Attorney General Pledges to Solve Trisakti, Semanggi Cases

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Attorney General Sanitiar Burhanuddin has pledged to solve the human rights violation cases of the Trisakti, Semanggi I, and Semanggi II tragedies. Burhanuddin made his promise in a joint meeting with the Indonesian House of Representatives’ (DPR) Law Commission on Monday, January 20, 2020.

“Essentially, we, as prosecutors for the investigators, are ready to solve the cases. However, with one requirement; as long as the case fulfills material and formal requirements,” said Burhanuddin when responding to the request of a member of Commission III of the NasDem Party faction, Taufik Basari, who asked the Attorney General not to put the investigations of human rights crimes at a halt just for political reasons.

Burhanuddin explained that his team would re-examine the Trisakti, Semanggi I and II case files to find out whether they had met the material and formal requirements.

“This is my promise. I want the matter to be resolved and not to become a burden again. Inshaallah, we will cooperate with the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), perhaps facilitated by the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menkopolhukam). Be sure that our intention is to solve the matters, and not for any political gains. We hope for your support,” he said.

Prior to the statement, Burhanuddin cited the Semanggi I and II tragedies were not severe cases of human rights crimes, as he referred to the recommendations of the Semanggi I and II Special Committee (Pansus) as formed by the 1999-2004 DPR.

Taufik assessed that the Attorney General's statement about the Semanggi I and II tragedies could hamper the resolution of these human rights crimes. In spite of this, a number of human rights crimes remain in limbo to date and thus become a homework for the current government.

Taufik considered the results of the 1999-2004 DPR recommendations were still a matter of discussion, due to the political motives behind them. Furthermore, he suggested all the parties be involved in the discussion so as to resolve the matter.

“If things are left as it is, along with the Attorney General’s statement that these are not a violation of human rights, as based on the political decision of the 1999-2004 DPR, it will be difficult for us to push through with the solving of the Semanggi I and II tragedies,” said Taufik.

Taufik emphasized that he wanted the Attorney General to keep the case open while still keeping in touch with the Komnas HAM and the DPR’s Commission III to find a solution.

“We do not want this to be aimless. We want this to have a solution. If there have been severe human rights crimes in the past that remain unresolved, then this country is heading towards impunity. These are crimes without resolution,” said Taufik.

Reporter: Halida Bunga

Translator: Dio Suhenda