This afternoon, 4th February 2008, groups of victims past abuse came to office of Legal and human rights department in Kuningan, Jakarta. They are received by Director of Legal and human rights department, Ms. Harkristuti Harkrisnowo. The groups of victims consist of groups of victims of May riots 1998, student shooting of Trisakti Semanggi, enforced disappeared activist 1998, 1965 case, Tanjung Priok case.

In the meeting, victims asked to the idea of the department released the draft of TRC. According to victims, draft of TRC is still the same with the old one. In TRC there are still mention amnesty, reconciliation and no better position for victims as a part of suffering for many years. Ms. Evi from victim of 1965 case stated that there is a need to historical clarification. It is very important for our generations.

Moreover, Mr. Bejo Untung from YPKP explained that the TRC fulfill for the interest of perpetrator only, without considering for the victim’s rights and justice for victims. It’s view in the space for giving amnesty to them.

Other victims released their hope to know the truth, fate and whereabouts their families. They also asked for the reparation such as Tanjung Priok had trial without punishment perpetrators and without fulfillment of reparation for victims. This case has to be part of solution in TRC.

On what victims’ elaboration, Ms. Harkristuti said that the draft of TRC is still in academic paper, not in the draft of bill. It is the authority of department of regulation. Therefore, the inputs came from victims is really useful to set up the idea of TRC for Indonesia. The problem of amnesty is the one important to be eliminated as constitutional court mentioned it. She made sure that there would be no amnesty in the draft. We’ll see. In terms of commission for truth and justice, she still considered with the Komnas HAM authority has mandate to inquiry as pro justicia.

Hope from victims and their assistance, there will be communication such this to maintain the progress, inputs and clarification coming from two sides.