BATAMCLICK.COM: On an ordinary morning in Jakarta, old wounds reopened for many women who lived through the May 1998 Tragedy. The pain resurfaced after a controversial statement by Minister of Culture Fadli Zon, who denied the occurrence of mass sexual violence during the riot.
“Survivors have carried this burden in silence for far too long. This denial is not only painful, but it perpetuates impunity,” said Dahlia Madanih, member of Indonesia’s National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan), on Sunday (June 15, 2025).
Komnas Perempuan expressed deep concern over the minister’s statement, reminding the public that the state once officially acknowledged human rights violations during the May 1998 unrest. A report by the Joint Fact-Finding Team (TGPF) recorded 85 cases of sexual violence, including 52 rapes.
According to Dahlia, this was no baseless claim. The findings were delivered directly to President BJ Habibie at the time and formed the foundation for the establishment of Komnas Perempuan under Presidential Decree No. 181 of 1998.
“The TGPF report is an official state document. Denying it means disregarding the nation’s collective struggle for justice. Such an attitude takes us further away from sincere and comprehensive recovery for survivors,” she asserted.
In a recent interview, Fadli Zon claimed there was no evidence of mass rape during the 1998 events, labeling the reports as mere rumors without solid proof.
“I personally denied it, and they couldn’t prove it,” said Fadli. He added that the upcoming historical narrative should take a unifying, positive approach.
“The history we write should unite the nation. Why write a history that divides us?” he said.
His remarks sparked backlash. For survivors, history isn’t just words—it’s a reality marked by trauma. Komnas Perempuan emphasized that rewriting history must not come at the expense of truth.
“Reconciliation cannot happen without honesty,” Dahlia concluded.
Sumber: Antara
