The International People’s Tribunal in The Hague determined that Indonesia is culpable for crimes against humanity, specifically the mass killings from 1965 to 1966, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of suspected communists. The verdict identified numerous human rights violations and urged the Indonesian government to apologize, investigate perpetrators, and provide reparations to victims.
On Wednesday, July 20, the International People’s Tribunal in The Hague delivered a significant verdict, attributing responsibility to Indonesia for crimes against humanity committed during the mass killings between 1965 and 1966. This tragic episode led to the deaths of an estimated 500,000 to one million individuals labeled as suspected communists. The purge, which targeted members of the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) and their sympathizers, was instrumental in facilitating the ascendance of Suharto’s New Order regime. The tribunal, comprising an international panel of judges, concluded that the Indonesian state must be held accountable for ten major human rights violations, including acts of genocide directed at individuals associated with the PKI, as well as supporters of President Soekarno and members of the Indonesian National Party (PNI). Presiding Judge Zak Yacoob emphasized the military’s central role in these atrocities, stating, “The State of Indonesia is responsible for and guilty of crimes against humanity consequent upon the commission and perpetration, particularly by the military of that state through its chain of command, of the inhumane acts.” In addition to the mass killings, the tribunal identified several other severe violations perpetuated by the state, such as destruction, torture, forced disappearances, sexual violence, and false propaganda, all of which constituted a systematic attack on the PKI and its affiliates. Judge Yacoob noted that the Indonesian government not only failed to act against these violations but also neglected to punish those responsible. In its final recommendations, the tribunal urged the Indonesian government to express remorse to the victims and their families, investigate and prosecute the crimes, and provide suitable reparations to those affected. Furthermore, it called upon the Attorney General to adhere to a report from the National Commission on Human Rights from 2012, advocating for the investigation of these grave human rights violations. The tribunal also demanded rehabilitation for surviving victims and safeguards against further persecution, reinforcing the need for protection according to both international and domestic laws.
The 1965-1966 mass killings in Indonesia represent one of the most significant instances of state-sponsored violence in the nation’s history. Following a failed coup attributed to the PKI, the Indonesian military initiated a systematic purge of suspected communists, resulting in widespread atrocities. The political landscape altered drastically with the rise of Suharto and his New Order regime. The actions taken during this tumultuous period have since been scrutinized by various human rights organizations and courts, leading to this recent international tribunal aimed at addressing the lack of accountability for the past atrocities.
The International People’s Tribunal’s declaration marks a crucial acknowledgment of Indonesia’s historical injustices, demanding accountability and reparations. The court’s findings call for a national reflection on the atrocities committed, emphasizing the necessity for the Indonesian government to confront its past responsibly. This verdict serves as a significant step towards justice for the victims and advocates for a more equitable and humane society.
Original Source: jakartaglobe.id
