said. 

As a form of regret, the President and his office will carry out two tasks. The first is restoring the rights of the victims fairly and wisely using nonjudicial settlement. 

Second, on behalf of the Government, President Jokowi also seeks to prevent serious human rights violations in every region in the country in the future. 

President Jokowi instructed the Coordinating Minister for Politics, Law, and Security Affairs, Mahfud MD, to perform the tasks. Thus, the efforts made by the government can have a more concrete impact. 

"(The Minister) will make sure that the two tasks can be done well," the President said. 

This, for the government, is very important to strengthen the unity of the nation. Thus, national harmony can always be maintained in every region of Indonesia in the future. 

"It is important to recover the wounds among the nation's children and strengthen national harmony in the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia," the President concluded. (Photo: Presidential Secretariat Youtube Channel/Translator: Filmon Warouw)